Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Changde, China

1. Taxi Scam

Fraudulent taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services.

Licensed Taxis: Official, authorized taxis with distinctive markings.
Ride-Hailing Services: App-based services like Didi Chuxing for safe and reliable transportation.
Knowledge of Fare: Awareness of the standard fare to avoid overcharging.

Unauthorized markets selling counterfeit goods. Buy only from authorized retailers or tourist stores.

Authorized Retailers: Legal shops with proper licensing and certifications.
Tourist Stores: Shops designed specifically for tourists, offering authentic souvenirs.
Avoid Back Alleys: Avoid unauthorized markets located in back alleys or hidden locations.

Unlicensed guides may lead you to overpriced shops. Use licensed tour companies or local tourist information centers.

Licensed Tour Companies: Companies with proper licensing and good reputation.
Local Tourist Information Centers: Official centers providing accurate information about tours and attractions.
Ask for Credentials: Request to see a guide's license or certification before hiring them.

Dishonest money changers may offer lower rates. Use banks or authorized exchange centers.

Banks: Official financial institutions for secure and fair currency exchange.
Authorized Exchange Centers: Licensed exchange centers with transparent rates and services.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering currency exchange services.

Computers in internet cafes may have malware. Use reputable hotels or coffee shops for internet access.

Reputable Hotels: Hotels with good reviews and secure internet services.
Coffee Shops: Popular coffee shops offering free Wi-Fi and safe internet access.
Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Misleading ATMs may skim card information. Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels.

ATMs Inside Banks: ATMs located within the bank's premises for added security.
ATMs Inside Hotels: Hotel ATMs with 24-hour availability and CCTV surveillance.
Cover Your Hand: Cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent peeking cameras from capturing it.

Unsanitary street food may cause illness. Eat at well-known restaurants or market stalls.

Well-Known Restaurants: Established, popular restaurants with good reviews.
Market Stalls: Stalls within busy markets where food is frequently turned over.
Avoid Deserted Areas: Stay away from food vendors located in quiet or deserted areas.

Guesthouses may overcharge for rooms. Use booking platforms or local tourist offices.

Booking Platforms: Online booking websites offering discounted rates and verified listings.
Local Tourist Offices: Official tourist offices providing information about accommodations.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate for better rates, especially when booking multiple nights.

Credit card transactions may be declined or double-charged. Use cash wherever possible.

Use Cash: Use cash for small purchases to avoid potential issues with credit cards.
Check Receipts: Check receipts carefully to ensure correct charges and no additional fees.
Contact Bank: Inform your bank about travel plans and potential fraudulent activity.

Tea houses may serve low-quality tea or overcharge. Visit well-known tea houses or shops.

Well-Known Tea Houses: Established, popular tea houses with good reviews.
Tea Shops: Specialty tea shops offering a variety of high-quality teas.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling tea, as they may use low-quality leaves.

Scammers exploit language barriers. Learn a few key phrases in Mandarin or hire an interpreter.

Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases: Know basic travel-related phrases to communicate effectively.
Hire an Interpreter: Hire a professional interpreter for better understanding and negotiation.
Use Translation Apps: Use translation apps to communicate with locals when necessary.

Kind strangers may lead you to scams. Be wary of overly friendly individuals offering help.

Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay away from isolated or deserted areas, especially at night.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be cautious when approached by strangers.
Stay with Group: Travel in groups to reduce the risk of scams and increase safety.

Attractions may not be what they appear online. Verify information before visiting.

Verify Information Online: Research attractions thoroughly and read reviews to ensure authenticity.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about the attraction's reputation before visiting.
Check Operating Hours: Ensure the attraction is open during your planned visit by checking operating hours online.

Beggars may pose as tourists in need. Be wary of individuals asking for money or assistance.

Donate to Reputable Organizations: Donate to reputable organizations rather than giving directly to beggars.
Stay Away from Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated or deserted areas, especially at night, where scams are more common.
Trust Your Instincts: Use your instincts to determine if a beggar is genuine or trying to scam you.

Police impersonators may target tourists. Always ask for identification and verify their status.

Verify ID: Police officers in China should always carry identification cards.
Contact Embassy: Contact your embassy if you suspect you have encountered a fraudulent police officer.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay away from isolated or deserted areas, especially at night, to reduce the risk of encounters with fake police officers.