Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using meter or negotiating price before starting the journey.

Avoid buying fake goods from street vendors; instead, visit authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Visit malls or official stores to purchase authentic products.
Quality Assurance: Authentic goods offer better quality assurance.
Legal Concerns: Supporting the economy by buying authorized products

Avoid suspicious currency exchange shops; stick to reputable banks or licensed money changers.

Reputable Money Changers: Choose banks or licensed money changers for reliable service.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates before finalizing the transaction.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are secure and conducted in a safe environment

Beware of unofficial sim card vendors; buy sim cards only from official stores or authorized retailers.

Official Stores: Visit telecom company outlets to purchase sim cards.
Data Security: Ensure data security by purchasing from authorized retailers.
Legal Compliance: Avoid legal issues by following the correct procedure to obtain a sim card

Stay aware of your belongings in crowded places; use anti-theft bags or backpacks.

Awareness: Remain vigilant and keep personal belongings secure.
Anti-Theft Bags: Use bags or backpacks with anti-theft features for added security.
Valuables Storage: Store valuables in a safe place, not easily accessible to thieves

Avoid overpriced tourist attractions by researching ticket prices in advance.

Research: Check prices online before visiting popular tourist spots.
Official Tickets: Purchase tickets from official ticket booths to avoid counterfeits.
Group Discounts: Take advantage of group discounts if applicable

Avoid unlicensed tour guides; hire reputable and licensed ones for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Reputable Tour Guides: Research and choose licensed tour guides for a reliable service.
Knowledgeable Guides: Licensed guides provide accurate information about Jiaxing.
Safety Assurance: Ensure safety during your tour with a licensed guide.

Avoid overpriced or poor quality food by researching popular restaurants and reading reviews.

Popular Restaurants: Choose well-rated restaurants to ensure good food quality.
Reviews: Read customer reviews before dining at a new restaurant.
Location: Avoid eating at restaurants located in quiet or isolated areas

Book accommodation through reputable online platforms or official hotels to avoid scams.

Reputable Platforms: Choose well-known booking websites for reliable service.
Official Hotels: Book rooms directly through official hotels' websites.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room before finalizing your stay

Avoid using internet cafes with poor reviews or no security measures in place.

Good Reputation: Choose internet cafes with good customer feedback.
Security Measures: Look for internet cafes with security features like web filters or firewalls.
Data Protection: Protect your data by choosing a secure internet cafe.

Be cautious when receiving business cards from unknown individuals; avoid giving out personal information easily.

Verification: Verify the identity of the person before sharing personal details.
Personal Information: Avoid giving out sensitive information to strangers.
Networking Tactics: Build a genuine connection before exchanging contact information

Avoid street food stands with poor hygiene or suspicious practices; opt for busy, well-regarded stands instead.

Hygiene Standards: Look for clean and well-maintained street food stands.
Busy Stands: Choose street food stands that are busy with customers.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from other customers before trying a new stand

Avoid unsecured cyber cafes; choose ones with antivirus software and privacy settings.

Antivirus Software: Look for cyber cafes with installed antivirus software.
Privacy Settings: Check if the cyber cafe offers privacy settings for your computer.
Data Protection: Protect your data by choosing a secure cyber cafe.

Be cautious when befriending strangers; avoid sharing personal or financial information easily.

Verification: Verify the identity of new acquaintances before sharing sensitive information.
Personal Information: Avoid giving out sensitive personal or financial information to strangers.
Cautious Communication: Communicate cautiously with new acquaintances, especially when it comes to sensitive topics

Avoid using ATMs in secluded or suspicious areas; choose well-lit and busy locations.

Well-Lit Locations: Use ATMs located in well-lit and visible areas for safety.
Busy Locations: Choose ATMs that are in busy, populated locations.
Security Cameras: Look for ATMs with security cameras nearby for added protection.