Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Foshan, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and unwarranted route changes by using taxis with meters or pre-negotiated fares.

Pre-negotiated Fares: Avoid unexpected price hikes.
Legitimate Taxis: Recognize officially registered taxis by their logos and license plates.
Emergency Numbers: Know emergency numbers for assistance in case of trouble.

Ensure you pay the correct admission fee by verifying information at official tourist offices.

Official Tourist Offices: Find accurate and up-to-date entrance fee details.
Attraction Websites: Visit attraction websites for the latest pricing information.
Reliable Travel Guides: Use reputable travel guides or apps for accurate fee information.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods by buying from registered shops and markets.

Registered Shops: Find genuine products in authorized stores.
Legal Markets: Buy from government-sanctioned markets to avoid counterfeits.
Product Warranties: Check for product warranties and after-sales support as indicators of authenticity.

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

Authorized Banks: Exchange currency safely in banks with proper licenses.
Licensed Exchange Offices: Find exchange offices that have a visible license and good reputation.
Currency Verification: Check bills for security features before accepting them.

Avoid foodborne illnesses by eating at busy, popular street food stalls.

Popular Stalls: Choose stalls with a constant stream of customers.
Food Preparation: Look for fresh ingredients and clean preparation areas.
Hygiene Practices: Observe proper hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves and using tongs to handle food.

Protect your personal data by avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks and using a VPN.

Secure Connections: Use encrypted connections when accessing sensitive information.
Reliable Wi-Fi Networks: Connect to trustworthy networks, such as those at hotels or cafes with a known reputation.
Antivirus Software: Install and update antivirus software on your devices to protect them from malware.

Purchase sim cards at authorized retailers to avoid unwanted charges or data theft.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards from official stores or authorized dealers.
Data Plans: Choose a data plan that suits your needs to avoid unexpected charges.
Device Activation: Activate the sim card in the presence of an authorized representative to ensure it's working correctly.

Avoid aggressive solicitation for tour guide services by researching and booking reputable guides.

Reputable Agencies: Book guided tours through established and reliable travel agencies.
Tour Guide Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.
Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide is licensed and certified by the local tourism authority.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation by researching and booking in advance.

Advance Bookings: Book your accommodation well in advance to secure competitive rates.
Reputable Websites: Use reputable booking websites for comparison and verification of prices.
Location: Consider the location's proximity to tourist attractions when choosing accommodation.

Avoid time-wasting tours by researching and booking through reputable travel agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book guided tours through established and reliable travel agencies.
Tour Duration: Check the duration of the tour to avoid wasting time on unnecessary stops.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping valuables secured and aware of your surroundings.

Secure Storage: Keep your belongings in a secure bag or pocket that's difficult to access.
Awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
Valuable Storage: Carry only essential items, and leave expensive jewelry or electronics at your accommodation.

Avoid online dating scams by verifying the identity of your match before meeting in person.

Video Call Verification: Arrange a video call with your match to confirm their identity.
Background Checks: Perform background checks on your match to ensure they are who they claim to be.
Safe First Meeting: Choose a public, well-lit location for your first meeting and let others know where you're going.

Avoid fake charities by researching legitimate organizations before donating.

Legitimate Charities: Donate to registered, reputable charities with a proven track record.
Transparency: Look for charities that are transparent about their mission, goals, and how donations are used.
Donation Receipts: Request receipts or proof of your donation to ensure it was processed correctly.

Avoid fake cultural events by verifying their authenticity at local tourist offices.

Local Tourist Offices: Find accurate and up-to-date information about cultural events at official tourist offices.
Event Organizers: Check the organizers' backgrounds to ensure they are reputable.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from previous attendees or seek recommendations from locals.

Avoid overpaying for souvenirs by negotiating prices and shopping around.

Negotiation: Negotiate prices with the vendor to get a better deal.
Shopping Around: Compare prices at multiple shops before making a purchase.
Off-Peak Shopping: Visit shops during off-peak hours or days for better pricing and fewer crowds.