Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taihe, China

1. Taihe Taxi Scam

Avoid overpriced or misdirected taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before starting your journey.

Know the Fare: Always agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.
Use Taxi Meters: Insist that the driver uses the meter to calculate the fare.
Avoid Nighttime Travel: Avoid late-night taxi rides whenever possible.

Ensure food safety by buying from reputable street vendors and choosing freshly cooked dishes.

Check for Freshness: Look for signs of freshly cooked food.
Choose Reputable Vendors: Avoid vendors with poor hygiene or few customers.
Stick to Popular Dishes: Opt for popular local dishes instead of exotic, uncommon options.

Avoid overpriced souvenirs by bargaining and researching the market prices before shopping.

Bargain Effectively: Negotiate for a lower price to get a fair deal.
Research Market Prices: Familiarize yourself with the typical prices of souvenirs before making any purchases.
Avoid Busy Areas: Steer clear of crowded tourist areas where prices may be inflated.

Avoid fake tour guides and ensure you book official ones through reputable agencies.

Book with Reputable Agencies: Make arrangements for tours through well-known travel companies.
Check Credentials: Ask for identification and credentials before starting your tour.
Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and be wary of unsolicited offers for tours.

Avoid overbooking scams by booking hotels in advance and confirming reservations upon arrival.

Book Ahead: Reserve your accommodation well before your arrival.
Confirm Reservations: Request confirmation of your reservation upon booking and verify it on arrival.
Check Online Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a reliable hotel experience.

Avoid receiving counterfeit money by exchanging currency at authorized exchange centers.

Exchange at Authorized Centers: Use official, government-authorized currency exchange centers.
Check Bills Carefully: Thoroughly inspect all received bills for any irregularities.
Keep Your Money Secure: Keep your money secure in a safe place to prevent theft or loss.

Avoid ATM scams by using machines located in well-lit, secure areas and monitoring your account regularly.

Use Secure Machines: Choose ATMs situated in well-lit, safe locations.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly review your account activity for any suspicious transactions.
Limit Transactions: Withdraw smaller amounts and limit the number of transactions per visit.

Avoid falling victim to fake police officers by staying vigilant and seeking help from a trusted local when necessary.

Stay Vigilant: Remain alert in potentially vulnerable situations.
Seek Trusted Help: Approach a local resident or reputable source if you encounter suspicious activity.
Carry Essential Documents: Keep copies of important documents and leave originals in a secure location.

Avoid tourist trap restaurants by seeking recommendations from locals or guidebooks and opting for more authentic dining experiences.

Seek Local Recommendations: Ask locals for dining suggestions or consult travel guides.
Choose Authentic Locals: Opt for traditional, local restaurants over those catering primarily to tourists.
Avoid Busy Areas: Steer clear of areas with a high concentration of tourist-oriented eateries.

Avoid purchasing fake tickets by buying them from authorized vendors or at the venue itself.

Purchase at Venue: Buy your tickets directly from the venue when possible.
Check Vendor Credentials: Ensure that the ticket vendor is authorized and reputable.
Stay Away from Street Sales: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors or unofficial sources.

Avoid using fake maps by downloading reliable GPS apps and consulting reputable sources.

Use Reliable Apps: Download a trusted GPS app for navigation.
Seek Reputable Sources: Consult travel guides or online resources for accurate information.
Avoid Street Vendors: Refrain from purchasing maps from street vendors.

Avoid handing over your belongings to strangers by keeping them secure and reporting any lost items immediately.

Keep Belongings Secure: Secure your belongings at all times.
Report Lost Items: Notify local authorities or your embassy if you lose any valuable items.
Avoid Helping Strangers: Refrain from giving your belongings to strangers for safekeeping.

Avoid overcharging by researching admission prices and negotiating when necessary.

Research Admission Prices: Find out the standard admission fees before visiting attractions.
Negotiate When Possible: Attempt to negotiate lower prices when the opportunity arises.
Avoid Busy Times: Plan your visits during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and potential overcharging.

Avoid unlicensed guides by booking tours through reputable agencies and asking for official identification.

Book with Reputable Agencies: Arrange your tours through established travel companies.
Check Official IDs: Ask your guide for identification and verify their credentials.
Stay Away from Street Offers: Decline offers from unlicensed guides encountered on the street.

Avoid charity scams by researching local charities and donating through official channels.

Research Local Charities: Investigate the legitimacy of local charitable organizations.
Donate through Official Channels: Contribute to charities using recognized, official donation methods.
Avoid Street Donations: Refrain from giving money directly to individuals asking for charity donations.