Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Puxi, China
1. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous vendors may sell you a SIM card with an invalid number or overcharge for services. Always buy from authorized dealers.
- Authorized Dealers: These are official retailers of telecom companies, located in shopping malls or large stores.
- Overcharging: Avoid vendors who demand excessive amounts for SIM cards and services.
- Invalid SIM Cards: Ensure the number is working before leaving the store to avoid being duped.
2. Taxi Scams
Some taxi drivers may use a faulty meter or refuse to turn it on. Use recognized taxi companies and always agree on the price before starting the journey.
- Recognized Taxi Companies: These are official taxis, easily identifiable by their logo and license plate.
- Faulty Meter: Ensure the meter is working correctly before starting your journey.
- Price Agreement: Always agree on the price before starting your journey to avoid any surprises.
3. Counterfeit Goods Markets
Markets selling 'designer' items at unbelievably low prices often contain counterfeits. Shop in authorized stores or reputable malls.
- Authorized Stores: These are official retailers for designer brands, usually found in high-end shopping districts.
- Reputable Malls: Malls with a good reputation and well-known brands tend to have fewer counterfeit items.
- Unbelievably Low Prices: If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality or even harmful ingredients. Stick to busy, well-known streets with multiple food stalls.
- Busy Streets: These are areas with a high volume of foot traffic, ensuring the food is likely safe.
- Well-known Streets: Familiarize yourself with popular streets known for their food vendors.
- Multiple Food Stalls: Choose stalls that are busy and have a variety of options, indicating they are popular and likely trustworthy.
5. Unlicensed Tour Guides
Tour guides without proper licenses may provide misleading information or charge excessively. Use recognized tour companies or ask your hotel for recommendations.
- Recognized Tour Companies: These are legitimate tour operators, usually with a physical office and good online reviews.
- Proper Licenses: Ensure your guide carries the necessary identification and licenses.
- Excessive Charges: Avoid guides who charge significantly more than others for similar services.
6. Temple Donation Scams
Some temples may ask tourists for donations but then give a low-quality item in return. Research the temple beforehand and decide on a fair amount to donate.
- Research: Learn about the customs and expectations for donations at specific temples.
- Fair Amount: Avoid donating large amounts without knowing the temple's true needs.
- Low-Quality Items: Be wary of temples that pressure you to purchase items or offer services in return for a donation.
7. Ticket Scalping
Buying tickets from unauthorized vendors may result in counterfeit or invalid tickets. Purchase tickets from official outlets only.
- Official Outlets: These are authorized ticket booths, usually located near the attraction.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Ensure tickets have a hologram or other security features to avoid counterfeits.
- Invalid Tickets: Check the ticket details and validity dates before leaving the booth.
8. Begging Scams
Some beggars may be part of organized scams or may cause a distraction for pickpockets. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Organized Scams: Recognize when multiple beggars are working together in a specific area.
- Distractions for Pickpockets: Be aware of anyone who may try to distract you while pickpocketing occurs.
- Crowded Areas: Begging is more common in crowded, touristy areas. Be extra cautious in these locations.
9. Photography Scams
Some photographers may offer to take your photo for a fee and then demand more money once the photos are developed. Only use reputable photographers or take selfies.
- Reputable Photographers: Look for photographers with good reviews or recommendations from your hotel.
- Selfies: Use your own device to take photos whenever possible.
- Development Charges: Avoid photographers who demand excessive fees for developing photos.
10. ATM Skimming
Skimmers can be attached to ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit, crowded areas.
- Banks: ATMs inside banks are generally safer and more secure.
- Well-Lit Areas: Poorly lit ATMs may make it easier for skimmers to attach devices unnoticed.
- Crowded Areas: ATMs in crowded areas are less likely to be targeted by thieves.
11. Pickpocketing
Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Secure Belongings: Use a money belt or bag with a zipper to keep your valuables safe.
- Awareness: Stay alert and be cautious of anyone who may be lingering near you.
- Crowded Areas: Pickpockets are more common in crowded, touristy areas. Be extra vigilant in these locations.
12. Counterfeit Money
Counterfeit money may be passed to you by mistake or intentionally. Exchange large amounts of money at a bank or authorized exchange centers.
- Banks: Exchange your money in a bank for the best protection against counterfeits.
- Authorized Exchange Centers: Only exchange money at authorized centers, usually found in large malls or hotels.
- Large Amounts: Exchange larger amounts of money less frequently to minimize the risk of encountering counterfeits.
13. Dating Scams
Some individuals may use dating apps or websites to scam tourists out of money. Be cautious when sharing personal information and never send money to someone you've just met.
- Personal Information: Be cautious about the personal information you share with strangers.
- Never Send Money: Avoid sending money to anyone, especially if you haven't met them in person.
- Scams on Dating Apps/Websites: Be wary of anyone who quickly asks for money or pressures you into sending it.
14. Hotel Room Scams
Rooms may be overbooked or rented by scammers, leaving you without a place to stay. Book through reputable sources and confirm reservations.
- Reputable Sources: Book through hotels with good reviews or recommendations from travel agencies.
- Confirm Reservations: Always confirm your reservation before arriving at the hotel.
- Overbooked Rooms: Be prepared for the possibility of overbooking and have a backup plan in case it happens.
15. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Some massage parlors may offer sexual services or use low-quality oils that can cause allergic reactions. Only visit licensed parlors with good reviews.
- Licensed Parlors: These are legal massage businesses, easily identifiable by their licenses and professional appearance.
- Good Reviews: Look for parlors with positive reviews from past clients.
- Sexual Services: Be wary of parlors that offer services beyond traditional massage therapy.