Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hai’an, Jiangsu, China

1. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Overpriced local cuisine restaurants that offer subpar quality food to unsuspecting tourists.

Unlicensed tour guides offering their services at tourist hotspots.

No License: Legitimate guides will always have a license issued by local authorities.
Cheap Prices: Prices significantly lower than standard tour guide fees.
Off-the-beaten-path Destinations: Guides may suggest unofficial or illegal attractions.

Markets selling fake branded goods at suspiciously low prices.

Quality Issues: Items often poorly made with inferior materials.
Price Points: Branded goods are usually much cheaper than their original counterparts.
Location: Typically found in less touristy areas or hidden streets.

Taxis or rideshares charging excessive fares to tourists.

Meter Tampering: Taxi meters may be manipulated or not turned on.
Fare Quotes: Drivers may quote a high price before starting the ride.
Official Taxis and Apps: Only use official taxis or reputable rideshare services.

Shops exchanging tourist currency for fake local currency.

Quality of Bills: Fake bills may have incorrect size, texture, or security features.
Location: Typically found in areas with few tourists or in secluded spots.
Security Measures: Always verify exchanged bills using a reliable money counting machine.

Thieves targeting tourists at crowded locations.

Crowded Spots: Theft most common in busy areas with large crowds.
Valuables on Show: Don't display valuable items like smartphones, wallets, or jewelry openly.
Beware of Distractions: Stay aware and avoid getting distracted by strangers or pickpockets.

Internet cafes installing malware on computers to steal personal information.

Computer Performance Issues: Slow or unresponsive computer performance may indicate malware.
Unfamiliar Software: Be wary of unfamiliar software installed on the computer.
Secure Connections: Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure internet access.

Hotels or guesthouses charging excessive prices to tourists.

Location: Prices significantly higher in touristy areas.
Online Reviews: Check online reviews for accurate pricing and quality of service.
Booking Through Reputable Sites: Always book through reputable travel websites or the accommodation's official website.

Street performers demanding payment for their performance.

Spontaneous Performance: Performances often appear spontaneously without any prior notice.
Demanding Payment: Performers may demand payment for their performance.
Tips and Appreciation: Giving tips or appreciation is always appreciated, but not mandatory.

Vendors offering pre-activated SIM cards that are already connected to another user's account.

Price Points: SIM cards significantly cheaper than standard prices.
Activation Requirements: Vendors may ask for personal information or insist on activating the SIM card immediately.
Official Vendors: Buy SIM cards from official vendors like phone stores or authorized dealers.

Vendors selling food that may contain contaminants or be of poor quality.

Unsanitary Conditions: Vendors may not follow proper food handling and storage procedures.
Pricing: Food prices significantly lower than in nearby, reputable restaurants.
Word of Mouth: Avoid recommendations from strangers or touts.

Individuals claiming to have found a tourist's lost item and demanding payment for its return.

Urgency: Finders may create a sense of urgency to pressure tourists into paying.
Valuable Items: Items lost may be non-valuable or easily replaceable, and their worth is exaggerated.
Police Station Report: Always report lost items at the local police station for proper handling.

Individuals selling tickets to popular attractions or events at inflated prices.

Location: Scalpers often found near ticket booths or attraction entrances.
Prices: Tickets significantly more expensive than the official price.
Official Ticket Vendors: Always purchase tickets from official vendors or at the attraction's box office.

Tour operators offering fake or subpar tour packages to tourists.

Package Pricing: Packages significantly cheaper than standard prices for similar tours.
Itinerary Changes: Tour operators may make last-minute changes to the itinerary or destination.
Reputable Tour Operators: Always book tours through reputable tour operators with positive reviews.

Musicians or performers pretending to be busking but demanding payment from unsuspecting tourists.

Spontaneous Performance: Performances often appear spontaneously without any prior notice.
Demanding Payment: Performers may demand payment for their performance.
Tips and Appreciation: Giving tips or appreciation is always appreciated, but not mandatory.