Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dadukou, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by negotiating fares before starting journeys.

Pre-Negotiation: Helps to prevent unexpected high costs.
Meter Usage: Ensures the taxi uses a meter for accurate pricing.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Unofficial taxis often overcharge or refuse to use meters.

Beware of selling counterfeit goods disguised as authentic souvenirs.

Authenticity Verification: Ensure products are genuine, especially when buying popular brands.
Vendor Reputation: Avoid questionable vendors; look for those with established reputations.
Official Stores: Purchase goods from official stores or authorized dealers to guarantee authenticity.

Watch out for dishonest currency exchange providers offering less than the market rate.

Exchange at Official Bureaus: Exchange money at official bureaus for better rates and security.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates among different providers before making transactions.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates or use faulty scales.

Avoid misleading tour guides who lead you to overpriced shops and attractions.

Research Tour Providers: Choose a reputable tour provider with positive reviews.
Avoid Unsolicited Guides: Don't accept unsolicited guides; they may lead you to scams.
Plan Your Itinerary: Have a well-planned itinerary, and stick to your schedule.

Ensure you pay the correct entrance fees for attractions to avoid being scammed.

Official Entrance Fee: Know the official entrance fee for each attraction.
Avoid Unofficial Collectors: Do not hand over money to unofficial collectors.
Entrance Fee Signage: Check for clear signage displaying entrance fees.

Book accommodations only through reliable channels to avoid being scammed.

Reputable Booking Platforms: Use reputable booking platforms for reservations.
Avoid Street Agents: Do not rely on street agents to book accommodations.
Check Accommodation Ratings: Review accommodation ratings and customer feedback.

Avoid consuming contaminated or overpriced street food to prevent illness and unnecessary expenses.

Food Quality Inspection: Look for food vendors with cleanliness certifications.
Avoid Unattended Stalls: Do not buy from unattended or suspicious-looking stalls.
Check Prices: Compare prices with nearby vendors to avoid overpaying.

Be cautious when receiving phone calls from unknown numbers seeking personal information.

Caller ID Verification: Check the caller ID and hang up if it's suspicious.
Personal Information Security: Never share personal information over the phone without verifying the source.
Report Suspicious Calls: Report suspicious calls to local authorities or service providers.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks to prevent data theft.

Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) for secure connections.
Avoid Logging into Accounts: Do not log into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi networks.
Verify Network Names: Be wary of suspicious network names and avoid connecting to unverified networks.

Guard your personal belongings to prevent theft by pickpockets.

Secure Bag Storage: Use bags with zippers and secure straps.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Avoid carrying valuables in crowded areas when possible.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that could lead to theft.

Purchase tickets only from reliable sources to avoid purchasing counterfeit event tickets.

Official Box Offices: Buy tickets from official box offices or authorized vendors.
Event Website Verification: Check event websites for ticket information and purchasing options.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not purchase tickets from unauthorized street vendors.

Use ATMs located at banks or inside buildings to prevent card skimming and fraud.

Indoor ATMs: Use indoor ATMs, especially those located inside banks.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from observing it.
Check ATM for Skimming Devices: Inspect the ATM for any unusual attachments before using it.

Be cautious when purchasing traditional medicines, as some may be mislabeled or contaminated.

Reputable Vendors: Purchase from reputable vendors with good customer reviews.
Know Your Medicines: Research the medicines you are purchasing to ensure they are authentic and safe.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not purchase from unverified street vendors.

Be aware of mislabeled food products and check expiration dates to prevent consuming contaminated or low-quality foods.

Expiration Date Verification: Always verify the expiration date on food products.
Reputable Grocery Stores: Shop at reputable grocery stores with good customer reviews.
Avoid Unverified Vendors: Do not purchase food from unverified vendors or street markets.

Inspect your money carefully to avoid using counterfeit bills.

Feel and Inspect Bills: Feel the texture of the bill and inspect it for any discrepancies.
Use ATMs Carefully: Withdraw money from ATMs carefully, especially when using foreign currency.
Ask for Change Correctly: When making a purchase, ensure you receive the correct change to help spot counterfeit bills.