Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chenzhou, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Services

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always use licensed taxis from designated stands.

Recognizable License Plate: Legitimate taxis have a green license plate with the character '绿'.
Designated Stands: Avoid hailing taxis from the street, use designated stands instead.
Meter Usage: Legitimate taxis should always use a meter for fare calculation.

Unlicensed tour guides may charge inflated prices or lead you to scammy shops. Stick with registered tour agencies.

Registered Agency: Check if the agency is listed on the Chenzhou Tourism Bureau's website.
Official Badge: Legitimate tour guides have an identification badge issued by the Chenzhou Tourism Bureau.
Tour Contract: Always get a written contract for your tour with clear details about costs and itinerary.

Shops may overcharge tourists for souvenirs. Bargain or find shops that offer fair prices.

Bargaining Skills: Master the art of bargaining to get a fair price.
Shopping Districts: Find shopping districts like Chenzhou Ancient City for a variety of shops and competitive pricing.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on souvenir shops to visit.

Unscrupulous money changers may shortchange or use counterfeit currency. Use licensed exchange offices.

Licensed Offices: Look for licensed money exchange offices with a certificate issued by the Chenzhou Banking Regulatory Commission.
Exchange Rates: Compare rates at several exchange offices before deciding.
Check Your Change: Count your change carefully to ensure you have received the correct amount.

Some street food vendors may use expired or low-quality ingredients. Stick to popular and busy stalls.

Popular Stalls: Choose stalls with a long line of customers, as they usually serve good food.
Busy Areas: Find street food in busy areas like tourist attractions and popular markets.
Food Safety Standards: Look for vendors with hygienic practices, such as gloves and a clean workspace.

Some accommodations may misrepresent their services or charge excessively. Book through reputable channels.

Reputable Channels: Book through well-known online travel agencies or hotels' official websites.
Reviews: Check reviews from previous guests before booking.
Contract: Always get a written contract detailing services, rates, and cancellation policies.

Some ATMs may skim your card or charge excessive fees. Use ATMs located in banks or designated safe zones.

ATMs in Banks: Use ATMs within banks for added security.
Designated Safe Zones: Look for ATMs designated as safe by local authorities or your bank.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account to ensure no unauthorized transactions.

Counterfeit tickets for attractions may be sold. Buy tickets from official booths or authorized agents.

Official Booths: Purchase tickets at official ticket booths near the attraction.
Authorized Agents: Buy tickets from authorized agents with a valid identification card.
Check the Ticket: Inspect the ticket for holograms, watermarks, and other security features.

Vendors may overcharge tourists for goods. Practice bargaining tactfully.

Tactful Negotiation: Negotiate politely and avoid showing eagerness to buy.
Know the Market Prices: Research average prices of goods before visiting markets.
Walk Away Tactics: If a vendor insists on an unreasonable price, walk away and they might come down in price.

Internet cafes may install keyloggers or charge excessively. Use reputable and secure internet cafes.

Reputable Cafes: Choose internet cafes with good reviews and a long history.
Secure Connections: Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, use VPNs if necessary.
Pay Attention to Charges: Monitor the time you spend online and double-check charges before leaving.

Restaurants may serve poor quality food or overcharge. Choose popular and well-rated establishments.

Popular Restaurants: Choose restaurants with a long line of customers, as they usually serve good food.
Well-Rated Establishments: Check reviews from previous diners before choosing a restaurant.
Avoid Street Food at Night: Street food vendors may sell expired or low-quality ingredients at night.

Some public transport drivers may charge excessively. Use pre-paid cards or buy tickets from authorized vendors.

Pre-Paid Cards: Use pre-paid transportation cards for convenience and to avoid overcharging.
Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from authorized vendors or ticket machines.
Check Fare Before Boarding: Ask the driver for the fare before boarding to avoid surprises.

Some rickshaw drivers may take longer routes or charge excessively. Agree on a fare before starting the ride.

Agree on Fare Before Ride: Always agree on a fare before starting the rickshaw ride.
Avoid Late-Night Rides: Avoid taking rickshaws late at night when drivers might take advantage of tourists.
Stick to Main Streets: Take rickshaws only on main streets and avoid back alleys.

Some massage parlors may offer inappropriate services. Choose reputable and licensed parlors.

Licensed Parlors: Look for massage parlors with a license issued by the Chenzhou Health Bureau.
Check the Establishment: Inspect the establishment for cleanliness and hygiene standards.
Avoid Late-Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors late at night when inappropriate activities might occur.

Unscrupulous money transfer services may overcharge or not transfer the full amount. Use reputable services.

Reputable Services: Choose well-known and reputable money transfer services.
Check Rates and Fees: Compare rates and fees among different service providers before deciding.
Receipt and Confirmation: Always receive a receipt and confirmation of the transfer to avoid misunderstandings.