Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xin’an, China
1. Counterfeit Taxi Scams
Avoid unlicensed taxis by only taking those displaying official Xin'an taxi signs. Be wary of drivers offering lower prices or insisting you pay in full upfront.
- Official Signs: Look for official taxi signs and license plates
- Avoiding Unlicensed Drivers: Do not engage with drivers who do not display official signs or licenses
- Metered Fare: Insist on using the meter for fare calculation to avoid overcharging
2. Street Food Scams
Enjoy street food safely by visiting busy, popular areas with a variety of vendors. Check for cleanliness and look for high customer turnover.
- Busy Areas: Street food stalls in busy, popular areas are more likely to be safe
- Cleanliness: Check for cleanliness and proper food handling at the vendor's stand
- High Customer Turnover: A high volume of customers is a sign of popular, reliable vendors
3. Fake Tour Guide Scams
Use only licensed tour guides. They will have identification and can provide receipts for services.
- Licensed Guides: Always request a licensed tour guide
- Identification: Ask for identification from your guide
- Receipts: Request a receipt for services rendered by the tour guide
4. ATM Skimming Scams
Use ATMs in well-lit, public areas and avoid ATMs located near suspicious objects or card readers that are not part of the machine.
- Well-Lit Areas: ATMs located in well-lit, public areas are less likely to be compromised
- Avoid Suspicious Objects: Do not use ATMs near objects or card readers that do not belong to the machine
- Check Machine for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it
5. Airbnb Scams
Book verified Airbnb listings and communicate with hosts through the Airbnb platform. Avoid making payments outside of the system.
- Verified Listings: Always book verified Airbnb listings
- Communicate Through Platform: Use the Airbnb messaging system to communicate with hosts
- Avoid External Payments: Do not make payments outside of the Airbnb platform
6. Fraudulent Souvenir Shops
Buy souvenirs from reputable shops in tourist areas. Be wary of overly eager vendors offering discounts or deals.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from well-established, reputable shops in tourist areas
- Avoid Overly Eager Vendors: Be wary of overly eager vendors offering discounts or deals
- Check Authenticity: Inspect souvenirs for quality and authenticity before purchasing
7. Scammy Massage Parlors
Choose massage parlors located in busy, reputable areas. Be wary of massage parlors that offer extremely cheap services or insistent sales tactics.
- Busy Areas: Massage parlors in busy, reputable areas are more likely to be trustworthy
- Avoid Extremely Cheap Services: Be wary of massage parlors offering services that are significantly cheaper than average prices
- No Insistent Sales Tactics: Do not engage with massage parlors using aggressive sales tactics
8. Sham Charity Scams
Give to official charity organizations, and avoid individuals claiming to collect for charities. Research charities before donating.
- Official Organizations: Donate only to recognized, official charity organizations
- Avoid Individuals Claiming to Collect for Charity: Do not give to individuals soliciting for charities
- Research Before Donating: Always research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate
9. Falsified Museum Entrance Fees
Purchase museum tickets at the ticket counter or official websites. Be wary of vendors offering discounted tickets outside of authorized sales channels.
- Ticket Counter or Official Website: Buy tickets from the museum ticket counter or official website
- Avoid Vendors Outside of Authorized Sales Channels: Do not purchase tickets from vendors outside of authorized sales channels
- Check Entrance Fee Rates: Confirm entrance fee rates with the museum before purchasing tickets
10. Fraudulent Money Changers
Exchange money at banks or reputable money-changing kiosks. Be wary of unofficial money changers offering exceptionally high exchange rates.
- Banks or Reputable Kiosks: Exchange money at banks or reputable, authorized money-changing kiosks
- Avoid Unofficial Money Changers: Do not use unofficial or street money changers
- Check Exchange Rates: Verify exchange rates with multiple sources before exchanging money
11. Fake Accommodation Scams
Book accommodations through trusted online travel agencies or hotels directly. Be wary of listings that offer extremely low prices or insist on upfront payment.
- Trusted Online Travel Agencies: Book accommodations through reputable online travel agencies
- Hotels Directly: Book accommodations directly with hotels when possible
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Do not make payments for accommodations until you have confirmed their legitimacy
12. Cybercafe Scams
Use secure cybercafes with privacy screens and reputable brands. Be cautious when using public computers for sensitive activities.
- Secure Cybercafes: Choose cybercafes with privacy screens and a good reputation
- Reputable Brands: Use cybercafes with well-known, reputable brands
- Avoid Sensitive Activities: Do not perform sensitive activities on public computers
13. Fraudulent Local Guides
Book licensed local guides through reputable tour companies or online platforms. Be wary of individuals offering their services directly.
- Licensed Guides: Always request a licensed local guide
- Reputable Tour Companies or Online Platforms: Book through reputable tour companies or online platforms
- Avoid Individuals Offering Services Directly: Do not engage with individuals offering their services as local guides without proper verification
14. Pickpocketing Scams
Keep valuables secure at all times. Be cautious in crowded areas, especially during peak tourist hours.
- Secure Valuables: Keep your valuables secured, such as in a hidden pouch or locker
- Crowded Areas: Be cautious when in crowded areas, especially during peak tourist hours
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Do not display valuables openly to avoid attracting attention
15. Counterfeit Products Scams
Purchase products from authorized retailers or branded stores. Be wary of vendors offering significantly discounted items.
- Authorized Retailers: Purchase products only from authorized retailers or branded stores
- Avoid Vendors Offering Significantly Discounted Items: Do not purchase products from vendors offering significantly discounted items without verifying their legitimacy
- Check Product Authenticity: Inspect products for quality and authenticity before purchasing