Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiangmen, China

1. Taxi Scam Avoidance

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on a fare before starting the journey or using official taxis with meters.

Metered Taxis: Official taxis have meters and charge fares according to city regulations.
Pre-negotiated Fares: Agree on a fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Stay safe by avoiding unmarked or unlicensed taxis.

Avoid purchasing fake goods at local markets by inspecting the quality and buying from reputable stores.

Reputable Stores: Purchase goods from well-known stores or chains for guaranteed authenticity.
Inspection: Inspect the quality of goods before purchasing to ensure they are genuine.
Local Prices: Check if the price is too low, as it could indicate counterfeit goods.

Avoid unfavorable exchange rates by researching the market rate and using reputable currency exchanges.

Market Rate Research: Research the current exchange rate before making transactions.
Reputable Exchanges: Exchange currency at banks, hotels or authorized money changers for better rates and security.
Avoid Street Transactions: Stay safe by avoiding street exchanges that may offer unfavorable rates or steal your cash.

Avoid ATMs with skimming devices by choosing well-lit, secure locations and covering the keypad while entering your PIN.

Well-Lit Locations: Choose well-lit areas to minimize the risk of skimming devices.
Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in secure, well-trafficked areas for added safety.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.

Avoid overpriced meals by knowing the local prices and negotiating before ordering or paying in advance.

Local Prices Research: Research common meal prices to avoid being overcharged.
Pre-negotiated Prices: Negotiate the price before ordering or pay in advance to avoid surprises at checkout.
Stay Away from Tourist Areas: Avoid restaurants located in tourist areas, which tend to overcharge.

Avoid scams by not giving money directly to beggars and reporting suspicious activities to local authorities.

Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious or potentially criminal activities to the local police.
Donate to Registered Charities: Donate to registered charities if you want to help the less fortunate.
Stay Aware: Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when approached by beggars.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping valuables secure, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding crowded areas.

Secure Valuables: Keep your valuables securely stored in a bag or pocket.
Stay Aware: Stay aware of your surroundings to minimize the risk of theft.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Avoid crowded areas, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons.

Avoid friendly scams by not sharing personal information with strangers and being cautious when invited to private events.

Personal Information Safety: Do not share your personal information, especially financial details, with strangers.
Be Cautious with Invitations: Be cautious when invited to private events by people you don't know well.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and avoid situations that feel uncomfortable or suspicious.

Avoid fraudulent tour guides by using licensed, reputable services and researching the guide beforehand.

Licensed Guides: Use only licensed tour guides registered with local tourism authorities.
Research the Guide: Research the guide's reputation, experience, and qualifications before booking a tour.
Avoid Street Guides: Stay away from unlicensed or street guides who may charge exorbitant fees or lead you to scams.

Avoid tourist traps by researching the destination and sticking to well-reviewed attractions.

Research Attractions: Research the most popular and well-reviewed attractions before visiting.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling overpriced or counterfeit goods in tourist areas.
Local Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals for authentic experiences and attractions.

Avoid fake accommodations by booking through reputable sites or directly with the hotel and reading reviews.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book accommodations through reputable travel websites for added security.
Direct Hotel Bookings: Book directly with the hotel to avoid confusion and ensure a valid reservation.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the accommodation's quality and service.

Avoid transportation scams by researching common prices for each mode of transport and negotiating fares before boarding.

Research Transportation Costs: Research the average cost for each mode of transportation to avoid being overcharged.
Negotiate Fares: Negotiate fares before boarding any form of public transport to ensure a fair price.
Stay Away from Unofficial Transportation: Avoid unofficial or unmarked transportation options, such as unlicensed taxis or rickshaws.

Avoid shaman scams by researching their authenticity and only participating in legitimate spiritual experiences.

Research Authentic Shamans: Research the shaman's reputation, qualifications, and legitimacy before engaging in a session.
Join Reputable Groups: Participate in spiritual experiences offered by reputable groups or organizations.
Avoid Street Shamans: Stay away from street shamans who may offer fraudulent services for personal gain.

Avoid language barrier scams by learning some basic Chinese phrases and using translation apps.

Learn Basic Phrases: Learn essential Chinese phrases to communicate effectively with locals.
Use Translation Apps: Utilize translation apps to help you understand and communicate better in Chinese.
Stay Patient: Remain patient when communicating with locals, as misunderstandings can occur due to the language barrier.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing sim cards from official retailers and checking for hidden charges.

Official Retailers: Purchase sim cards only from authorized retailers, such as telecom company stores or airports.
Check for Hidden Charges: Thoroughly review the terms and conditions to avoid any hidden charges or fees.
Stay Aware of Scams: Stay vigilant for salespeople offering cheap sim cards with hidden charges in tourist areas.