Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Aksu, Xinjiang, China

All Topics about Aksu All Cities in China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Know Fixed Rates: Familiarize yourself with fixed rates for common destinations.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing.
Use Metered Taxis: Opt for metered taxis whenever available.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors; instead, buy from official stores or reliable local shops.

Inspect Quality: Check for low-quality materials and inconsistencies in branding.
Ask Local Advice: Seek advice from locals or hotel staff about trustworthy stores.
Buy Warranty: Purchase items with a warranty to ensure authenticity and quality.

Avoid overpriced SIM card deals at the airport; look for authorized stores in town instead.

Check Authorized Stores: Find a list of authorized stores from your mobile operator's website.
Compare Prices: Research prices beforehand and compare them with the offers at the store.
Check Coverage Maps: Ensure your chosen SIM card has good coverage in Aksu and your travel destinations.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides; look for authorized guides registered with local tourism boards.

Check Registration: Ensure your guide has a valid registration number and ID.
Ask for Itinerary: Request an itinerary of the tour in advance and compare it with what is offered during the tour.
Read Reviews: Research reviews about tour companies online before booking a tour.

Avoid unauthorized money exchangers and use banks or authorized exchange centers for fair rates.

Check Rates Online: Compare the offered rate with the current market rate online.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering exchange services.
Use ATMs: Use ATMs for cash withdrawals, as they offer competitive rates and security.

Avoid renting accommodation from unverified sources; book through reliable platforms or local agencies.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of the property and check for any negative feedback.
Use Trusted Platforms: Book through trusted accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda.
Check Location: Ensure the property is located in a safe and convenient area.

Avoid overpriced drinks at tourist-heavy bars; explore local eateries and pubs instead.

Check Prices: Compare drink prices with other venues in the area before entering.
Seek Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite bars and pubs.
Stay Away from Late-Night Venues: Avoid drinking in areas with a high concentration of late-night venues.

Avoid street food from unhygienic vendors; opt for restaurants with good hygiene ratings.

Check Hygiene Ratings: Look for food establishments with good hygiene ratings.
Avoid Uncooked Foods: Stay away from dishes containing raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs.
Use Common Sense: Trust your instincts and avoid eating at establishments that seem unsanitary.

Avoid shopping trips organized by unverified tour guides; arrange your own itinerary or join a reputable group tour.

Plan Your Itinerary: Research shops and markets beforehand, then plan your shopping trips accordingly.
Join Reputable Tours: Choose group tours from reputable companies to ensure a fair and enjoyable shopping experience.
Haggle Skillfully: Master the art of haggling to secure a fair price for your purchases.

Avoid using ATMs in suspicious locations; use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.

Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering or skimming devices.
Limit Transactions: Withdraw smaller amounts at a time to reduce your risk if an issue arises.
Use Debit Cards: Opt for debit cards over credit cards to minimize financial loss in case of fraud.

Avoid giving money to street performers who demand more than what was agreed; only give a fair amount for their performance.

Set an Amount Beforehand: Decide on an appropriate tip beforehand and stick to it.
Be Aware of Distractions: Stay alert for distractions or attempts to divert your attention during a performance.
Avoid Unusual Requests: Ignore requests for personal information, cash, or help with 'an emergency.'

Purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths or reliable online sources to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Check Official Websites: Research the venue's official website for accurate ticket information.
Compare Prices: Ensure prices match those advertised on the venue or event organizer's website.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt or confirmation of your ticket purchase.

Use trusted internet cafes and secure your devices with antivirus software to protect yourself from identity theft.

Choose Reputable Internet Cafes: Find internet cafes that have good reviews and are located in safe areas.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity.
Avoid Sharing Passwords: Never share your passwords or other sensitive information with others.

Avoid overpriced local transportation by researching fixed fares and negotiating prices before boarding.

Check Fixed Rates: Find out the standard fare for public transport in Aksu.
Bargain Skillfully: Negotiate the price before getting on a local bus or taxi.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid surge pricing.

Reject unsolicited help from strangers offering assistance, as it may lead to scams or robberies.

Stay Alert: Remain vigilant and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay away from deserted or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
Carry Emergency Numbers: Keep emergency numbers stored in your phone for easy access during an emergency.