Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Heshan, Guangdong, China

1. Temple Scam

Scammers pose as temple guides and ask for donations. They may overstate the historical significance of the temple.

Unsolicited Guides: Be wary of anyone offering unsolicited services at temples.
Donation Amount: Check the suggested donation amount before giving, and feel free to negotiate.
Historical Information: Research temples beforehand to avoid overpaying or being misinformed.

Some taxis might charge excessive fares, especially during peak hours or to tourists.

Fare Estimation Apps: Use fare estimation apps or ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter.
Negotiating Fares: Negotiate fares before starting your journey.
Avoid Peak Hours: Try to avoid traveling during peak hours to minimize overcharging.

Street vendors may sell counterfeit goods, particularly in busy markets.

Brand Logos: Check for missing or faint brand logos as a sign of fake products.
Quality Check: Inspect the product closely for poor quality or unusual features.
Legal Consequences: Purchasing counterfeit goods may lead to legal troubles, so be cautious.

Unscrupulous money exchangers might shortchange or offer low exchange rates.

Reputable Exchanges: Use reputable and licensed money exchanges.
Check Receipts: Always check your receipt to ensure the correct exchange rate and amount.
Avoid Exchanging Large Amounts: Divide your money exchanges into smaller amounts to minimize loss.

Hotels might overbook rooms and offer subpar alternatives or ask for extra fees.

Book Directly: Book your hotel room directly through the hotel's official website.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to avoid hotels with a history of overbooking.
Check-in Early: Arrive early to secure your room and ensure the hotel has not double-booked.

Some tour guides may provide misinformation or lead you to overpriced shops.

Licensed Guides: Choose licensed and registered tour guides.
Itinerary Research: Research the intended itinerary to avoid unnecessary stops.
Negotiating Fees: Negotiate fees upfront and clarify what is included in the tour.

Certain restaurants might target tourists with inflated prices and poor quality food.

Locals' Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to avoid tourist traps.
Menu Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants in the area before ordering.
Food Quality: Check the quality of food and service before dining.

Sellers might provide fake SIM cards or overcharge for them.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers.
Check SIM Card Details: Verify the SIM card details, including the phone number and balance.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors or unauthorized retailers.

Translation services might overcharge for poor quality translations.

Reputable Services: Use reputable translation service providers.
Check Translation Samples: Request a sample translation before committing to the service.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate rates upfront and clarify the scope of work.

Criminals might install skimming devices on fake or unauthorized ATMs to steal your card information.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks or reputable establishments.
Check Machine for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Cover Your Hand While Inserting Card: Cover your hand while inserting your card to protect against camera-based skimming devices.

Some people might pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers.

Legitimate Charities: Donate to established and well-known charities.
Ask for ID: Ask for identification before donating.
Check the Collection Method: Be wary of collectors who pressure you to donate on the spot.

Scammers might sell fake or overpriced tickets for attractions and events.

Official Ticket Outlets: Purchase tickets from official outlets or authorized vendors.
Check Tickets for Authenticity: Inspect the ticket for any inconsistencies before using it.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.

Scammers might overcharge for goldfish balls and claim they bring good luck.

Know the Price Beforehand: Research the price of goldfish balls before purchasing.
Check the Condition of Goldfish: Inspect the condition of the goldfish to ensure it is healthy.
Negotiate the Price: Negotiate the price before buying to avoid overpaying.

Scammers might call pretending to be telecom representatives and ask for personal information.

Official Telecom Contact Information: Use official telecom contact information to report any suspicious calls.
Don't Share Personal Info: Never share personal or sensitive information over the phone.
Check Bill Regularly: Regularly check your telecom bills for any unusual charges.

Some bicycle rental shops might overcharge or refuse to return your deposit.

Reputable Rental Shops: Choose reputable and well-reviewed bicycle rental shops.
Inspect the Bicycle Before Renting: Inspect the bicycle for any damages before renting to avoid being charged for them later.
Check Deposit Refund Policy: Understand and clarify the deposit refund policy before renting.