Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Deyang, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Fixed Prices: Know the fixed prices for common destinations.
Meter Use: Ensure the taxi driver uses the meter to calculate the fare.
Reputable Taxis: Use reputable taxi companies with visible signs and licensed drivers.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. Opt for official stores or malls.

Official Stores: Purchase items only from authorized dealers or stores.
Quality Check: Check for signs of low-quality materials and inconsistencies in the product.
Price Differences: Be wary of products that are significantly cheaper than others.

Avoid ATMs with suspicious devices or that do not look genuine. Use well-lit and busy locations.

Safe Locations: Use ATMs located inside banks or in well-lit areas.
Cover Card: Always cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Check for Devices: Examine the ATM for any suspicious devices before using it.

Hire tour guides from reputable agencies or through recommendations. Ensure they are licensed.

Reputable Agencies: Choose tour guides from well-known and trusted travel companies.
Licensed Guides: Ask for the guide's ID card or license to verify their status.
Research Destinations: Research your destinations in advance and avoid areas known for fraud.

Avoid overpaying by negotiating prices and being aware of common scams in local markets.

Negotiate Prices: Always try to negotiate prices, especially for higher-priced items.
Common Scams: Learn about common scams in local markets, such as switcheroos and overcharging.
Check Quality: Inspect items carefully for quality before purchasing to avoid buying low-grade products.

Avoid using public computers for sensitive activities like banking or emailing.

Use VPN: Always use a VPN when accessing the internet from public computers.
Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and never save them on public computers.
Cautious Use: Limit the use of public computers to browsing and avoid sensitive activities.

Ensure hotel room keys are properly issued and not easily copied by unauthorized persons.

Room Keys Security: Check that your room key has a unique code or design.
Room Key Issuance: Receive your room key directly from the hotel receptionist.
Valuable Items Safety: Keep valuables in the hotel safe or on your person when not in the room.

Stay calm and avoid offering any money if approached by someone claiming to be a police officer.

Legitimate Uniforms: Police officers in Deyang wear a distinctive uniform with an ID card.
Police Station Verification: Ask to be taken to the police station if you are unsure about their identity.
Crowded Locations: Avoid walking alone in isolated or deserted areas.

Choose street food vendors that are busy and follow good hygiene practices.

Busy Vendors: Avoid street food vendors with few customers as they may not adhere to hygiene standards.
Hygiene Practices: Look for vendors that wear gloves, use clean utensils, and have a clean workspace.
Cooking Methods: Choose cooked food over raw dishes to reduce the risk of contamination.

Be wary of bars or restaurants that charge exorbitant prices for drinks and food.

Ask for Prices: Always ask for prices before ordering to avoid unexpected bills.
Check Menus: Verify the menu prices with the server before placing your order.
Reputable Locations: Choose establishments that are popular among locals and tourists.

Exchange money at official exchange offices or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit bills.

Official Offices: Exchange your currency at officially recognized exchange offices or banks.
Counterfeit Bills: Check the authenticity of the bills received.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not exchange currency with street vendors or individuals.

Purchase transportation tickets from authorized vendors to avoid ticket counterfeits.

Authorized Vendors: Buy your tickets only at authorized locations.
Check Tickets: Verify the authenticity of the ticket before boarding.
Transportation Staff: Look for uniformed staff members and ask for help if needed.

Book your accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute overbookings.

Early Booking: Book your accommodation as early as possible.
Confirmation: Receive a confirmation of your reservation from the hotel.
Multiple Bookings: Avoid making multiple bookings at the same time and in the same hotel.

Be cautious when accepting goods or services offered by strangers, as they might be scams.

Refuse Unsolicited Offers: Do not accept unsolicited goods or services from strangers.
Report Suspicious Activities: Inform local authorities if you encounter any suspicious activities.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when dealing with strangers.

Buy your sim card from authorized vendors to avoid being charged for unnecessary services.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase your sim card only at official stores or authorized dealers.
Check Contract Details: Carefully read the contract and ask about any additional charges.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy sim cards from street vendors or individual sellers.