Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baicheng, Jilin, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-functioning taxis by only using licensed and metered cabs. Always agree on the price before starting the journey.

Licensed Cabs: Ensure taxi has a visible license plate and logo
Metered Taxis: Taxis should have a functioning meter
Agreeing on Price: Avoid surprises by agreeing on the price before starting your journey

Beware of street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Stick to official shops and markets for authentic products.

Official Shops: Look for authorized stores with a legitimate business license
Markets: Visit only recognized and regulated markets
Authentic Products: Ensure the product has a genuine manufacturer's label or hologram

Choose tour guides from reputable agencies. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and insist on seeing a valid guide's license.

Reputable Agencies: Research the agency before booking a tour
Valid Guide's License: Ask to see the guide's identification and license
Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from unlicensed guides approach you directly

Use ATMs located inside banks or official establishments. Be careful when using card readers with hidden cameras.

Inside Banks or Official Establishments: ATMs in a secure location are less likely to be tampered with
Hidden Cameras: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect your information
Card Readers: Check for any signs of tampering before using the ATM

Use reliable internet cafes with a good reputation. Be cautious of strangers looking over your shoulder while using the computer.

Reputable Internet Cafés: Check reviews and ask locals for recommendations
Strangers Overlooking: Sit where it's difficult for others to see your screen
Secure Connection: Use a VPN service to protect your sensitive data

Check hotel prices online before booking. Inspect the room for any damage before checking in to avoid being charged later.

Online Price Checking: Compare prices on multiple websites before making a reservation
Inspecting the Room: Take photos of any damage or issues before accepting the room
Checking Out: Settle all charges and confirm there are no hidden fees before checking out

Bargain for souvenir prices. Compare prices at multiple shops before making a purchase.

Bargaining: Don't accept the first price offered; try negotiating
Multiple Shops: Visit several shops to compare prices and quality of souvenirs
Quality of Souvenirs: Inspect the item for any defects before finalizing the purchase

Only eat street food from vendors with a long line of customers. Check for hygienic practices and avoid dishes that are not being cooked fresh.

Long Line of Customers: A busy vendor is usually popular for a reason
Hygienic Practices: Look for clean work surfaces, gloves, and proper food handling techniques
Freshly Cooked Dishes: Avoid dishes that have been sitting out for a long time

Use reputable currency exchange centers or banks. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

Reputable Centers or Banks: Look for licensed and registered exchange offices
Too Good to Be True Offers: Avoid exchanges that offer significantly higher rates than others
Exchanging Money in Advance: Exchange some money before leaving your home country for emergencies

Ask locals for restaurant recommendations. Avoid restaurants near major tourist attractions with no local patrons.

Locals' Recommendations: Seek out dining spots popular among locals
No Local Patrons: Restaurants with no local patrons may overcharge tourists
Major Tourist Attractions: Avoid restaurants located near major tourist attractions

Use translation apps or services from reputable companies. Be cautious of unsolicited offers for translation services.

Reputable Companies: Research translation service providers before engaging their services
Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from unlicensed translators approaching you directly
Translation Apps: Download and use translation apps for basic communication needs

Use official transportation services. Be cautious of offers for private cars or rideshares that seem too good to be true.

Official Transportation Services: Look for licensed and regulated transportation options
Too Good to Be True Offers: Avoid offers that seem unusually cheap or convenient
Private Cars or Rideshares: Decline unsolicited offers for private transportation services

Check hotel rooms thoroughly before accepting them. Be cautious of rooms with signs of previous occupants or odd smells.

Thoroughly Checking the Room: Inspect every corner of the room for any damage or issues
Previous Occupants: Be wary of rooms that show signs of previous occupants
Odd Smells: Avoid rooms with strong odors or unusual smells

Support local performers by giving them a small tip. Be cautious of performers asking for money before performing.

Small Tips: Offer a token of appreciation instead of large sums
Performing Before Money: Wait for the performance to begin before giving any money
Local Performers: Support local talent and enjoy their cultural performances

Research charities before donating. Be cautious of people soliciting donations on the street.

Researching Charities: Verify the legitimacy and purpose of a charity before donating
Street Solicitations: Decline unsolicited requests for donations on the street
Donation Boxes: Donate to official charity boxes or established organizations instead of individuals