Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chaohucun, China

1. Taxi Scam at Chaohucun Station

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid by setting fare beforehand.

Fare Negotiation: Set a fixed price before starting the journey.
Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for fair pricing.
Trusted Taxi Services: Opt for reputable, pre-booked taxi services when available.

Some shops sell fake or low-quality souvenirs. Verify items and shop reputation before buying.

Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to confirm purchase and quality.
Shop Reputation: Research shops online or ask locals for recommendations.
Check Quality: Inspect items thoroughly before purchase for signs of low quality.

Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or overcharge. Choose reputable stalls.

Busy Stalls: Choose busy and popular food stalls with many customers.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on good street food vendors.
Price Comparison: Compare prices at different stalls before making a decision.

Some tour guides may provide inaccurate information or charge hidden fees. Verify credentials.

Official Badge: Look for an official guide badge and valid identification.
Research Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies with good reviews.
Ask for Itinerary: Request a detailed itinerary before committing to the tour.

Some exchange booths may offer unfavorable rates. Compare rates before exchanging currency.

Shop Around: Visit multiple exchange booths to compare rates.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange centers.
Check Rates Online: Research the current exchange rate online before making a decision.

Some hotels or hostels may overcharge for poor quality rooms. Compare prices and read reviews.

Online Reviews: Read reviews from past guests on booking websites.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good accommodations.
Price Comparison: Compare prices at different accommodations before making a decision.

Some mobile phone shops may sell faulty SIM cards or overcharge. Purchase from reputable stores.

Official Shops: Buy SIM cards at official mobile operator stores.
Check Coverage: Ensure the SIM card offers coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to confirm your purchase and protect against fraud.

Some transport ticket sellers may sell fake or expired tickets. Buy tickets from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buy transport tickets at authorized vendors, such as stations or ticket offices.
Check Expiration Date: Inspect the ticket for an expiration date before boarding a vehicle.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to confirm your purchase and protect against fraud.

Some ATMs may skim card information or charge high fees. Use only trusted ATMs.

Bank ATMs: Use bank-operated ATMs whenever possible.
Indoor ATMs: Prefer indoor or well-lit ATMs in public areas.
Monitor Transactions: Monitor your account regularly for any suspicious activity.

Some tour operators may charge high prices for basic activities. Compare prices and do your research.

Online Research: Research the prices of various tours and activities online.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on affordable tours and activities.
Group Discounts: Enquire about group discounts when booking tours or activities.

Some massage parlors may offer substandard services or overcharge. Verify the establishment's legitimacy.

Official License: Check for an official license and regulation certification.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to confirm your purchase and protect against fraud.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from past customers on various platforms.

Some beggars or charity collectors may claim to be affiliated with legitimate organizations. Verify the authenticity.

Official Uniform: Look for official uniforms, ID cards, or other identification.
Research Genuine Charities: Do your research on legitimate charities in the area.
Ask for Receipt: Request a receipt to confirm your donation and protect against fraud.

Some street performers may demand unreasonable tips or charge for low-quality performances. Evaluate the performance before tipping.

Quality of Performance: Evaluate the quality of the performance before tipping.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or other travelers about good street performers.
Tip Fairly: Tip based on the actual performance and the time spent.

Some public Wi-Fi hotspots may be unsecured, allowing hackers to access your device. Use a VPN when connecting to public networks.

Use a VPN: Always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping, on public Wi-Fi networks.
Update Software: Regularly update your device's software to protect against potential vulnerabilities.

Some guidebooks or maps may be outdated or inaccurate. Verify information before relying on them.

Official Sources: Obtain official maps and guidebooks from reputable sources.
Online Resources: Use online resources, such as Google Maps, for up-to-date information.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for directions or recommendations if needed.