Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guigang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced or non-functioning taxis by only using licensed ones and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Licensed Taxis: Ensure the taxi has a valid license plate and signage.
- Metered Fare: Insist on using the meter for fare calculation.
- Pre-agreed Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors by visiting authorized stores or markets.
- Authorized Stores: Shop at official retail outlets for authentic goods.
- Price Check: Compare prices with other stores to ensure you're not overpaying for counterfeits.
- Warranty and Support: Authentic products come with warranties and after-sales support.
3. Overpriced Souvenirs
Negotiate prices for souvenirs to avoid overpaying. Some vendors may quote inflated prices.
- Haggle: Always negotiate prices for souvenirs.
- Multiple Shops: Visit multiple shops to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Locals' Prices: Ask locals for advice on fair prices for souvenirs.
4. Food Contamination
Choose reputable restaurants and avoid street food that may be contaminated.
- Reputable Restaurants: Dine at establishments with good reviews and a clean environment.
- Cooked Food: Avoid street food that has been sitting out for long periods.
- Sanitary Conditions: Look for restaurants with proper sanitation and food handling procedures.
5. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas to minimize the risk of card skimming.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks for increased security.
- Well-lit Areas: Choose ATMs in well-lit and visible locations to deter potential thieves.
- Monitor Transactions: Keep an eye on the machine during transactions to prevent skimming.
6. Ticket Scams at Attractions
Buy tickets for attractions from authorized sellers or official booths to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
- Official Booths: Purchase tickets at official ticket offices.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
- Online Tickets: Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure authenticity.
7. Unlicensed Tour Guides
Ensure tour guides are licensed and registered with local authorities to avoid scams or poor service.
- Licensed Guides: Verify that your guide is a licensed professional.
- Registration: Check if the tour company is registered with local authorities.
- Read Reviews: Research and read reviews of tour guides and companies before booking.
8. Overbooked Hotels
Book hotel rooms in advance to avoid the risk of overbooking or poor service.
- Advance Bookings: Always book accommodation well in advance.
- Reputable Hotels: Stay at reputable hotels with good reviews and ratings.
- Check-in Early: Arrive early to ensure your room is available upon check-in.
9. Fraudulent Money Exchange
Exchange money at authorized exchange centers or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit currency.
- Authorized Centers: Use authorized exchange centers or banks for your currency exchange.
- Check Denominations: Inspect the bills for any irregularities before accepting them.
- Exchange Small Amounts: Exchange small amounts at a time to minimize loss if you receive counterfeit currency.
10. Telephone Scams
Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers or suspicious callers to avoid phone scams.
- Unknown Numbers: Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
- Call Blocking Apps: Install call blocking apps to filter out suspicious calls.
- Report Scams: Report any suspected scam attempts to your local authorities and service providers.
11. Internet Café Scams
Use reputable internet cafes and avoid using public computers for sensitive activities.
- Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafes with good reviews and a secure environment.
- Secure Computers: Avoid using public computers for sensitive activities like banking or email.
- Use VPN: Consider using a VPN to protect your internet activity when using public Wi-Fi.
12. Rickshaw Scams
Negotiate the fare for rickshaws before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
- Pre-agreed Fare: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Metered Rickshaws: Choose rickshaws with meters for fair and accurate pricing.
- Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Stay away from overcrowded or touristy areas where prices may be inflated.
13. Bus Scams
Purchase bus tickets from authorized sellers and avoid overpriced or counterfeit tickets.
- Authorized Sellers: Buy bus tickets from authorized ticket booths.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.
- Pre-agreed Fare: Agree on the fare before boarding the bus to avoid unexpected charges.
14. Guidebook Scams
Buy guidebooks from authorized sellers or reputable bookstores to avoid counterfeit or outdated guides.
- Authorized Sellers: Purchase guidebooks from authorized sellers.
- Reputable Bookstores: Buy guidebooks from reputable bookstores with good reviews.
- Check Publications Dates: Ensure the guidebook is up-to-date by checking the publication date.
15. Sim Card Scams
Buy sim cards from official retailers or authorized vendors to avoid overpriced or non-functioning SIMs.
- Official Retailers: Purchase SIM cards from official retail stores.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors to avoid overpriced or non-functioning SIMs.
- Check Coverage Areas: Ensure the coverage area of the SIM card includes your travel destinations.