Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jingdezhen, China
1. Taxis in Jingdezhen
Avoid unlicensed taxis by checking for a valid meter and license plate. Use app-based services like Didi or Kuaidi for safety.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Can charge exorbitant prices or not use a meter
- App-based Services: Offer regulated pricing and GPS tracking for safety
- Valid Meter and License Plate: Ensure taxi is legitimate and follows local regulations
2. Rickshaw Rides
Bargain for the price before starting a rickshaw ride. Negotiate a fixed fee to avoid overcharging.
- Overcharging: Can charge tourists inflated prices
- Bargaining: Allows for a fair price and mutual agreement
- Fixed Fee: Prevent unnecessary price increases along the route
3. Jade Scams
Be cautious when buying jade. Learn about the different types and ask for certificates of authenticity.
- Lack of Authenticity: Jade may be fake, low-quality, or overpriced
- Certificates of Authenticity: Guarantee the quality and type of jade
- Jade Knowledge: Helps identify high-quality, genuine jade
4. Street Food Vendors
Choose busy and popular street food vendors. Avoid eating from empty stalls to ensure fresh food.
- Empty Stalls: May serve spoiled or unhygienic food
- Popular Vendors: Offer fresh, local food and have a good reputation
- Busy Areas: Attract more reputable vendors and fewer scams
5. Hotel Scams
Research hotels online before booking. Check reviews for any issues or complaints.
- Online Research: Ensures a good reputation and reliable services
- Hotel Reviews: Helps identify potential issues or scams
- Booking in Advance: Prevent overbookings and potential scams
6. Street Performers
Give only to performers who ask for money. Ignore aggressive or persistent solicitation.
- Aggressive Solicitation: Can be intimidating and may involve scams
- Giving to Those Who Ask: Ensures your money goes directly to the performer
- Ignoring Persistent Solicitation: Prevents unnecessary interactions and pressure
7. Tour Guides
Choose reputable tour guides. Look for certifications, recommendations, or reviews.
- Certifications and Recommendations: Ensure knowledgeable, reliable, and ethical guides
- Reputation: Helps identify trustworthy and experienced tour guides
- Reviews: Highlights any potential issues or scams
8. Art Galleries
Research galleries before visiting. Check for certificates of authenticity and appraisals.
- Certificates of Authenticity: Guarantee the quality, type, and origin of artwork
- Appraisals: Determine the market value of art pieces
- Gallery Reputation: Ensures trustworthy and ethical art dealers
9. Markets and Shops
Bargain for prices at markets and shops. Be aware of fixed prices in certain areas.
- Bargaining: Helps find a fair price and avoid overpricing
- Fixed Prices: Ensure consistency in pricing across vendors in certain areas
- Awareness of Scams: Helps identify and avoid potential scams
10. Internet Cafes
Use cafes with good reviews or recommendations. Avoid unattended or suspicious locations.
- Good Reviews and Recommendations: Ensure reliable internet connections and security
- Avoid Suspicious Locations: Prevent potential data theft or scams
- Attended Cafes: Ensure assistance and support when needed
11. Currency Exchange
Use banks or reputable exchange centers. Be cautious of street exchanges offering unusually high rates.
- Reputable Centers: Offer fair exchange rates and reliable service
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Prevent potential scams or poor exchange rates
- Banks: Guarantee safety, reliability, and security
12. ATMs in Jingdezhen
Use ATMs located in banks or busy areas. Be cautious of unattended or suspicious machines.
- Avoid Suspicious ATMs: Prevent potential skimming or card theft
- Banks and Busy Areas: Ensure security, reliability, and ease of use
- Monitor Transactions: Identify any unusual activity or potential scams
13. Public Transportation
Avoid strangers offering help on public transportation. Keep belongings close and secure.
- Strangers Offering Help: Can distract and potentially steal your belongings
- Secure Belongings: Prevents theft or loss of personal items
- Avoid Isolated Spaces: Reduces the risk of potential scams or harassment
14. Language Barriers
Carry a phrasebook or use translation apps. Be aware of common scams and ask locals for advice.
- Phrasebooks and Translation Apps: Helps communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings
- Asking Locals for Advice: Identifies common scams and potential risks
- Understanding Common Scams: Prevents falling victim to tourist traps or exploitation
15. Street Performers (Second Item)
Tip only if the performance is truly enjoyable. Be wary of overly persistent performers.
- Enjoyable Performance: Ensures the tip goes to a deserving performer
- Avoid Overly Persistent Performers: Prevent potential coercion or discomfort
- Tip Judiciously: Supports the performer while avoiding scams