Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Gaoyou, China

All Topics about Gaoyou All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge or take longer routes. To avoid this, always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Fare Agreement: Avoids unexpected high charges by agreeing on the fare upfront.
Meter Usage: Ensure the meter is turned on and used correctly for a fair price.
Legitimate Taxis: Only use licensed and marked taxis to ensure you are not scammed.

Some markets in Gaoyou sell counterfeit goods. Be cautious when shopping for branded items and always check the quality.

Quality Assessment: Avoid poor quality goods by checking for irregularities in materials or design.
Price Alert: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of unusually low-priced items.
Authenticity Verification: Check for authenticity tags or certificates on branded goods.

Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or even sell expired food. Stick to well-known and crowded stands.

Crowded Stands: Choose busy, popular stands with many customers as they are less likely to serve poor quality or expired food.
Cleanliness: Avoid stands that look unclean or unsanitary. A clean environment is a sign of good food safety practices.
Customer Reviews: Check reviews from other travellers for recommendations on safe and tasty street food vendors.

Criminals may use skimmers to steal your card information from ATMs. Use machines that are inside banks or well-known shops.

Location: Use ATMs located in secure environments like banks or popular shops to reduce the risk of skimming.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers from capturing your information.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.

Unlicensed guides may offer their services and lead you to scams or overpriced attractions. Always verify a guide's credentials.

License Verification: Check for a valid guide's license and affiliation with reputable tour agencies.
Reasonable Rates: Avoid guides who charge significantly more than others for the same services.
Research: Read reviews from other travellers and research guide recommendations before hiring.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers or spyware to steal your information. Use reliable and trusted establishments.

Reputation: Choose internet cafes with a good reputation and positive reviews from other travellers.
Secure Connections: Use cafes that offer secure connections, such as HTTPS when browsing sensitive websites.
Antivirus Software: Ensure the cafe has up-to-date antivirus software to protect your device from threats.

Some temples may pressure visitors into making unnecessary donations or purchasing overpriced souvenirs. Be respectful but firm.

Respectful Donation: Make a reasonable and respectful donation, if you choose to do so.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Ignore attempts to pressure you into making unnecessary purchases or donations.
Compare Prices: Compare prices for souvenirs before purchasing to avoid overpaying.

Some currency exchange shops may offer unfavorable rates or use counterfeit bills. Stick to banks and reputable exchanges.

Reputation: Choose well-known, trusted currency exchange establishments for a fair exchange rate.
Check Bills Carefully: Inspect bills carefully to ensure they are genuine before accepting them.
Compare Rates: Shop around for the best exchange rates before deciding on a location.

Unlicensed tour operators may offer poor quality services or even take you to scams. Only book tours with reputable agencies.

Licensing Verification: Check for a valid tour operator's license and affiliation with reputable tourism associations.
Reasonable Rates: Avoid operators who charge significantly more than others for the same services.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers and research operator recommendations before booking.

Some hotels may overcharge, use substandard rooms, or even steal from guests. Research your hotel thoroughly.

Reputation: Choose hotels with a good reputation and positive reviews from other travellers.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room thoroughly upon arrival for any damages or irregularities.
Safe Storage: Ensure the hotel offers secure storage for your valuables, such as a safe deposit box.

Some landlords may try to overcharge for short-term rentals. Research prices and compare rates before booking.

Price Comparison: Compare rental prices across different platforms and negotiate a fair rate.
Location: Choose accommodations in safe, convenient locations to avoid overpaying.
Reviews: Read reviews from other travellers and choose rentals with positive feedback.

Some street performers may try to pressure you into giving a donation or make false promises. Be cautious and observe their performance first.

Performance Evaluation: Evaluate the quality of the performance before deciding to donate.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Ignore attempts to pressure you into making unnecessary donations or purchasing items.
Donation Voluntariness: Only give a donation if it feels voluntary and not forced.

Some translation services may provide inaccurate translations or overcharge. Use trusted language service providers.

Reputation: Choose language service providers with a good reputation and positive reviews from other travellers.
Accuracy Assessment: Check the accuracy of translations by comparing them to known, correct translations.
Reasonable Rates: Avoid services that charge significantly more than others for the same level of service.

Some individuals may pretend to collect for charity but instead use the money for personal gain. Donate to established, reputable charities.

Established Charities: Donate to well-known, reputable charities with a proven track record.
Verification of Collection: Ensure the collector represents an established charity and can provide proof of their affiliation.
Secure Donation Methods: Use secure methods to donate, such as online donations or direct bank transfers.

Some individuals may pretend to be interested in a relationship but only want money. Be cautious when meeting people online.

Verification of Identity: Verify the identity of the person you are communicating with and avoid sharing personal information.
Meet in Public: Always meet potential dates in public, well-lit areas and let someone know your plans.
Avoid Financial Involvement: Never send money or share financial information with people you have just met online.