Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chengtangcun, China

1. Taxi Scams

Be wary of unlicensed taxi drivers or overcharging. Always use a licensed taxi from the stand.

License Check: Ask for taxi ID and verify it matches the license plate.
Meter Use: Insist on meter usage. Avoid agreeing on a fixed price beforehand.
Know Fare Estimates: Familiarize yourself with typical taxi fares for common routes.

Some tour guides may offer unlicensed services or overcharge. Only use licensed guides.

Licensing Requirements: Ask for the guide's license and verify it is valid.
Pre-agreed Price: Agree on a price before starting the tour.
Tour Operator Reputation: Research the tour operator's reputation and read reviews.

Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or overcharge. Choose busy stalls with high turnover.

Busy Stall: Look for busy stalls, as they are more likely to have fresh food.
Ingredient Quality: Check if the ingredients look fresh and properly stored.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other nearby stalls before purchasing.

Some shops may sell counterfeit goods or overcharge. Research the item's price and shop around.

Price Research: Know the average price of the item you wish to buy.
Shop Reputation: Research the shop's reputation and read reviews.
Avoid 'Too Good To Be True' Deals: Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate a scam.

Some accommodations may be substandard or overpriced. Research and book ahead.

Booking Ahead: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute scams.
Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation before booking.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other accommodations in the area.

Some ATMs may charge high fees or skim your card information. Use banks or secure ATMs.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls for added security.
Fee Awareness: Know the fees associated with using foreign ATMs and budget accordingly.
Card Safety: Keep your card in sight during transactions and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers or overcharge. Use reputable cafes.

Reputation: Choose an internet café with good reviews and a reputation for security.
Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, such as online banking.
Fee Transparency: Ensure the internet café clearly displays its pricing and offers a reliable connection.

Some exchange services may offer unfavorable rates or charge hidden fees. Research exchange services ahead.

Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates with other services before making a transaction.
Location: Choose exchange services in busy, tourist areas for better rates.
Fee Awareness: Understand any fees associated with the exchange and budget accordingly.

Some bars may overcharge for drinks or use watered-down alcohol. Choose busy, well-reviewed bars.

Busy Bar: Choose bars with a high turnover of customers.
Reviews: Read reviews of the bar before visiting.
Drink Quality: Check if drinks are served in sealed bottles or jugs to avoid tampering.

Some buses, boats, or rickshaws may overcharge or have hidden costs. Research fares ahead.

Fare Research: Know the standard fare for the transportation method you plan to use.
Busy Transportation: Choose busy, well-used transportation services for better rates.
Avoid Fixed Price Offers: Insist on using the meter or paying the standard fare.

Some ticket sellers may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Only buy tickets from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets only from authorized vendors, such as official booths or websites.
Ticket Price Comparison: Compare ticket prices with other vendors and be aware of any price fluctuations.
Ticket Inspection: Ensure the ticket has all necessary information and appears genuine.

Some vendors may use low-quality goods or overcharge. Bargain for prices.

Bargaining Skills: Practice bargaining skills to get the best price.
Quality Inspection: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing to ensure quality.
Avoid Emotional Sales Tactics: Ignore emotional sales tactics and stay calm during negotiations.

Some performers may pressure you for money or demand more than agreed. Set a clear price beforehand.

Clear Price Agreement: Agree on the price before the performance starts.
Avoid Overwhelming Performances: Be aware of performers who overwhelm you with their performance to demand more money.
Gratuity Awareness: Know the acceptable gratuity for street performances and be fair.

Some taxi drivers may refuse to use meters or take circuitous routes. Insist on meter usage and direct routes.

Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for a fair fare.
Direct Routes: Ask the driver to take the shortest route and notify them if they deviate.
Know Fare Estimates: Familiarize yourself with typical taxi fares for common routes.

Some accommodations may have hidden fees or substandard conditions. Research and read reviews before booking.

Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation to avoid scams.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other accommodations in the area.
Hidden Fees Awareness: Understand any additional fees, such as service charges or cleaning fees.