Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Beipiao, Liaoning, China
1. Taxi Overcharging Scam
Some taxi drivers may overcharge tourists in Beipiao. Avoid this by using official taxis or apps like Didi.
- Official Taxis: Use only officially licensed taxis to avoid overcharging.
- Didi App: Book a ride through the Didi app for fixed prices and no overcharging.
- Negotiation: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid disputes.
2. Counterfeit Goods Scam
Beware of counterfeit goods sold by street vendors in Beipiao. Check for authenticity and buy from reputable stores.
- Authenticity: Ensure the product is genuine, look for logos, packaging and quality.
- Reputable Stores: Purchase from stores with good reviews and a reputation for selling authentic goods.
- Price Checking: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying for counterfeit items.
3. Currency Exchange Scam
Some currency exchange offices in Beipiao may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Use banks or reliable exchange services.
- Banks: Exchange your money at a bank for better exchange rates and security.
- Reliable Exchange Services: Find reliable exchange services with good reviews and reputable business practices.
- Online Research: Research the current exchange rate before visiting an exchange office to avoid being ripped off.
4. Tour Guide Scam
Some tour guides in Beipiao may lead you to shops where they receive commission. Research and choose a reputable tour guide.
- Reputation: Choose a tour guide with good reviews and a reputation for honesty.
- Research: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted sources before hiring a tour guide.
- Transparency: Ask the tour guide about their itinerary and ensure they disclose any commissions.
5. Fraudulent Accommodation Scam
Some accommodations in Beipiao may not match their online descriptions. Use trusted booking platforms or visit the property beforehand.
- Trusted Booking Platforms: Book your accommodation through reputable websites like Booking.com.
- Visit the Property: If possible, visit the property before making a reservation to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation.
6. Street Food Scam
Some street food vendors in Beipiao may serve undercooked or contaminated food. Stick to popular and busy vendors.
- Popular Vendors: Choose vendors that are busy and have a good reputation among locals.
- Busy Areas: Avoid street food in quiet or secluded areas to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the vendor's stall is clean and the food is prepared hygienically.
7. ATM Skimming Scam
Some ATMs in Beipiao may be equipped with skimming devices. Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas.
- ATMs Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within banks for greater security.
- Well-Lit Areas: Choose well-lit areas with good visibility to avoid potential skimming devices.
- Cover Your Keypad: Cover your keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
8. Sim Card Scam
Some sim card vendors in Beipiao may sell expired or fake SIM cards. Use official stores or reputable providers.
- Official Stores: Purchase your SIM card from an official store to avoid expired or fake SIM cards.
- Reputable Providers: Find a reputable provider with good reviews and reliable services.
- Check Expiry Date: Ensure the SIM card does not have an expired activation date.
9. Ticket Scalping Scam
Some ticket scalpers in Beipiao may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Buy tickets from official outlets only.
- Official Outlets: Purchase your tickets from official outlets to avoid being ripped off.
- Check for Authenticity: Ensure the ticket has a hologram and is printed on high-quality paper.
- Avoid Private Sellers: Do not buy tickets from private sellers, as they may be selling fake or overpriced tickets.
10. Pickpocketing Scam
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas of Beipiao. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secured, using a bag with a zipper or carrying them close to your body.
- Crowded Areas: Be extra vigilant in crowded areas where pickpocketing is more common.
- Displaying Valuables: Avoid displaying valuable items like phones, wallets or jewelry to reduce the risk of theft.
11. Fraudulent Wifi Scam
Unsecured public WiFi in Beipiao may expose your data to hackers. Use a VPN or avoid using public WiFi altogether.
- VPN: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect yourself from hackers.
- Avoid Public WiFi: If possible, avoid using public WiFi to minimize the risk of data breaches.
- Secure Connections: Only connect to secure websites with HTTPS in the address bar.
12. Business Card Theft Scam
Some individuals in Beipiao may take your business card and use it for fraudulent purposes. Keep copies of your cards or limit the information you share.
- Keep Copies: Carry copies of your business cards to avoid losing important information.
- Limited Information: Only share essential contact information on your business card.
- Secure Card Storage: Keep your cards in a secure location to prevent theft.
13. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Some restaurants in Beipiao may overcharge tourists for low-quality food. Research and choose popular eateries.
- Popular Eateries: Choose eateries that are popular among locals for quality and fair pricing.
- Avoid Overpriced Menus: Be wary of menus with only English items, as these may be overpriced tourist traps.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality and pricing of a restaurant.
14. Shan Shan Scam
The Shan Shan scam involves fake police officers demanding bribes in Beipiao. Always ask for identification and contact your embassy if needed.
- Ask for Identification: Always ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
- Contact Your Embassy: Contact your embassy if you are unsure or feel threatened by someone posing as a police officer.
- Stay Calm and Informed: Stay calm, gather information, and make informed decisions when dealing with potential scams.
15. Transportation Ticket Scam
Some transportation ticket vendors in Beipiao may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Buy tickets from official outlets only.
- Official Outlets: Purchase your tickets from official outlets to avoid being ripped off.
- Check for Authenticity: Ensure the ticket has a hologram and is printed on high-quality paper.
- Avoid Private Sellers: Do not buy tickets from private sellers, as they may be selling fake or overpriced tickets.