Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dalian, Liaoning, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging by insisting on meter usage or negotiating a fixed price before starting the journey.

Meter Insistence: Ensures fair pricing based on distance and time traveled.
Fixed Price Negotiation: Avoids surprise fees for common destinations.
Knowing Fare Estimates: Helps set reasonable expectations and avoid overpaying.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods by visiting reputable stores or official outlets.

Avoid unfair exchange rates by using licensed money changers and banks.

Licensed Money Changers: Guarantees legal transactions.
Banks: Offers consistent exchange rates and safety of large transactions.
Researching Exchange Rates: Enables comparison of offers and avoids overpaying.

Avoid foodborne illness by choosing clean food stalls with a large number of customers.

Avoid scams by hiring licensed tour guides through reputable agencies.

Licensed Agencies: Ensures qualified and knowledgeable tour guides.
Official Tour Licenses: Guarantees legal operations and proper insurance.
Tour Reviews: Allows you to make informed decisions based on others' experiences.

Avoid ATM skimming by using well-lit and busy bank branches or indoor ATMs.

Avoid overpriced drinks or closed tabs by paying in cash and checking prices before ordering.

Avoid overpriced hotels by booking in advance through reputable online travel agencies.

Reputable Online Travel Agencies: Guarantees fair pricing and legal transactions.
Advance Bookings: Prevents last-minute price hikes and ensures availability.
Price Comparison: Enables finding the best deals and avoids overpaying.

Avoid overpriced or locked sim cards by purchasing from official retailers.

Official Retailers: Ensures legal transactions and quality service.
Checking Network Coverage: Enables you to find the best network for your needs.
Asking for Unlocked Sim Cards: Allows you to use your device without restrictions.

Avoid overpaying by using official ticket vending machines or paying the exact fare.

Official Ticket Vending Machines: Guarantees fair pricing and prevents overcharging.
Paying Exact Fare: Avoids receiving change or being overcharged.
Checking Ticket Prices: Enables finding the best deals and avoiding unnecessary fees.

Avoid identity theft by using password-protected Wi-Fi networks or a VPN.

Password-Protected Networks: Prevents unauthorized access and data breaches.
VPN Usage: Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your online activities.
Avoiding Public Wi-Fi Transactions: Reduces the risk of identity theft or data loss.

Avoid scams by offering a fair amount for performances or ignoring aggressive solicitations.

Fair Payment: Shows appreciation for the performance without being exploited.
Ignoring Aggressive Solicitations: Prevents feeling pressured or intimidated into giving money.
Checking Local Customs: Enables you to make informed decisions about tipping and giving money.

Avoid scams by being cautious about exchanging business cards with strangers.

Caution with Strangers: Prevents identity theft or unintended collaboration.
Verifying Identities: Ensures you're not sharing information with the wrong people.
Securing Business Card Information: Protects your personal and professional details.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from official outlets or authorized resellers.

Official Outlets: Guarantees the validity and availability of tickets.
Authorized Resellers: Ensures fair pricing and legal transactions.
Checking Event Information: Allows you to find the best deals and avoid overpaying.

Avoid scams by renting bikes from reputable bike rental companies.

Reputable Bike Rental Companies: Guarantees the availability and safety of bikes.
Helmet Usage: Reduces the risk of injury during a bike accident.
Checking Bike Condition: Ensures bikes are in good working condition and safe to use.