Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

All Topics about Fangchenggang All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scam at Fangchenggang Port

Avoid taxis offering fixed prices at the port. Always use official taxi stands or book through trusted apps.

Fixed Prices: Unreasonable, overpriced fares offered directly by drivers
Port Location: Scams predominantly occur at the port due to lack of competition
Official Taxi Stands: Reliable and safer option for transportation from the port

Avoid buying luxury goods at street markets. They are often counterfeit and of poor quality.

Street Markets: Primarily occur in specific street markets known for selling counterfeits
Luxury Goods: Counterfeit luxury items are the most commonly sold and can be easily identified
Poor Quality: Goods often break or wear out quickly, making them poor value for money

Check prices before ordering, and ensure the bill matches. Some restaurants may overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

High Prices: Overpriced menu items targeting tourists
Lack of Transparency: In some cases, prices may not be clearly displayed
Unsuspecting Tourists: Tourists who are unfamiliar with local pricing can fall victim to overcharging

Only use licensed guides from Fangchenggang Tourism Bureau. Unlicensed guides may lead to scams.

Licensed Guides: Guides registered and regulated by the local tourism bureau
Unlicensed Guides: May offer inflated prices or mislead tourists to unauthorized attractions
Scenic Spots: Places where tourists congregate, making it easy for unlicensed guides to approach

Book accommodation in advance from reputable sources. Some hotels may overcharge on the spot.

Reputable Sources: Trusted online booking platforms or hotel reservation services
Overpriced Hotels: Hotels that charge excessively for rooms, often found in tourist areas
Advance Booking: Booking in advance guarantees the best rates and avoids potential overcharging

Use official money exchange offices or banks for currency exchange. Avoid street vendors.

Official Offices: Exchange offices regulated and supervised by the government
Street Vendors: Unlicensed vendors may offer poor exchange rates or provide counterfeit money
Fraudulent Money: Counterfeit bills can be difficult to distinguish, leading to potential financial loss

Buy SIM cards at authorized shops or official service centers. Unofficial sellers may overcharge.

Authorized Shops: Shops licensed and regulated by the telecom companies
Unofficial Sellers: May offer SIM cards at inflated prices or provide poor service quality
Overpriced SIM Cards: SIM cards bought from unofficial sellers can be significantly more expensive

Avoid shops that target tourists with high prices and low-quality items. Look for local markets or shops recommended by locals.

Local Markets: Shops selling goods at reasonable prices, frequented by locals
Tourist Trap Shops: Stores that focus on attracting tourists with inflated prices and low-quality items
Recommendations from Locals: Shops suggested by locals, offering good value for money

Only buy tickets from authorized ticket offices or official websites. Fake tickets can lead to denied entry or scams.

Authorized Offices: Ticket offices regulated and supervised by the local authorities
Fake Tickets: Counterfeit tickets that can be easily identified by officials at attractions
Official Websites: Attractions' official websites sell genuine tickets and offer information on authentic experiences

Only take buses with clear signage and routes. Be wary of drivers asking for extra fees.

Clear Signage: Bus stops clearly marked with the destination and route information
Extra Fees: Drivers may ask for additional fees that are not displayed on the bus
Local Transportation: Buses serving as a primary mode of transportation within Fangchenggang

Use mobile hotspots or Wi-Fi at hotels and cafes instead of internet cafes. Some internet cafes may overcharge.

Mobile Hotspots: Portable devices providing internet access through mobile data
Overpriced Internet Cafes: Cafes that charge excessively for internet usage, often found in tourist areas
Hotels and Cafes: Hotels offering free Wi-Fi and cafes providing affordable internet access options

Avoid street food vendors with poor hygiene conditions. Opt for established restaurants or markets instead.

Established Restaurants: Restaurants with a good reputation and cleanliness standards
Poor Hygiene Conditions: Street food vendors with unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses
Markets: Established markets known for their cleanliness and food safety standards

Avoid souvenir shops targeting tourists with high prices and low-quality items. Look for local markets or shops recommended by locals.

Local Markets: Shops selling goods at reasonable prices, frequented by locals
Tourist-Targeted Shops: Stores that focus on attracting tourists with inflated prices and low-quality items
Recommendations from Locals: Shops suggested by locals, offering good value for money

Research bars and clubs ahead of time to avoid overpriced drinks or entry fees. Stick to well-reviewed establishments.

Well-Reviewed Establishments: Bars and clubs with positive reviews from multiple sources
Overpriced Drinks: Excessive prices for drinks, targeting tourists in popular areas
Entry Fees: Cover charges or entry fees for bars and clubs that can add up quickly

Only visit massage parlors with clear signs, licenses, and good reviews. Avoid unregulated establishments.

Licensed Massage Parlors: Massage parlors regulated by local authorities, displaying required licenses
Unlicensed Establishments: Unregulated massage parlors offering services at inflated prices
Good Reviews: Massage parlors with positive feedback from multiple sources