Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sizhan, China

All Topics about Sizhan All Cities in China

1. Sim Card Scams

Unscrupulous vendors may sell you a SIM card with no service or overcharge for data packages. To avoid this, only buy from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Stick to official stores of mobile network providers
Check Package: Ensure the SIM card comes with the correct data and call packages
Price Verification: Verify prices for SIM cards against online research or ask a local for confirmation

Taxis may overcharge tourists by taking longer routes. Use taxi-hailing apps for fixed prices.

Taxi Apps: Use apps like Didi or Kuaidi to book taxis with set prices
Route Awareness: Be aware of the general route to your destination and question deviations
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi meter is used unless you have agreed on a fixed price beforehand

Markets may sell counterfeit goods. Buy from reputable shops or malls for authentic items.

Reputable Shops: Look for well-established stores in shopping centers and major streets
Brand Check: Check for the authenticity holograms or tags on branded goods
Price Comparison: Compare prices of goods with those online or in other shops to identify potential counterfeits

Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services. Only hire guides from recognized tourist centers.

Recognized Tourist Centers: Find guides at official tourist information centers or through travel agencies
License Verification: Ask to see the guide's license and check for its validity
Reasonable Rates: Compare prices of guided tours with others in the area to avoid overpricing

Criminals can install skimmers on ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or malls.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located in banks or well-secured areas
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unauthorized activity

Some businesses may accept counterfeit bills. Examine your money carefully and only use new bills.

New Bills: Use newly issued banknotes as they are harder to counterfeit
Inspection: Examine the bill for any inconsistencies such as misaligned elements or incorrect textures
Feel and Listen: Feel the bill and listen for the sound of real banknotes. Real notes have a unique texture and sound

Some temples may pressure tourists to donate more than necessary. Research suggested donation amounts before visiting.

Research Donation Amounts: Check the expected donation amounts for each temple online or ask a local
Donation Boxes: Avoid using pre-filled envelopes as they may contain more than the suggested amount
Legitimate Donations: Directly place your donation in the temple's donation boxes or give it to a monk or nun

Some street food vendors may use poor hygiene practices. Stick to busy, popular spots.

Popular Vendors: Choose vendors who have a steady stream of customers and keep their food warm
Fresh Ingredients: Look for vendors who use fresh ingredients, such as those with produce displayed nearby
Cleanliness: Observe the vendor's cleanliness and sanitation practices, like wearing gloves and regularly washing hands

Some bars may overcharge or serve watered-down drinks. Go to reputable establishments with reviews.

Reputable Bars: Choose bars with good reviews and a consistent customer base
Check Drinks: Look for drinks being prepared in full view, and be wary of overly strong or weak drinks
Menu Prices: Compare drink prices with those at other bars to ensure they are reasonable

Hotels may overcharge tourists. Use booking platforms for fixed prices.

Booking Platforms: Use online booking websites to secure rooms at pre-negotiated rates
Check Room Rates: Ask the hotel for their room rates and compare them with online prices
Location Verification: Ensure the hotel's location matches the one on your booking confirmation

Some massage parlors may offer sexual services. Only visit licensed establishments.

Licensed Establishments: Look for massage parlors that display their licenses and have a good reputation
Check Massage Type: Ensure the massage offered is of the type you desire, such as therapeutic or relaxation
Cleanliness and Hygiene: Choose a clean and well-ventilated establishment with good hygiene practices

Some shops may sell 'shanzhai' phones (counterfeit or low-quality smartphones). Buy from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Only buy smartphones from authorized stores of mobile network providers
Warranty Check: Ensure the phone comes with a warranty and check for its validity
Functionality Test: Test the phone's functionality before purchasing to ensure it works correctly

Some bicycle rental shops may overcharge or not provide functioning bikes. Use regulated bike-sharing services.

Regulated Services: Use bike-sharing services like Ofo, Mobike, or Bluegogo
Functionality Check: Check the bike for any mechanical issues before renting
Return Procedure: Understand the return procedure and ensure there are designated return points nearby

Some ticket sellers may overcharge for event tickets. Buy from authorized vendors or online.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets at the venue's box office or through authorized ticket agencies
Online Platforms: Check for official online platforms selling event tickets and compare prices
Ticket Authenticity: Ensure the ticket is authentic by checking its holograms, printing quality, and barcode

Some souvenir shops may sell fake or low-quality items. Buy from reputable shops or markets.

Reputable Shops: Look for well-established stores in shopping centers and major streets
Quality Check: Examine the souvenir's quality, such as its craftsmanship or material used
Price Comparison: Compare prices of souvenirs with those at other shops to identify potential fakes