Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Beining, Liaoning, China

All Topics about Beining All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Watch out for taxis refusing to use meter or charging excessively. Use licensed taxi stands or apps like Didi Chuxing.

License Check: Always confirm the taxi is licensed and has a valid meter.
Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for fair pricing.
App Taxi Services: Consider using reputable taxi apps like Didi Chuxing for safe and regulated rides.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors. Shop at registered malls or official stores for authentic products.

Registered Mall Shops: Prefer shopping in registered malls where stores are legitimate.
Official Stores: Buy branded products only from official stores with proper certifications.
Product Quality: Counterfeit goods often have lower quality and durability than original products.

Stay away from street currency exchange vendors. Use authorized bureaus or banks for safe and fair rates.

Authorized Bureau/Bank: Exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks with proper licenses.
Fair Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates before choosing a bureau or bank for the best deal.
Safety Measures: Look for security measures like CCTV and secure cash counters in currency exchange areas.

Avoid eating at unhygienic street food stalls. Opt for busy and popular ones with good reviews.

Popular Stalls: Choose busier, well-known street food stalls that are popular among locals.
Good Reviews: Check online reviews or ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious street food options.
Hygiene Standards: Look for clean food preparation areas, fresh ingredients, and hygienic practices in street food stalls.

Be wary of unlicensed sim card vendors. Buy from official retailers or authorized kiosks for proper service.

Official Retailers: Purchase SIM cards only at authorized retail stores with valid licenses.
Authorized Kiosks: Look for official kiosks of telecom companies in airports, malls, or busy locations.
Proper Service: Ensure the SIM card works well and offers reliable network coverage.

Avoid booking through unverified websites. Choose reputable platforms like Booking.com or Agoda for safe accommodations.

Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through trusted online travel agencies like Booking.com or Agoda.
Verified Listings: Make sure the accommodation has been verified by the platform and has good reviews.
Secure Payments: Choose platforms that offer secure payment options for peace of mind.

Avoid bars with no prices listed or offering free drinks. Opt for busy and popular bars with transparent pricing.

Transparent Pricing: Choose bars that clearly display their prices to avoid unexpected charges.
Busy Bars: Prefer busy, popular bars that are well-reviewed by locals and tourists alike.
No Free Drinks: Avoid bars offering free drinks as they may lead to excessive charges or other scams.

Stay away from unlicensed tour guides. Use official travel agencies for registered and knowledgeable guides.

Official Travel Agencies: Book tours only through recognized and licensed travel agencies.
Registered Guides: Ensure the guide is registered with the government and carries proper identification.
Knowledgeable Guides: Avoid guides who lack knowledge about local history, culture, and attractions.

Be cautious of overcrowded buses or those without conductors. Opt for well-marked and regulated public transport options.

Well-Marked Transport: Choose public transportation that is clearly marked, well-lit, and has visible signs.
Regulated Services: Opt for buses or metros with conductors and fare machines to ensure proper payment.
Overcrowded Transport: Avoid overcrowded vehicles as they may be running irregular routes or charging higher fares.

Avoid using unsecured public WiFi networks. Use your mobile hotspot or VPN for safe and secure internet access.

Mobile Hotspot: Use your personal mobile hotspot when possible for a more secure connection.
VPN Usage: Consider using a VPN service to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data.
Secure Connections: Avoid accessing sensitive information or making transactions on unsecured public WiFi networks.

Be aware of performers distracting you while others pickpocket. Enjoy performances, but keep a close eye on your belongings.

Close Eye on Belongings: Keep a close eye on your personal belongings during street performances.
Distraction Awareness: Recognize when performers are trying to distract you or others for nefarious purposes.
Valuable Items Security: Store valuable items like passports and credit cards in secure locations, not visible during performances.

Be vigilant for theft in budget lodgings. Keep valuables secure and use safes when available.

Secure Valuables: Keep your valuables secured at all times, preferably locked away in a safe.
Budget Lodging Awareness: Recognize the risks associated with budget lodgings and take extra precautions to secure your belongings.
Safes Usage: Use safes provided in lodgings for additional security of your valuables.

Be cautious when using ATMs. Opt for indoor and well-lit machines away from suspicious individuals.

Indoor ATMs: Prefer using indoor ATMs located in secure areas, such as banks or malls.
Well-lit Machines: Avoid dark or poorly lit ATMs that may be rigged for fraudulent activities.
Suspicious Individuals: Keep an eye out for suspicious individuals loitering near ATMs and avoid using machines they are close to.

Beware of friendly locals offering help or friendship. Some may lead you to dangerous areas or scams.

Wariness Towards Strangers: Stay cautious and wary when interacting with strangers, especially those who appear overly friendly.
Unfamiliar Locations: Avoid following strangers to unfamiliar locations or areas where you feel uncomfortable.
Help Only When Needed: Accept help when truly necessary, but always maintain vigilance and be mindful of your belongings.

Avoid dating strangers online. Use reputable platforms for secure connections and verify identities.

Reputable Platforms: Choose dating platforms with strict verification processes and positive user reviews.
Identity Verification: Confirm the identity of your potential date through video calls or meeting in public places.
Secure Connections: Avoid sharing personal information like banking details or addresses during early interactions.