Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Anyang, Gyeonggi, Korea, South

All Topics about Anyang All Cities in Korea, South

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging by confirming the fare before starting the journey and using only registered taxis.

Registered Taxis: Only take registered taxis with clearly visible identification.
Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Avoid Secluded Areas: Stay away from isolated or unpopulated areas to avoid potential scams.

Avoid unofficial guides who may charge exorbitant fees or lead you to fraudulent stores. Only use registered guides from reputable tour agencies.

Registered Tour Agencies: Only use guides from established and reliable tour companies.
Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide has the proper license to operate as a tour guide.
Avoid Private Approaches: Don't accept offers from guides who approach you privately or solicit services on the street.

Avoid unofficial exchange booths and always check the rate before exchanging money. Use banks or authorized exchange centers.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency at banks, post offices, or authorized exchange centers.
Check the Rate: Always compare the rate being offered with the current market exchange rate.
Avoid Late Night Exchanges: Exchange your money during daylight hours and avoid late-night transactions.

Stay at reputable hotels or rentals with online booking confirmation. Be cautious of last-minute offers that seem too good to be true.

Online Booking Confirmation: Confirm your accommodation booking through reputable online platforms.
Last-Minute Offers: Be wary of last-minute offers, especially if they are significantly cheaper than other options.
Reputable Hotels or Rentals: Stay at established hotels or rent from trusted rental agencies.

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, crowded areas to minimize the risk of skimming. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

ATMs Inside Banks: Use ATMs located inside banks or other secure locations.
Well-Lit and Crowded Areas: Choose ATMs that are well-lit, visible, and in populated areas.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.

Negotiate prices at local markets or shops and compare prices between different stores.

Local Markets: Visit local markets for a wider selection of goods and lower prices.
Negotiation: Always negotiate prices, especially at stores where the initial asking price seems high.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices between different shops before making a purchase.

Only eat at busy, popular street food stalls and avoid foods that are not being cooked fresh.

Busy and Popular Stalls: Choose street food vendors with a steady stream of customers.
Freshly Cooked Foods: Opt for foods that are being cooked fresh in front of you.
Sanitary Conditions: Look for stalls with clean cooking areas and food handling practices.

Ask for the menu in Korean to avoid being overcharged for tourist-priced items. Research popular restaurants online beforehand.

Korean Menu: Ask for the menu in Korean to ensure you're offered the same prices as locals.
Research Restaurants: Look up popular restaurants online and check reviews before visiting.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Stay away from restaurants in heavily touristic areas, as they may overcharge.

Purchase brand-name goods only from authorized retailers or department stores.

Authorized Retailers: Buy brand-name products exclusively at authorized retailers.
Department Stores: Look for well-known department stores that carry authentic branded items.
Check for Holograms: Inspect products for holograms, serial numbers, and other security features to verify their authenticity.

Use only secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks and avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured connections.

Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Connect to Wi-Fi networks that require a password.
Avoid Sensitive Information: Do not access sensitive information, like bank accounts or credit cards, on unsecured connections.
Public Wi-Fi Safety: Use a VPN to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Awareness: Stay alert and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Crowded Areas: Be especially cautious in crowded areas, where pickpocketing is more common.
Secure Bags and Wallets: Use bags with secure fastenings and keep your wallet in a zipped pocket.

Purchase tickets only from official ticket booths or authorized resellers.

Official Ticket Booths: Buy event tickets at the official venue's ticket booth.
Authorized Resellers: Look for authorized resellers with a visible license or identification.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors or private individuals.

Be cautious when shopping in crowded areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid leaving items unattended.

Crowded Areas: Stay aware and vigilant while shopping in crowded locations.
Keep Belongings Close: Keep a close eye on your personal items while shopping to prevent theft.
Avoid Leaving Items Unattended: Do not leave shopping bags or other valuable items unattended in public places.

Buy transit tickets only from official kiosks or stations and validate them before boarding.

Official Kiosks: Purchase transit tickets at official ticket machines or booths.
Validate Tickets: Always validate your transit ticket before boarding public transportation.
Avoid Selling Tickets: Do not accept tickets from individuals offering to sell them at a discount.

Donate to legitimate charities by researching their names and verifying they are registered.

Legitimate Charities: Research the name of the charity you wish to support and verify its legitimacy.
Registration: Ensure the charity is registered with the government or a reputable organization.
Avoid Street Collectors: Do not donate to collectors on the street, as they may not be legitimate representatives of charities.