Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiannan, Sichuan, China

All Topics about Jiannan All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scam at Jiannan Airport

Avoid overpriced taxis by using airport-approved transportation services or negotiating a fair price beforehand.

Unregulated Taxis: Some unofficial taxis may charge excessive fees.
Prepaid Kiosks: Airport prepaid kiosks offer fixed, affordable prices.
Negotiation Skills: Bargaining with local drivers can help secure a reasonable fare.

Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs from unauthorized vendors at the park. Legitimate merchandise is only available at authorized stalls.

Unauthorized Vendors: These vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
Authorized Stalls: Official stalls within the park guarantee genuine products.
Brand Recognition: Inspect for well-known brand logos to ensure authenticity.

Hire a licensed tour guide from an authorized agency to ensure accurate information and reliable service.

Unlicensed Guides: These guides may provide false or misleading information.
Authorized Agencies: Licensed tour agencies employ professional, knowledgeable guides.
Tourist Information Centers: Obtain information from official tourist centers for reputable guide services.

Use reputable money exchange outlets such as banks or authorized kiosks to exchange currency and avoid receiving fake bills.

Unregulated Exchange Shops: These shops may provide counterfeit currency.
Authorized Money Exchange Outlets: Official outlets offer secure and trustworthy services.
Currency Inspection: Inspect bills for security features to ensure authenticity.

Choose popular, well-established food stalls with clean environments and busy service areas.

Unhygienic Stalls: These stalls may use contaminated ingredients or poor sanitation practices.
Popular and Busy Stalls: High turnover indicates a trusted, popular food vendor.
Cleanliness: A clean environment is essential for safe food handling.

Verify the prices of menu items before ordering to avoid unexpectedly high bills.

Price Discrepancies: Some restaurants may inflate item costs after service.
Fixed Menu Prices: Menu prices should remain consistent for each dish ordered.
Item Comparison: Compare prices with other restaurants to ensure fairness.

Keep personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items such as phones or wallets.

Crowded Locations: Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas.
Valuable Items: Limit the visibility of expensive items to deter thieves.
Personal Safety: Keep a close eye on belongings and avoid leaving them unattended.

Book accommodations from reputable online platforms or hotels directly to avoid potential fraud.

Unregulated Online Listings: These listings may provide false information or poor service.
Reputable Booking Sites: Book from well-known, trustworthy online booking platforms.
Direct Hotel Reservations: Reserve accommodations through hotels' official websites or customer service.

Donate at recognized religious sites and avoid individuals requesting money for unverified causes.

Unverified Causes: These individuals may be collecting funds for personal gain, not charitable purposes.
Recognized Religious Sites: Legitimate religious sites have donation boxes or designated areas for contributions.
Charity Research: Research local charities and their supported causes to ensure your donations are used effectively.

Maintain a reasonable bargaining range and be aware of market prices to avoid overpaying.

Market Prices: Know the average price range for items at the market.
Bargaining Range: Determine a fair starting point and maximum acceptable price before negotiations.
Haggling Skills: Practice polite yet firm negotiating techniques to achieve a fair deal.

Visit reputable wine tasting venues and verify the authenticity of offered wines.

Unregulated Venues: These venues may serve counterfeit or low-quality wines.
Authorized Wineries: Legitimate wineries offer authentic wine tasting experiences.
Label Authenticity: Inspect bottles for well-known brand logos to ensure authenticity.

Visit licensed massage parlors for safe and enjoyable experiences.

Unlicensed Venues: These establishments may employ untrained staff or use harmful practices.
Licensed Massage Parlors: Legally operating massage parlors provide professional, safe services.
Customer Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure a positive experience at the selected venue.

Visit reputable tea shops and verify the authenticity of offered teas.

Unregulated Shops: These shops may sell counterfeit or low-quality teas.
Authorized Tea Shops: Legitimate tea shops offer authentic, high-quality products.
Tea Labeling: Inspect packaging for well-known brand logos and specific origins to ensure authenticity.

Appreciate street performances but do not offer money unless the performance was enjoyed.

Exaggerated Talent: Some performers may exaggerate their skills to solicit tips.
Voluntary Tips: Tip only if the performance was genuinely enjoyable and appreciated.
Scam Awareness: Be cautious of individuals who seem overly persistent or aggressive in soliciting tips.

Book guided tours through reputable tour operators to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Unlicensed Tour Operators: These companies may provide unreliable or unsafe services.
Licensed Tour Operators: Legally operating tour companies offer professional, secure tours.
Tour Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure a positive experience with the selected tour operator.