Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiaojiangcun, Zhejiang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced taxi rides or being taken to unnecessary stops. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Meter Use: Ensure the meter is turned on and used correctly.
- Knowledgeable Driver: Choose a driver who appears knowledgeable about the area and can communicate effectively.
- Reputable Company: Use reputable taxi companies when possible to minimize risk.
2. Counterfeit Products
Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs or electronics as some items may be counterfeit. Buy from authorized dealers or well-known shops.
- Brand Authenticity: Check for genuine brand logos and packaging when purchasing products.
- Shop Reputation: Research shops before making a purchase to ensure they have a good reputation.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items in different shops to avoid overpaying for counterfeit goods.
3. Street Food Scams
Be wary of street food vendors offering unappetizing or questionable items. Stick to busy and well-reviewed stalls.
- Busy Location: Choose street food vendors in busy, popular areas with lots of customers.
- Food Appearance: Look for fresh and appealing food, avoiding dishes that look old or unappetizing.
- Recommendations: Ask locals or other tourists for recommendations on good street food vendors.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Be vigilant when exchanging currency to avoid getting shortchanged. Only use reputable exchange services.
- Official Rates: Ensure the exchange rates are consistent with official ones.
- Secure Environment: Exchange currency in secure environments such as banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Multiple Transactions: Break larger transactions into multiple smaller ones to minimize the risk of getting shortchanged.
5. Unlicensed Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may lead you to scammy shops or overcharge for services. Only hire licensed and reputable guides.
- License Verification: Check if the guide has a valid tour guide license.
- Guide Reputation: Read reviews and ask for recommendations when choosing a tour guide.
- Tour Company Credibility: Choose tours offered by reputable companies with good track records.
6. Overpriced Accommodation
Avoid overpaying for accommodation by researching prices and comparing options. Use reputable booking websites.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar accommodations in the area.
- Reputation Check: Check reviews for the accommodation to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Location: Choose accommodations that are centrally located and easy to access.
7. Fake Attraction Tickets
Avoid buying attraction tickets from unofficial vendors. Only purchase tickets at official ticket booths.
- Official Ticket Booths: Purchase tickets only at official ticket booths or through authorized online channels.
- Attraction Reputation: Check the attraction's reputation to ensure it is genuine and well-regarded.
- Price Consistency: Compare ticket prices with those advertised on official websites to avoid overpaying.
8. Unwanted Souvenir Gifts
Be wary of vendors offering free souvenirs or trinkets as they may try to charge for them later. Politely decline these offers.
- Vendor Reputation: Avoid vendors with a reputation for questionable business practices.
- Suspicious Offers: Be cautious of vendors offering free items that seem too good to be true.
- Purchase Intent: Make it clear that you are not interested in purchasing any unwanted items.
9. Scammy Street Performances
Avoid performances that demand payment for photos or involve pushy tactics. Only support genuine and non-aggressive performances.
- Genuine Talent: Choose performances that showcase genuine talent and avoid those that seem staged.
- Aggressive Tactics: Avoid performers who use aggressive or pushy tactics to solicit tips or payments.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good street performances that are worth supporting.
10. Fraudulent Wi-Fi Hotspots
Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks as they may be used for data theft. Use a VPN or cellular data when possible.
- Secure Connections: Use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks when available.
- VPN Usage: Consider using a VPN for added security and privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Data Security: Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
11. Overpriced SIM Cards
Avoid overpaying for mobile data by researching prices and comparing options. Buy from reputable providers.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar SIM card packages from various providers.
- Reputation Check: Check reviews for the provider to ensure a positive customer experience.
- Data Package Options: Choose a SIM card package that offers enough data for your needs without overpaying.
12. Scammy Money Exchange Kiosks
Avoid using unofficial money exchange kiosks as they may offer unfavorable exchange rates or attempt to scam customers. Use banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Official Exchange Rates: Ensure the exchange rates are consistent with official ones.
- Secure Environment: Exchange money in secure environments such as banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Multiple Transactions: Break larger transactions into multiple smaller ones to minimize the risk of getting shortchanged.
13. Counterfeit Local Cuisine
Be cautious when trying local cuisine as some dishes may be counterfeit or made with low-quality ingredients. Seek out authentic restaurants and street food vendors.
- Authentic Ingredients: Look for fresh, high-quality ingredients when trying local cuisine.
- Busy Location: Choose restaurants and street food vendors in busy, popular areas with lots of customers.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good restaurants and street food vendors serving authentic cuisine.
14. Fake Accommodation Listings
Be cautious when booking accommodation online as some listings may be fraudulent. Only book through reputable websites and read reviews carefully.
- Reputable Websites: Book accommodations only through reputable travel websites.
- Reviews: Read reviews for the accommodation to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Location: Choose accommodations that are centrally located and easy to access.
15. Scammy Attraction Tours
Avoid overpaying for attraction tours by researching prices and comparing options. Only book through reputable tour companies.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar attraction tours from various providers.
- Reputation Check: Check reviews for the tour company to ensure a positive customer experience.
- Attraction Reputation: Choose tours that visit genuine and well-regarded attractions.