Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Binzhou, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging by taxis by agreeing on a fare before starting your journey.

Know the Fare: Always confirm the fare before getting into the taxi.
Use Metered Taxis: Choose metered taxis for a fair rate based on distance and time.
Avoid Late-Night Travel: Travel during daytime to avoid potential scams and safety issues.

Avoid being cheated in currency exchange by visiting licensed money exchange centers.

Check Licenses: Ensure the exchange center has a valid license and check their ID.
Compare Rates: Shop around for the best rates before exchanging your currency.
Avoid Late-Night Exchanges: Exchange currency during business hours to avoid potential scams.

Book tours through reputable tour agencies and read reviews before making a booking.

Check Reviews: Read online reviews of tour agencies to ensure they are reliable.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on trustworthy tour agencies.
Inspect Tour Offers: Verify that the tour offer is reasonable and matches your expectations.

Avoid food poisoning by sticking to popular, crowded street food vendors.

Check the Crowd: Choose street food stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers.
Look for Cleanliness: Check if the vendor is maintaining good hygiene practices, such as gloves and clean surfaces.
Avoid Unfamiliar Dishes: Stick to familiar dishes to minimize the risk of food allergies or unfamiliar ingredients.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods by shopping at reputable stores or markets.

Know the Brands: Research popular brands to avoid purchasing fake goods.
Check for Quality: Inspect the quality of items before buying, as counterfeit products often lack attention to detail.
Avoid Night Market Bargains: Steer clear of extremely cheap deals on popular items, which may be counterfeit.

Protect your belongings by keeping them close and in secure bags.

Use a Security Bag: Invest in a pickpocket-proof bag or purse with strong zippers.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as using your phone excessively.
Secure Your Hotel Room: Lock your hotel room door and keep valuable items hidden and secure.

Ensure your guide is licensed by asking for proper identification.

Check ID: Ask the guide to present their official identification and license.
Verify Registration: Ensure the guide's company is registered and reputable by checking online.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or your hotel for licensed guides.

Book accommodation through reputable platforms and read reviews before making a reservation.

Check Reviews: Read online reviews of accommodations to ensure they are reliable.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on trustworthy accommodations.
Verify Payment Methods: Ensure the accommodation accepts secure payment methods, such as credit cards.

Research ticket prices for attractions in advance to avoid overpaying.

Check Online Prices: Compare ticket prices online before visiting the attraction.
Ask for Student or Senior Discounts: Take advantage of any discounts available for students, seniors, or groups.
Avoid Street Vendors: Buy tickets directly from the attraction's official website or ticket office to avoid scams.

Protect your information by using secure Wi-Fi connections and monitoring your account activity.

Use Secure Connections: Only use trusted, secure Wi-Fi networks at internet cafes.
Avoid Online Banking: Avoid online banking or sensitive transactions on public computers.
Install a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your connection and protect your data.

Hang up on unsolicited calls and be wary of requests for personal or financial information.

Do Not Share Information: Never share sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, over the phone.
Block Unknown Callers: Use call-blocking features on your phone to prevent unsolicited calls.
Report Suspicious Calls: Report any suspicious calls to local authorities or your service provider.

Use ATMs in secure locations and be aware of any unusual activity around the machine.

Choose Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in isolated or dimly lit areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid overpaying for transportation tickets by purchasing them at official ticket booths.

Check Official Booths: Buy tickets from official ticket booths or vending machines.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized street vendors.
Inspect the Ticket: Check the ticket for any unusual features or inconsistencies.

Be cautious when receiving business cards from strangers and verify their identities.

Check for Official Identification: Ask the person for official identification to confirm their identity.
Inspect the Business Card: Verify that the business card contains all necessary information and appears professional.
Avoid Giving Out Personal Information: Be cautious about giving out personal information, such as your phone number or address.

Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.

Check Registration: Ensure the charity is registered and has a valid license.
Inspect the Charity's Website: Check the charity's website for information on their mission, history, and impact.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt for your donation to verify it was processed correctly.