Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Duyun, Guizhou, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid inflated taxi fares or being taken on a detour. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.
- Avoid Detours: Ensure your driver takes the shortest route.
- Use Metered Taxis: Prefer metered taxis for a fair fare.
2. Tour Guide Scams
Stay away from unlicensed tour guides who might overcharge or mislead. Only accept licensed guides provided by official travel agencies.
- Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide is certified.
- Avoid Overcharging: Negotiate the price for the tour in advance.
- Check Credentials: Request to see their official guide ID.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs. Look for authentic shops or markets.
- Authentic Shops: Buy from reputable stores.
- Check Quality: Inspect the item carefully before buying.
- Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt as proof of purchase.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Avoid poor exchange rates at street vendors. Use official money changers or banks.
- Official Money Changers: Use authorized currency exchangers.
- Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates among various vendors.
- Secure Transactions: Ensure the exchange is done in a safe and secure location.
5. Fake Ticket Scams
Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sources. Buy tickets at authorized sales offices or official websites.
- Authorized Sales Offices: Purchase your tickets at the venue's box office.
- Official Website: Buy tickets from the attraction's official website.
- Check Ticket Quality: Ensure your ticket looks genuine.
6. ATM Scams
Avoid ATMs that appear tampered with. Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit and busy areas.
- Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within a bank.
- Busy Areas: Choose ATMs in well-lit and busy locations.
- Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any unusual attachments before use.
7. Sim Card Scams
Avoid unofficial mobile phone stores. Buy a prepaid SIM card at official retailers or the airport.
- Official Retailers: Purchase your SIM card from an authorized retailer.
- Airport Kiosks: Buy a SIM card at the airport if convenient.
- Check Coverage: Ensure the SIM card has adequate coverage for your travel plans.
8. Street Food Scams
Avoid street food that looks or smells unusual. Stick to busy and popular street food vendors.
- Busy Vendors: Choose popular and busy street food vendors.
- Fresh Ingredients: Check that ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the food preparation area is clean.
9. Hotel Scams
Avoid accommodations that appear too good to be true. Book your hotel room through reputable travel websites or agencies.
- Reputable Websites: Book your hotel through well-known travel websites.
- Agency Recommendations: Seek recommendations from travel agencies.
- Check Reviews: Read online reviews before making a reservation.
10. Business Card Scams
Avoid giving your business card to unverified individuals. Keep a few cards for emergencies.
- Verified Individuals: Only give your card to trusted contacts.
- Emergency Cards: Keep a few cards for essential situations.
- Replace Lost Cards: Replenish your supply of business cards if they get lost.
11. Friendly Scams
Be cautious of overly friendly locals who might try to lure you into a scam. Trust your instincts and stay vigilant.
- Stay Vigilant: Remain aware of your surroundings.
- Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut feeling in unfamiliar situations.
- Avoid Isolated Locations: Avoid isolated areas when meeting strangers.
12. Wi-Fi Scams
Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN or mobile hotspot for sensitive transactions.
- VPN Usage: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure connections.
- Mobile Hotspot: Use your mobile hotspot when possible.
- Avoid Public Transactions: Reserve sensitive transactions for private networks.
13. Language Barrier Scams
Stay informed about common scams in Duyun and use a translation app if necessary. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Translation App: Use a translation app to better communicate.
- Stay Informed: Research common scams before traveling.
- Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut feeling in unfamiliar situations.
14. Beggar Scams
Be cautious of individuals who appear to be beggars but might be trying to distract you from a pickpocket. Keep your belongings secure.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings in a safe and secured location.
- Stay Aware: Remain alert to your surroundings.
- Don't Engage: Avoid engaging with potential scammers.
15. Overpriced Services Scams
Negotiate prices for services and compare costs to ensure fairness. Be aware of local price ranges for various services.
- Negotiation: Always negotiate the price for services.
- Local Price Ranges: Research local prices for various services.
- Fair Pricing: Ensure the price you pay is fair and reasonable.