
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dehui, China
1. Dehui Taxi Scam
Fraudulent taxi drivers overcharge tourists, sometimes taking a longer route. Avoid this by agreeing on the fare before starting the journey.
- Agreement Beforehand: Prevent unexpected high fares by fixing the price at the start.
- Route Awareness: Stay informed about common routes and fair prices for your destination.
- Meter Use: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to charge a standard fare.
2. Counterfeit Souvenirs Scam
Vendors sell fake souvenirs at attractive prices. Look for authenticity labels and purchase from reputable shops.
- Authenticity Labels: Check for official certification to ensure the product is genuine.
- Reputable Shops: Choose shops with good reviews and a steady customer flow.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items in various shops to avoid overpaying.
3. Unlicensed Tour Guide Scam
Tourists may encounter unlicensed guides who provide misleading information for personal gain. Verify guide's credentials before hiring.
- Official Licenses: Check for an official guide license issued by local authorities.
- Tour Company Reputation: Choose a reputable tour company with good reviews and proper registration.
- Itinerary Transparency: Ask for an itinerary in advance and confirm that all stops are legitimate tourist attractions.
4. Currency Exchange Scam
Some exchange providers give less than the agreed-upon rate. Stick to authorized exchange centers for safer transactions.
- Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange currency only at banks, post offices, and reputable money exchange offices.
- Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates offered by different providers to find the best deal.
- Secure Transactions: Ensure your transactions are conducted in a secure, crowded area and avoid private exchanges.
5. Fraudulent Accommodation Scam
Renting an unclean or non-existent hotel room. Book through reputable websites or verified local agencies.
- Reputable Booking Platforms: Use well-known online travel platforms for booking accommodation.
- Verified Local Agencies: Book through agencies with positive reviews and local recommendations.
- Accommodation Inspection: Inspect the accommodation before finalizing the booking to ensure its cleanliness and safety.
6. Sim Card Scam
Vendors sell sim cards with hidden charges. Buy sim cards from official retailers or telecom company stores.
- Official Retailers: Purchase sim cards only from authorized retailers.
- Hidden Charges Avoidance: Ask for details about any hidden charges or fees before purchasing the sim card.
- Telecom Company Stores: Visit telecom company stores to get a better understanding of their plans and pricing.
7. Street Food Scam
Food contamination or overcharging at street food stalls. Choose busy, well-reviewed stalls and avoid eating unfamiliar dishes.
- Busy Stalls: Choose popular, bustling food stalls with a constant customer flow.
- Good Reviews: Check online reviews for the street food stall before trying it out.
- Familiar Dishes: Stick to dishes that are well-known and avoid unfamiliar foods until you've done proper research.
8. Friendly Stranger Scam
A friendly local offers assistance, then demands payment. Be wary of unsolicited help and insist on paying a fair price.
- Cautious Interaction: Be cautious when interacting with strangers offering help or assistance.
- Fair Payment: Negotiate a fair price for any services received and avoid overpaying.
- Avoid Overexposure: Limit the amount of personal information shared with strangers to reduce the risk of fraud.
9. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots Scam
Malicious hotspots trick users into entering personal information. Use hotel or cafe wifi or a trusted VPN.
- Hotel or Cafe Wifi: Use the wifi available at your accommodation or local cafes for internet access.
- Trusted VPN: Use a trusted VPN to secure your connection when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Avoiding Unknown Networks: Be wary of unknown wireless networks and avoid connecting to them without proper verification.
10. ATM Skimming Scam
Criminals install skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
- Inside Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within a bank for added security.
- Well-lit Areas: Avoid using ATMs in dark or isolated areas to reduce the risk of tampering.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent potential cameras from capturing it.
11. Charity Scam
Fraudulent charity collectors solicit donations for nonexistent causes. Research charities before donating.
- Reputable Charities: Donate to well-known, reputable charities.
- Official Documentation: Request official documentation showing the charity's purpose and registration.
- Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid giving donations to street collectors, as they may not be affiliated with a legitimate charity.
12. Unauthorized Border Crossing
Fraudsters offer illegal border crossings for a fee. Stick to official checkpoints and legal immigration procedures.
- Official Checkpoints: Use only official border checkpoints for crossing into or out of Dehui.
- Legal Immigration Procedures: Follow all immigration requirements and obtain the necessary documents before entering or exiting Dehui.
- Avoid Unauthorized Agents: Do not accept offers for unauthorized border crossings or assistance from strangers.
13. Fake Tourist Attractions Scam
Tourists are lured to non-existent or low-quality attractions. Research tourist attractions in advance and choose reputable tours.
- Reputable Tours: Choose well-reviewed and reputable tour operators.
- Advance Research: Research tourist attractions before visiting to ensure they are legitimate and worthwhile.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers for tours or attractions, as they may lead to scams.
14. Transportation Ticket Scam
Fraudulent ticket sellers sell invalid transportation tickets. Buy tickets only from authorized vendors at the station.
- Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors located within the station.
- Ticket Inspection Readiness: Be prepared to show your ticket during inspections by transit authorities.
- Avoid Private Sellers: Do not buy tickets from private sellers or street vendors outside the station.
15. Overpriced Local Transportation Scam
Taxis and rickshaws overcharge tourists. Familiarize yourself with fair prices for local transportation.
- Fair Prices Knowledge: Research common prices for local transport before arriving in Dehui.
- Meter Use: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to charge a standard fare.
- Avoid Private Transportation Offers: Do not accept offers for private transportation from strangers, as they may overcharge or take a longer route.