Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Gaoping, Shanxi, China

All Topics about Gaoping All Cities in China

1. Gaoping Taxi Scam

Some taxi drivers overcharge tourists, especially at night or from the train station. Always agree on the price before starting the journey.

Price Negotiation: Avoid surprise high prices by negotiating beforehand.
Night Time Scams: Be extra cautious when traveling at night or after dark.
Train Station Pickups: Taxi drivers often overcharge tourists arriving from the train station.

Unlicensed tour guides may approach you offering services. Insist on using a licensed guide from a reputable agency.

Licensed Guide Verification: Always check for a valid license before hiring a guide.
Reputable Agency: Book tours through reliable and well-known travel agencies.
Scam Prevention Tips: Stay informed about common scams in Gaoping to avoid falling victim.

Beware of counterfeit souvenirs being sold at markets. Look for shops with a good reputation or buy from official stores.

Shop Reputation: Choose shops with a positive track record and good customer reviews.
Official Stores: Purchase souvenirs from official stores or authorized vendors.
Bargaining Tactics: Use bargaining techniques, but be aware of extremely low prices indicating a fake item.

Some money exchange shops offer poor rates or use tricks to swindle you. Use reputable and officially recognized exchange services.

Officially Recognized Services: Opt for banks, hotels, or airport exchange offices for a fair rate.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Exchange money in safe and secure places rather than on the street.
Check Exchange Rates: Know current exchange rates to avoid being overcharged.

Some accommodations may not live up to their online listings or even not exist. Use reliable booking platforms and read reviews.

Reliable Booking Platforms: Book through well-known travel websites with good reputation.
Read Reviews: Always read customer reviews before finalizing a booking.
Double Check Bookings: Confirm your reservation with the accommodation provider and compare details with your booking confirmation.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for food and drinks. Ask for price lists or look for local establishments.

Ask for Price Lists: Request a price list before ordering to avoid unexpected high costs.
Local Restaurants: Opt for local, family-run restaurants rather than tourist traps.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other restaurants in the area to ensure a fair deal.

Some travel agencies may offer poor services or even disappear after taking your money. Research and use reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Choose travel agencies with a long-standing reputation and positive customer feedback.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews to ensure a reliable and trustworthy service.
Official Licenses: Confirm the agency has an official license from the local tourism bureau.

Some ticket sellers may offer fake or invalid tickets. Buy tickets only at authorized outlets or official websites.

Authorized Outlets: Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or the venue's official website.
Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from unofficial street vendors.
Check Ticket Validity: Inspect the ticket for validity and any signs of tampering.

Some temples may request donations beyond what is considered normal. Research suggested donation amounts before visiting.

Research Donation Amounts: Know the average donation amount for the temple you are visiting.
Avoid High-Pressure Donations: Ignore any high-pressure tactics to donate more than what is comfortable.
Donation Boxes: Use donation boxes rather than handing cash directly to temple workers.

Locals may approach you pretending to be friendly and offering assistance or help. Be cautious and verify their intentions.

Verification of Intention: Ask for clear reasons for their approach and verify their identity.
Stay Alert: Be alert when interacting with strangers in unfamiliar places.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and avoid the situation.

Some ATMs may have skimmers installed to steal your card information. Use ATMs in well-lit and busy areas or inside banks.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, busy places rather than isolated spots.
Inside Banks: Use ATMs inside banks or secure facilities to reduce the risk of skimming.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal personal information. Use trusted cybercafes or hotels for internet access.

Trusted Cybercafes: Choose reputable and well-established internet cafes.
Hotel Internet Access: Use hotel's free WiFi or pay for a secure connection.
Secure Connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, such as banking.

Some local transportation services may be overpriced or even not exist. Use established public transport services.

Established Public Transport: Opt for established and well-known public transport options, such as buses and trains.
Avoid Unlicensed Services: Do not accept rides from unlicensed drivers or transportation services.
Check Prices Beforehand: Research prices of local transport before traveling to avoid unexpected high costs.

Some shops may sell SIM cards at inflated prices. Compare prices and buy from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase SIM cards only from official retail stores or reputable shops.
Compare Prices: Research the average price of SIM cards and compare before buying.
Check Expiry Dates: Ensure the SIM card has a valid expiration date and is not about to expire soon.

Some rickshaw drivers may overcharge tourists or take a longer route. Agree on the price before starting the ride.

Price Negotiation Beforehand: Negotiate the price before starting the rickshaw ride to avoid unexpected high costs.
Avoid Long Routes: Insist on a direct route and avoid detours if possible.
Check the Meter Function: Ensure the rickshaw has a working meter to prevent overcharging.