Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Harbin, China
1. Taxi Scams
Watch for unofficial taxis and drivers who refuse to use meters. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.
- Unmetered Rides: Refusal to use meter is a common scam.
- Unlicensed Drivers: Ensure your driver has a valid taxi license.
- Overcharging: Always agree on the price before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
2. Counterfeit Goods
Beware of counterfeit goods sold in markets and shops. Look for official store signs or licenses.
- Fake Labels: Check for inconsistencies in brand labels.
- Price Differences: Compare prices with other shops or online.
- Quality Issues: Inspect goods for quality before purchasing.
3. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Look for official badges and ensure they are employed by a reputable company.
- Lack of Badge: Check if the guide is wearing an official badge.
- Unfamiliarity with Attractions: Ask questions about attractions and gauge their knowledge.
- Request for Extra Fees: Be wary of guides asking for extra fees during the tour.
4. ATM Scams
Stick to well-lit and busy ATMs. Be careful not to let anyone observe your PIN or take your card.
- Skimming Devices: Check the ATM for any suspicious devices.
- Card Swapping: Keep your card in sight during the transaction.
- ATM Location: Avoid isolated or poorly lit ATMs.
5. Street Food Safety
Choose street food stalls that are clean and busy. Avoid any food that is not fresh or properly cooked.
- Cleanliness: Check the cleanliness of the food preparation area.
- Busy Stalls: Choose busy stalls as they are more likely to follow health regulations.
- Cooking Methods: Observe if the food is cooked in a clean and hygienic manner.
6. Sim Card Scams
Buy sim cards from official stores. Be wary of overpriced or unsolicited offers.
- Overpricing: Compare prices with other stores before purchasing.
- Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from strangers and stick to official stores.
- Incomplete Packages: Check if the package includes all promised features.
7. Language Barrier Scams
Learn a few basic phrases in Chinese to communicate effectively. Be cautious when someone exploits your language barrier.
- Basic Phrases: Learn greetings, numbers, and common phrases.
- Avoid Isolation: Stay in groups or with a travel companion.
- Reliable Translators: Use reliable translation apps or find an official translator.
8. Accommodation Scams
Book accommodation through reputable websites or agencies. Inspect the property for any discrepancies before paying.
- Reputable Websites: Book through well-known travel websites.
- Discrepancies: Check the accommodation for any discrepancies before paying.
- Payment Methods: Pay through secure methods, such as credit card or reputable payment platforms.
9. Festival Scams
Attend official events for festivals and celebrations. Be cautious of overpriced or fake tickets.
- Official Events: Check the event is officially organized by a reputable body.
- Overpricing: Compare prices with other sources before purchasing tickets.
- Fake Tickets: Check the authenticity of tickets before attending events.
10. Internet Café Scams
Choose reputable internet cafes. Be cautious of suspicious activities or unattended computers.
- Reputable Internet Cafes: Ask locals for recommendations or choose popular ones.
- Suspicious Activities: Be wary of unattended computers or suspicious activities.
- Secure Computers: Make sure the computer you use is secure and not rigged with malware.
11. Street Performances Scams
Enjoy street performances, but be cautious of performers who demand money before starting or insist on excessive tips.
- Demanding Money: Be wary if the performer demands money before starting.
- Excessive Tips: Give a fair and reasonable tip, not an excessive amount.
- Location: Performances near popular attractions are often genuine.
12. Restaurant Scams
Choose restaurants with visible menus or prices. Avoid restaurants that insist on expensive dishes.
- Visible Menus: Check for a visible menu before seating.
- Expensive Dishes: Avoid restaurants that insist on expensive dishes.
- Local Recommendations: Seek local recommendations or choose popular restaurants.
13. Transportation Scams
Avoid unofficial transportation services. Use official buses, trains, and subways for a hassle-free journey.
- Unofficial Services: Be wary of unmarked or private vehicles.
- Official Transportation: Use official transportation services like buses, trains, and subways.
- Ticket Scams: Buy tickets at authorized sales points to avoid ticket scams.
14. Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Scams
Attend the official Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Be cautious of overpriced or fake tickets.
- Official Festival: Check if the festival is officially organized by the local government.
- Overpricing: Compare prices with other sources before purchasing tickets.
- Fake Tickets: Check the authenticity of tickets before attending the festival.
15. Exchange Scams
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers. Be wary of unfavorable exchange rates or unofficial exchanges.
- Banks and Authorized Centers: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Unofficial Exchanges: Avoid unfamiliar or unofficial exchanges.
- Favorable Rates: Check exchange rates before exchanging money.