Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chengjiao, Henan, China

All Topics about Chengjiao All Cities in China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Drivers

Be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers offering cheap rides. They might overcharge or take you to unwanted destinations.

Legal Licenses: Always ensure the driver has a valid license and meter.
Registered Taxis: Only take registered taxis from official taxi stands or book through reliable apps.
Avoid Late Nights: Avoid taking unregistered taxis late at night or in secluded areas.

Some street food vendors may add extra ingredients to inflate prices. Be cautious when buying street food.

Reputable Vendors: Buy from popular, busy street food stalls with many customers.
Ask Prices Upfront: Always ask for prices before making a purchase.
Stick to Common Dishes: Choose popular, common dishes to minimize the risk of unknown ingredients.

Unlicensed tour guides may charge high fees or take you to tourist traps. Only use registered tour guides.

Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide is licensed and has a proper badge.
Book in Advance: Book tours through reputable agencies or book in advance to avoid scams.
Avoid Street Approaches: Do not accept offers from unlicensed guides approaching you on the street.

Some money changers offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research fair exchange rates beforehand.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Use authorized exchange centers or banks for exchanging currency.
Check Rates Online: Always check the current exchange rate online before making transactions.
Avoid Late Nights: Do not exchange money late at night or in secluded areas.

Some accommodation providers might overcharge or offer subpar services. Book through reliable channels.

Reputable Agencies: Book accommodations through reputable travel agencies or online booking platforms.
Check Reviews: Always read reviews and check the accommodation's ratings before making a booking.
Avoid Street Deals: Do not accept offers for accommodations from people approaching you on the street.

Some vendors may sell fake or malfunctioning SIM cards. Only buy from reputable sources.

Official Stores: Buy SIM cards only from official stores of telecommunication companies.
Check for Proper Functionality: Always check the SIM card's functionality before leaving the store.
Register Your SIM Card: Register your SIM card with the local authorities to avoid potential issues.

Some souvenir shops may charge exorbitant prices. Bargain or find better deals elsewhere.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for souvenirs, especially when buying multiple items.
Compare Prices: Compare prices in different shops before making a purchase.
Buy from Markets: Find souvenir markets for better deals and wider selections.

Some art galleries may sell fake or overpriced artwork. Research authentic galleries.

Reputable Galleries: Only visit reputable, well-established art galleries.
Check Authenticity: Ask for certificates of authenticity and do research on the artist.
Bargain Carefully: Bargain with caution to avoid purchasing counterfeit art.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for low-quality food. Research popular eateries.

Local Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for good, affordable eateries.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Stay away from restaurants in heavily touristic areas that may be overpriced.
Check Prices: Always check prices on the menu before ordering to avoid sticker shock.

Some ATMs may charge excessive fees or skim your card data. Use ATMs at banks or in secure areas.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or at secure locations for maximum safety.
Check Fees: Always check fees before using an ATM to avoid unexpected charges.
Secure Your Pin: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent card skimming.

Some jewelers may sell fake gold or overprice their items. Verify the purity of gold before buying.

Reliable Jewelers: Buy from reputable, well-established jewelers.
Check Purity: Always ask for a certificate of purity when buying gold jewelry or items.
Bargain Sensibly: Bargain sensibly, but be aware that prices for gold may vary.

Some pharmacies may sell counterfeit or subpar medicine. Only buy from reputable sources.

Legitimate Pharmacies: Always buy medicines from licensed, legitimate pharmacies.
Check Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration dates on medications before purchasing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy medication from street vendors or unlicensed pharmacies.

Some cultural performances may be fake or overpriced. Research authentic shows.

Reputable Shows: Only attend reputable, well-established cultural performances.
Check Reviews: Always read reviews and check the show's ratings before attending.
Avoid Street Performances: Do not attend cultural performances on the street or from unlicensed performers.

Some massage parlors may offer services that are not what you expect. Research beforehand.

Reputable Spas: Only visit reputable, well-established spas or massage parlors.
Check Services: Always ask about the services offered and clarify before making a booking.
Avoid Secluded Areas: Do not visit massage parlors in secluded areas or late at night.

Some tour operators may offer poor quality tours or overcharge for services. Research before booking.

Reputable Tour Operators: Only book tours with reputable, well-established tour operators.
Check Reviews: Always read reviews and check the operator's ratings before booking.
Avoid Street Approaches: Do not accept offers for tours from people approaching you on the street.