Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dandong, Liaoning, China
1. Border Taxi Scam
Avoid overpriced taxi rides at the border by agreeing on a price before getting in.
- Pricing Transparency: Know the going rate for taxis before negotiating.
- Trustworthy Driver: Only use officially marked or recommended taxis.
- Agreed Fare: Never pay more than the agreed fare.
2. Currency Exchange Scam
Exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit bills.
- Authorized Exchange: Only exchange currency at official exchanges.
- Counterfeit Bills: Check your money carefully for signs of fakeness.
- Fair Exchange Rate: Know the current exchange rate before exchanging.
3. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from unofficial street vendors.
- Unofficial Vendors: Only buy goods from authorized stores or markets.
- Quality of Goods: Counterfeit goods are often low-quality and can break easily.
- Legal Issues: Buying counterfeit goods could lead to legal issues.
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may overcharge or take you to fake attractions.
- Licensed Guide: Only use licensed and recommended tour guides.
- Accurate Information: Avoid guides who provide inaccurate or misleading information.
- Fair Pricing: Negotiate a fair price for tour services before starting.
5. Overpriced Accommodation
Avoid overpriced accommodation by booking in advance and using reputable sites.
- Reputable Booking Sites: Book accommodation through trustworthy online platforms.
- Advance Booking: Book accommodation in advance to get the best deals.
- Location: Choose accommodation that is central and convenient.
6. Street Food Safety
Avoid eating street food from unhygienic vendors to prevent foodborne illness.
- Hygiene: Choose stalls with clean surroundings and utensils.
- Fresh Ingredients: Street food should be made fresh, not left out for long periods.
- Recommendations: Ask locals or tour guides for recommendations.
7. Fake Attraction Scam
Avoid fake attractions by researching beforehand and asking for recommendations.
- Research: Learn about popular attractions in Dandong before visiting.
- Recommendations: Ask locals or tour guides for recommendations on what to see.
- Legitimate Attractions: Only visit officially recognized attractions.
8. Temple Donation Scams
Avoid being pressured into making large donations at temples by knowing the appropriate amount.
- Appropriate Donation: Research the suggested donation for each temple.
- Pressure Tactics: Don't let anyone pressure you into making a larger donation.
- Respectful Giving: Give donations respectfully and without pressure.
9. Sim Card Scams
Avoid overpriced or fake SIM cards by buying from authorized retailers.
- Authorized Retailer: Only buy SIM cards from official telecom stores.
- Counterfeit Cards: Check for signs of fakeness, such as poor quality or unusual pricing.
- Proper Registration: Register your SIM card properly to avoid any issues.
10. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Avoid unlicensed massage parlors as they may not adhere to health and safety standards.
- Licensed Establishment: Only visit officially licensed massage parlors.
- Health and Safety Standards: Ensure the establishment follows proper health and safety protocols.
- Professional Services: Avoid parlors with unprofessional or pushy staff.
11. Business Card Scams
Avoid giving out your business card to strangers as they may use it for identity theft.
- Stranger Interaction: Limit interaction with strangers, especially when sharing personal information.
- Business Card Security: Keep your business cards secure and only give them to trusted individuals.
- Identity Theft Prevention: Be aware of the risk of identity theft and take appropriate measures.
12. Ferry Scams
Avoid overpriced ferry rides by booking in advance or using reputable operators.
- Reputable Operator: Choose a reputable and reliable ferry operator.
- Advance Booking: Book your ferry ride in advance to get the best deals.
- Fare Comparison: Compare prices with other operators and avoid overpaying.
13. Ticket Scalping Scams
Avoid buying tickets from unofficial vendors as they may be fake or overpriced.
- Official Vendors: Only buy tickets from official ticket outlets.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Check for signs of fakeness, such as poor quality or unusual pricing.
- Fair Pricing: Compare ticket prices with other outlets to avoid overpaying.
14. Photography Scams
Avoid photographers who charge for taking photos or demand excessive fees.
- Free Photos: Take your own photos, or ask others to take them without payment.
- Reasonable Fees: Negotiate a fair fee for professional photography services.
- Photography Etiquette: Respect local customs and avoid taking photos of sensitive areas without permission.
15. ATM Scams
Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas to prevent skimming and theft.
- Well-lit Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit, public areas.
- Skimming Prevention: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent skimming.
- Secure Transactions: Only use ATMs with a secure card slot and avoid machines that look tampered with.