Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Anshun, Guizhou, China
1. Counterfeit Taxi Drivers
Avoid unlicensed taxis that may overcharge or lead to unsafe situations. Use reputable taxi companies or apps.
- Costly Rides: Unlicensed drivers often charge high prices.
- Safety Concerns: Unlicensed taxis may not adhere to safety regulations.
- Potential Scams: These drivers may attempt various scams, such as taking a longer route.
2. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unofficial tour guides who may mislead or overcharge. Use licensed and reputable tour agencies.
- Misinformation: Unofficial guides may provide incorrect information about attractions.
- High Costs: These guides often charge higher prices than licensed ones.
- Risk of Scams: Unofficial guides may engage in scams or lead tourists to unauthorized shops.
3. Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops
Avoid exchanging money at street vendors or unlicensed shops. Use authorized exchange centers for better rates and security.
- Poor Exchange Rates: Street vendors may offer worse exchange rates.
- Risk of Theft: Unauthorized shops may not have security measures in place.
- Counterfeit Money Risk: You risk receiving counterfeit money when exchanging at unlicensed shops.
4. Scams in Night Markets
Be cautious while shopping at night markets. Check prices, be aware of pickpocketing, and avoid overpriced or fake goods.
- Overpriced Goods: Some vendors may charge inflated prices.
- Pickpocketing: Night markets can be targets for pickpockets.
- Counterfeit Goods: Some vendors sell fake or low-quality goods.
5. Fraudulent Accommodation Rentals
Book accommodations only through reputable platforms or agencies. Be wary of rental scams and ensure the location is legitimate.
- Fake Listings: Some listings may be fake or non-existent.
- Low Quality: The accommodation may not meet the listed specifications.
- Scams and Overcharging: Renters may overcharge or engage in scams.
6. Street Food Scams
Avoid eating from unhygienic street food vendors. Opt for popular and well-reviewed stands instead.
- Foodborne Illness Risk: Unhygienic food preparation can lead to foodborne illness.
- Low Quality Food: Some street food vendors may serve low-quality or unappetizing food.
- Scams and Overcharging: Vendors may overcharge or engage in scams, such as underfilling portions.
7. Fraudulent Shopping Malls
Avoid shopping at unlicensed malls or stores. Stick to reputable, licensed establishments.
- Poor Quality Goods: Goods may be of poor quality in unlicensed shops.
- Counterfeit Goods: Unlicensed shops may sell counterfeit goods.
- Scams and Overcharging: Shops may engage in scams or overcharge customers.
8. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Avoid restaurants located near popular tourist spots. Opt for well-reviewed, local eateries instead.
- Overpriced Meals: Restaurants near tourist attractions may overprice meals.
- Low Quality Food: The food quality may be lower than in local restaurants.
- Scams and Overcharging: Restaurants near tourist spots may engage in scams or overcharge.
9. Tourist Trap Hotels
Avoid hotels located near popular tourist spots. Opt for well-reviewed, local accommodations instead.
- High Prices: Hotels near tourist attractions may charge higher prices.
- Low Quality Amenities: The quality of amenities may be lower than in local hotels.
- Scams and Overcharging: Hotels near tourist spots may engage in scams or overcharge.
10. Fraudulent ATMs
Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses to avoid skimming and card trapping scams.
- Skimming Risk: ATMs may have devices installed to steal card information.
- Card Trapping Risk: Some ATMs may trap your card for fraudulent activities.
- High Fees: Standalone ATMs may charge higher fees.
11. Transportation Scams
Be wary of transportation scams such as overcharging or taking a longer route. Stick to reputable companies or pre-arranged transfers.
- Overpriced Rides: Drivers may charge higher prices than agreed upon.
- Longer Routes: Drivers may take a longer route to overcharge customers.
- Unsafe Vehicles: Unreputable transport services may have unsafe vehicles.
12. Street Performers Scams
Avoid giving money to street performers who demand a specific amount or become aggressive. Be aware of scam artists disguised as performers.
- Aggressive Demands: Performers may aggressively demand money.
- Fake Performers: Scam artists may pose as performers to solicit money.
- Overcharging: Performers may demand more than what is fair for their performance.
13. Fake Local Friends Scams
Be cautious of locals who approach you offering friendship and then ask for money. Stick to well-known tourist areas or travel with a group.
- Requesting Money: Locals may request money after befriending tourists.
- Leading to Unsafe Areas: Friends may lead tourists to unsafe or dangerous areas.
- Scams and Overcharging: Friends may engage in scams or overcharge for services.
14. Overpriced Sightseeing Tickets
Purchase tickets to attractions only from authorized sellers. Be cautious of overpriced or fake tickets sold by unauthorized vendors.
- Overpriced Tickets: Tickets may be more expensive than the actual price.
- Fake Tickets: Unauthorized vendors may sell fake tickets.
- Scams and Overcharging: Vendors may engage in scams or overcharge for tickets.
15. Fraudulent Internet Cafes
Avoid internet cafes with poor security measures. Use reputable establishments or secure Wi-Fi options when sensitive information is involved.
- Data Theft Risk: Internet cafes may lack security measures, increasing the risk of data theft.
- Malware Risk: Computers in internet cafes may be infected with malware or viruses.
- Costly Usage Fees: Internet cafes may charge higher prices for usage compared to other options.