Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taishan, China
1. Taishan Taxi Scam
Some taxi drivers might try to overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Always use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Agreement on Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
- Licensed Taxis: Only use licensed taxis, which are typically yellow and have a roof sign and meter.
- Knowledgeable Negotiation: Negotiate the fare in advance when using unlicensed or private vehicles.
2. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops sell fake goods. Be careful and look for well-known brands or buy from authorized dealers.
- Brand Authenticity: Look for well-known brands to ensure the authenticity of souvenirs.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy from authorized dealers or shops with good reviews to minimize the risk of buying fake goods.
- Price Discrepancies: Be wary if the price is significantly lower than elsewhere for a high-quality item.
3. Street Food Safety
Not all street food vendors maintain proper hygiene standards. Choose busy stalls with clean environments and fresh ingredients.
- Busy Stalls: Choose busy stalls as they usually follow health regulations.
- Clean Environment: Look for a clean environment and well-organized food preparation areas.
- Fresh Ingredients: Check that ingredients are fresh, especially when purchasing seafood or meat items.
4. Fake Guides and Tour Operators
Unlicensed tour guides or operators might offer cheaper services but may lead tourists to scams. Use authorized tour operators and check for licenses.
- Authorized Tour Operators: Only use authorized tour operators with valid licenses.
- Checking for Licenses: Ask to see the guide's or operator's license before starting a tour.
- Online Research: Research tour operators online and read reviews before booking.
5. Scam ATMs
Some ATMs might charge exorbitant fees or skim your card. Use ATMs at banks or in secured areas.
- ATMs at Banks: Use ATMs located inside banks for better security.
- Secured Areas: Avoid using ATMs in unsecured or remote locations.
- Monitor Transactions: Monitor your account transactions regularly to catch any suspicious activity.
6. Language Barrier Scams
Scammers may exploit the language barrier by deceiving tourists. Learn basic Chinese phrases or travel with someone who can communicate fluently.
- Basic Chinese Phrases: Learn basic Chinese phrases to avoid misunderstandings.
- Travel Companion: Travel with someone who can communicate fluently in Chinese.
- Reliable Translator Apps: Use reliable translator apps for communication when needed.
7. Fraudulent Accommodation Listings
Some accommodation listings may not match the reality. Book through reputable sites or visit the property beforehand.
- Reputable Sites: Book through well-known and reputable online travel agencies.
- Property Visit: Visit the accommodation before finalizing your booking, if possible.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings for the property to ensure its quality and authenticity.
8. Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas
Be cautious in crowded areas as pickpockets may target tourists. Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
- Keeping Belongings Close: Keep your belongings close and avoid leaving them unattended.
- Awareness of Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to detect any suspicious activity.
- Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance to cover theft or loss of belongings.
9. Overpriced Public Transport Tickets
Some ticket vendors may sell overpriced public transport tickets. Buy from authorized vendors or use automated machines.
- Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from authorized vendors or at ticketing offices.
- Automated Machines: Use automated machines to purchase tickets.
- Check Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices at different locations to ensure you are not overpaying.
10. Taishan Night Market Food Scam
Some vendors in night markets may serve substandard or even harmful food. Choose popular and busy stalls.
- Popular Stalls: Choose well-known and busy stalls to minimize the risk of getting substandard or contaminated food.
- Long Queues: Long queues usually indicate that the food is popular and of good quality.
- Cleanliness: Look for a clean environment, well-organized food preparation areas, and fresh ingredients.
11. Illegal Money Changers
Some money changers may offer lower rates or use substandard currency. Use authorized money changers or banks.
- Authorized Money Changers: Use authorized money changers and avoid street vendors.
- Check Rates: Compare rates at multiple locations to ensure you are getting a fair exchange rate.
- Banks: Use banks for exchanging money, as they usually offer better rates and security.
12. Falsely Labeled Tea Shops
Some tea shops may sell low-quality or counterfeit teas. Research authentic tea shops and purchase from reputable vendors.
- Reputable Vendors: Purchase tea from reputable vendors or well-known tea shops.
- Online Research: Research tea shops online before visiting to ensure their authenticity and reputation.
- Tea Tasting: Taste the tea before purchasing to ensure its quality.
13. Unfair Bargaining in Markets
Some vendors may use unfair bargaining tactics or sell low-quality goods. Research prices and practice polite but firm negotiation.
- Research Prices: Research the average price of items before visiting markets.
- Polite Negotiation: Be polite but firm during negotiations and walk away if the seller refuses a fair price.
- Goods Quality: Check the quality of goods before bargaining to avoid purchasing low-quality items.
14. Counterfeit Medication Scam
Some pharmacies may sell counterfeit or substandard medication. Only buy from licensed pharmacies and avoid street vendors.
- Licensed Pharmacies: Only purchase medication from licensed pharmacies.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy medication from street vendors or unlicensed stores.
- Packaging Inspection: Inspect the packaging of medication for any irregularities before purchasing.
15. Fake Charity Scams
Some individuals may pose as charity collectors and ask for donations. Verify the legitimacy of charities before donating.
- Verify Legitimacy: Research the charity's name, purpose, and authenticity before donating.
- Official Receipts: Ask for an official receipt as proof of your donation.
- Donate Directly: Donate directly to the charity's official website or office if possible.