Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baoding, China

1. Sim Card Scam at Airport

Unscrupulous vendors may offer overpriced or fake SIM cards. Stick to official stores.

Official Stores: Only buy SIM cards from authorized retailers in the airport.
Price Check: Always compare prices with other stores before purchasing.
Data Packages: Ensure the SIM card comes with a reasonable data package.

Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Choose yellow licensed taxis with meter signs.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Consider using apps like Didi for a safer and more transparent ride.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses the meter and complains if it's not.

Vendors in some markets may sell counterfeit goods. Buy only from reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Look for well-established stores with good reviews.
Brand Authenticity: Check for authentic logos and packaging on items before purchase.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying.

Some street food vendors may use poor hygiene practices. Only eat from reputable stalls.

Reputable Stalls: Choose stalls that are clean, busy and popular among locals.
Cooking Practices: Look for food being cooked fresh and avoid pre-prepared items.
Symptoms Check: Immediately seek medical help if you experience any symptoms after eating.

Unlicensed guides or tour operators may scam tourists. Only book through reputable agencies.

Skimmers may be placed on ATMs to steal card data. Use secure ATMs or bank branches.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor your account for unusual activity.
Cover the PIN: Always cover the ATM keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.

Some businesses may charge excessive prices or provide substandard service. Negotiate prices and read reviews.

Impostors posing as police officers may try to scam tourists. Stay calm and do not comply with their requests.

Legitimacy Check: Ask for identification and call the local police if necessary.
Not Providing Information: Do not provide any personal information or valuable items to strangers claiming to be police officers.
Embassy Contact: Contact your embassy if you have doubts about the legitimacy of a police officer.

Scammers may exploit language barriers to deceive tourists. Use translation apps or travel with a Chinese-speaking companion.

Translation Apps: Download translation apps for quick communication.
Travel Companion: Travel with a Chinese-speaking friend or hire a local guide.
Research: Research common scams and how to avoid them before traveling.

Some hotels may overcharge tourists. Research hotel prices before booking.

Hotel Research: Compare hotel prices on various booking platforms.
Location: Choose a centrally-located hotel to avoid high transportation costs.
Reviews: Read online reviews before booking a hotel room.

Some temples may charge excessive fees or pressure tourists for donations. Research temple customs.

Donation Customs: Understand the local customary donation amounts for temples.
Price Comparison: Compare temple entry fees with other temples in the area.
Guidebooks and Internet: Use guidebooks or online resources to research temple customs.

Locals may appear friendly and offer help but ask for money in return. Be cautious and wary.

Caution: Be cautious when interacting with strangers, especially those offering unsolicited help.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about the situation before accepting help or donating money.
Common Sense: Trust your instincts and use common sense when interacting with strangers.

Online dating scammers may try to extort money. Be wary of individuals asking for money or personal information.

Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal information online.
Money Requests: Do not send money to individuals you've only met online.
Scam Signs: Look for signs of a scam, such as requests for large amounts of money or requests for personal information.

Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Cyber cafes may have keyloggers or malware. Use a VPN and avoid sensitive activities.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN to protect your online activity.
Sensitive Activities: Avoid sensitive activities like banking or password changes in cyber cafes.
Malware Scan: Scan your device for malware after using a public computer.