Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bengbu, Anhui, China

1. Taxi Scams

Watch out for unofficial taxis or drivers who overcharge. Always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Only use vehicles with city license plates and official stickers.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Download a reliable app before your trip for safe, fair rides.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Stay away from unlicensed taxis that lack official markings or signage.

Beware of street vendors selling fake goods, especially popular brands. Buy from reputable shops instead.

Reputable Shops: Visit malls or shopping centers known for quality retailers.
Check Authenticity: Look for signs of fake goods, such as poor quality or incorrect logos.
Bargain Responsibly: While it's customary to bargain, be aware that extremely low prices may indicate counterfeit items.

Avoid street exchanges and only use licensed money changers. Be wary of rates that seem too good to be true.

Licensed Money Changers: Look for shops with official permits or affiliations.
Compare Rates: Check multiple sources to find fair exchange rates.
Secure Transactions: Ensure that the money changer provides a receipt and that the transaction is secure.

Be cautious of unofficial guides who may lead you to scams or overcharge. Use registered guides or apps.

Registered Guides: Look for guides with identification and registration cards.
Use Apps for Tourism: Download tourism apps to access self-guided tours or registered guides.
Avoid Unsolicited Help: Ignore anyone who approaches you offering help without being asked.

Avoid street food that looks old or not fresh. Stick to popular, busy restaurants for a safer meal.

Popular Restaurants: Choose places with many customers and good reviews.
Fresh Food: Avoid food that has been sitting out for too long or looks unappetizing.
Cooked-to-Order: Opt for dishes that are cooked in front of you to minimize the risk of contamination.

Be wary of apartments or hotels that seem too good to be true. Book through reputable channels.

Reputable Channels: Book accommodations via well-known booking sites.
Inspect Before Booking: Check photos and reviews before making a reservation.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore strangers offering accommodation deals off the street.

Purchase SIM cards from official stores and avoid street vendors. Make sure to activate the card before use.

Official Stores: Buy SIM cards from carrier outlets or authorized resellers.
Activate the Card: Follow the instructions provided to activate your card before using it.
Check for Dedicated Data Packages: Ensure that you get a suitable data package for your travel needs.

Be vigilant of pickpockets on public transportation. Keep valuables secure and avoid unattended luggage.

Keep Valuables Secure: Use a bag with a zipper or wear a fanny pack for safe storage.
Avoid Unattended Luggage: Be cautious of leaving your belongings unattended, even for a moment.
Use a Travel Wallet: Carry only essentials in a travel wallet or money belt.

Use ATMs located at banks and be aware of skimming devices. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Prefer ATMs found inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
Skimming Devices: Check the machine for unusual attachments before using it.
Cover Keypad: Prevent others from seeing your PIN by covering the keypad with your other hand.

Purchase event tickets only from authorized vendors or reliable sources to avoid counterfeits.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from official box offices, websites, or authorized agents.
Check Ticket Details: Examine the ticket for any inconsistencies before purchasing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Ignore vendors selling tickets on the street or in non-authorized areas.

Be cautious of using public computers for sensitive activities. Use a VPN or avoid accessing financial information.

VPN Usage: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your online activity.
Avoid Financial Activities: Limit sensitive financial activities on public computers.
Use Secure Websites: Ensure that websites are secure (https://) before logging in.

Be aware of fake charity collectors. Donate to established organizations instead.

Established Organizations: Donate to well-known, registered charities.
Check Identification: Ask for identification from collectors before donating.
Research Beforehand: Research charities to ensure they are legitimate and well-regarded.

Be aware of scammers who may exploit language barriers. Learn some basic Chinese or use translation apps.

Translation Apps: Use translation apps to communicate effectively.
Basic Chinese Phrases: Learn basic phrases to ask questions and negotiate prices.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in busy, well-lit areas with other travelers or locals.

Avoid night markets near popular tourist spots where prices may be inflated. Haggle for fair prices.

Haggle for Fair Prices: Negotiate prices to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid Night Markets Near Tourist Spots: Visit night markets away from tourist hotspots for lower prices.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of similar items at different stalls before purchasing.

Be cautious of overpriced local tours. Research and book through reliable sources.

Reliable Sources: Book tours through reputable tour operators or online platforms.
Compare Prices: Research and compare prices for the same tour offered by different providers.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or other travelers for a good tour experience.