Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hanzhong, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Be wary of taxis without city logos or meters.

City Logo: Legitimate taxis in Hanzhong display the official city logo.
Meter Function: Honest taxi drivers use meters to calculate fares, not negotiated prices.
Avoid Late Night: Avoid late-night travel in unmarked taxis for safety and assurance of legitimacy.

Unauthorized guides may offer cheap services but lead you to overpriced shops or fraudulent attractions.

Licensed Guide: Always ask for a valid tour guide license issued by the local Tourism Bureau.
Official Attractions: Legitimate attractions are usually part of the city's official itinerary.
Negotiate Price Upfront: Always negotiate the price beforehand with your guide to avoid unexpected costs.

Criminals may install card-skimming devices on ATMs. Use machines inside banks or trusted locations.

Inside Banks: ATMs located within banks are less likely to be compromised.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.
Use Credit Cards: Credit cards often provide more protection against fraud than debit cards.

Restaurants may serve watered-down or lower-quality food while charging full price.

Busy Restaurants: Busier restaurants are more likely to be genuine, with regular customers and good reviews.
Transparent Prices: Prices should be clearly displayed; avoid places where prices aren't transparent.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to ensure authenticity and quality.

Sellers may offer fake souvenirs at inflated prices. Buy from reputable shops or markets.

Reputable Shops: Shop in established, well-known stores to avoid counterfeit items.
Check for Quality: Inspect souvenirs carefully for poor quality or inconsistencies.
Negotiate Prices: Bargain to ensure a fair price and avoid overpaying.

Hotels may charge exorbitant prices for poor quality rooms. Book through reputable websites or agencies.

Reputable Sources: Book accommodation through trusted online travel agencies or hotels' official websites.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings to assess the quality of accommodation before booking.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid booking accommodation through street vendors or unofficial sources.

Unscrupulous exchange services may offer poor exchange rates. Use licensed bureaus or banks.

Licensed Bureau: Use a currency exchange bureau with a valid license issued by the local government.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between multiple providers before making a decision.
Secure Location: Exchange currency in secure locations, such as banks or official bureaus.

Locals may try to befriend you for personal gain. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering assistance.

Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and don't share personal information with strangers.
Avoid Isolated Locations: Avoid isolated locations and stick to popular tourist areas.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a friendship scam, report the individual to local authorities or your embassy.

Shoe shiners may overcharge for their services. Watch your belongings while getting a shine.

Watch Belongings: Keep a close eye on your belongings during the shoe shining process.
Negotiate Price: Always negotiate the price beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.
Avoid Street Shiners: Avoid street shoe shiners and opt for established, reputable shops instead.

Performers may demand payment or distract you while accomplices pickpocket. Be cautious and don't engage.

Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions created by performers to protect your belongings.
Don't Engage: Do not engage with street performers to avoid being scammed or distracted.
Stay Aware: Remain aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.

Internet cafes may install keyloggers or spyware. Use reputable establishments or secure Wi-Fi spots.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose well-established, clean internet cafes with good reviews.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid sensitive transactions or logging into personal accounts on public computers.
Secure Wi-Fi Spots: Use secure Wi-Fi spots, such as your hotel's Wi-Fi, when possible.

Unlicensed scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets. Buy from authorized vendors or venues.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from authorized vendors, such as the venue box office or official websites.
Check Ticket Quality: Examine tickets for signs of tampering or poor quality.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate ticket prices to ensure a fair deal and avoid overpaying.

Vendors may sell contaminated or low-quality food. Stick to reputable restaurants and market stalls.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose established, clean restaurants with good reviews.
Check Food Quality: Inspect food for signs of contamination or poor quality before consumption.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid eating street food from vendors with questionable hygiene practices.

Money changers may offer poor exchange rates or provide fake currency. Use licensed bureaus or banks.

Licensed Bureau: Use a currency exchange bureau with a valid license issued by the local government.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between multiple providers before making a decision.
Secure Location: Exchange currency in secure locations, such as banks or official bureaus.

Conductors may demand extra fare or sell fake tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase transportation tickets from authorized vendors, such as ticket booths or machines.
Check Ticket Quality: Examine tickets for signs of tampering or poor quality.
Avoid Private Vehicles: Refuse offers from private vehicles for transportation and opt for public transport instead.