Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fuxin, China

1. Fuxin Train Station Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge tourists at the train station.

Official Taxis: Only take official taxis with meters. They are easily identified by their yellow color and logo.
Fixed Rates: Ask for the fixed rate before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay clear of isolated areas at night, especially when traveling alone.

Beware of fake souvenirs being sold on the busy market street.

Legitimate Shops: Purchase souvenirs from legitimate shops with a good reputation.
Check Quality: Inspect souvenir items for poor quality and inconsistencies, as they may be counterfeit.
Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices to ensure you're getting a fair deal, but be aware of rock-bottom offers as they might signal fakes.

Some street food vendors may use lower quality ingredients or overcharge tourists.

Popular Stalls: Choose popular, busy stalls with a good reputation for serving authentic local food.
Inspect Ingredients: Inspect the ingredients and preparation of your meal to ensure freshness.
Avoid Eating Alone: Eat with locals or in groups to reduce the chances of being overcharged.

Some hotels may offer low prices but provide poor service or unsafe conditions.

Online Reviews: Research hotels online and read reviews from previous guests to find reliable accommodations.
Book Directly: Book your accommodation directly through the hotel's official website or a trusted travel agency.
Check Safety Features: Ensure the hotel has safety features like fire alarms, security cameras, and good lighting in common areas.

Tourists may encounter unlicensed guides offering cheap prices.

Licensed Guides: Insist on hiring licensed tour guides for a reliable and informative experience.
Check Credentials: Ask to see their guide's license, registration number, and contact information.
Agreed-Upon Fee: Negotiate the fee for the tour upfront to avoid any disputes during or after the tour.

Unfavorable exchange rates may be offered by some money changers.

Reputable Money Changers: Use reputable money changers with good reviews and a long-standing presence in Fuxin.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between different money changers before making a decision.
Avoid Exchanging Large Amounts: Exchange small amounts of currency to minimize the risk of losing money.

Internet cafes may charge for slow or non-functional internet connections.

Test the Connection: Test the internet connection speed before committing to using an internet cafe.
Read Reviews: Read reviews online about different internet cafes to find reliable options.
Avoid Leaving Valuables: Do not leave your valuable items unattended in the internet cafe. Keep them close by at all times.

Street performers may demand money for performances that were unsolicited.

Watch Free Shows: Watch free shows and only pay for performances that you've explicitly agreed to.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices beforehand and agree on a fair fee for the performance.
Avoid Alone Situations: Performers may target tourists who are alone, so travel in groups or with locals when possible.

ATMs may dispense counterfeit notes or malfunction.

Secure ATMs: Use secure, well-lit ATMs in busy areas and avoid isolated ones.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity after using an ATM.
Use Credit Cards when Possible: Use credit cards instead of debit cards to limit your exposure to potential scams.

Bars may serve watered-down drinks or charge for services not rendered.

Check Prices: Compare prices with other bars in the area to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Alone Situations: Travel in groups or with locals, as bars may target tourists who are alone.
Check Drinks: Check your drinks for any signs of tampering, especially if you feel like something is off.

Tourists may encounter scams in local transportation such as buses and tricycles.

Fixed Rates: Ask for the fixed rate before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Check Route: Verify the route of your transportation and ensure it follows a legitimate path.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay clear of isolated areas at night, especially when traveling alone.

Restaurants may serve lower-quality food or charge higher prices for tourists.

Local Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to find authentic, good-value places.
Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants in the area to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Alone Situations: Travel in groups or with locals, as restaurants may target tourists who are alone.

Tickets for popular attractions may be sold at inflated prices or be counterfeit.

Official Ticket Offices: Purchase tickets from official ticket offices to avoid counterfeits.
Check Attraction's Website: Research the attraction online and check their official website for ticket prices and purchasing options.
Avoid Buying From Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors, as they may sell counterfeit or inflated-priced tickets.

Hotel room service may charge for items not delivered or overcharge.

Itemized Bills: Check your hotel bill for itemized charges and make sure you've been charged only for what you've ordered.
Ask for Receipts: Request receipts for all room service orders to keep a record of your purchases.
Contact Hotel Management: Inform hotel management if you notice any discrepancies in the bill or room service.

Unofficial guided tours may overcharge tourists or not deliver on their promises.

Licensed Tour Operators: Book tours through licensed tour operators to ensure quality and reliability.
Check Reviews: Read reviews online about different tour operators before making a decision.
Negotiate Prices Upfront: Negotiate the price for the tour upfront to avoid any disputes during or after the tour.