Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jinzhou, China

1. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Overpriced eateries near popular attractions lure unsuspecting tourists with high prices and subpar food.

Location: Avoid restaurants far from the attraction's center, as they may offer better value.
Menu Prices: Compare prices with other establishments in the area to ensure reasonable costs.
Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations or consult online reviews before dining.

Some tour guides may not have proper licenses and can overcharge or mislead tourists.

Licensing Information: Ask for the guide's license and verify its authenticity.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other guides offering similar services.
Tour Company Reviews: Check online reviews for the tour company before booking.

Stores selling counterfeit goods often target tourists looking for bargains.

Brand Authenticity: Check for genuine brand labels and quality of the product.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stores in the area to ensure reasonable costs.
Legal Consequences: Be aware that purchasing counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues.

Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge or take longer routes to inflate the fare.

Meter Usage: Insist on using a meter and ensure it is turned on.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other taxi companies for the same destination.
Prepaid Taxis: Opt for prepaid taxis at train stations or airports when available.

Some accommodations may not meet the expectations described online or overcharge guests.

Online Reviews: Check online reviews for the accommodation to ensure it meets your standards.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other accommodations in the area.
Payment Methods: Ask about payment methods and beware of accommodations that only accept cash or wire transfers.

Some stores may sell fraudulent SIM cards or overcharge for services.

Official Shops: Buy your SIM card from official shops or authorized dealers.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stores offering similar services.
Contract Terms: Read the contract carefully before signing to avoid hidden fees or charges.

Scalpers may sell tickets for popular attractions at inflated prices.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from official outlets or the attraction's website.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other ticket outlets to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Timing: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Some ATMs may be rigged with skimming devices to steal card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or secure areas to minimize the risk of skimming.
Credit Card Protection: Notify your bank about your travel plans and consider using a credit card with fraud protection.
Card Safety: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect your information from prying eyes.

Some performers may pressure tourists for money or mislead them into thinking they are being scammed.

Some massage parlors may offer services that are not what they seem.

Licensing Information: Ask for the parlor's license and verify its authenticity.
Services Offered: Be aware of services that are not typical for a massage parlor.
Payment Methods: Ask about payment methods and beware of parlors that only accept cash or wire transfers.

Some individuals posing as police officers may try to extort money from tourists.

Official Uniforms: Check for proper uniforms and identification badges.
Legal Procedures: Know your rights and do not provide any sensitive information without consulting a consulate.
Safety in Numbers: Travel in groups and avoid isolated areas to minimize the risk of such encounters.

Some currency exchange booths may offer unfavorable rates or charge hidden fees.

Official Booths: Exchange money at banks, official exchange booths, or hotels.
Price Comparison: Compare rates with other exchange booths in the area to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Fees: Ask about any fees associated with the transaction beforehand.

Some merchants may overcharge or perform fraudulent transactions.

Receipts: Always ask for a receipt and verify the details before leaving.
Payment Methods: Be aware of credit card skimming devices and opt for secure payment methods when possible.
Transaction Confirmation: Confirm the transaction details with the merchant before finalizing the purchase.

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors to solicit donations for fraudulent causes.

Legitimate Charities: Research legitimate charities in the area and confirm they are authorized to collect donations.
Donation Receipts: Ask for a receipt or proof of the charity's registration before donating.
Safety: Be cautious when donating, especially in isolated areas or at night.

Some beggars may pressure tourists for money or be part of an organized scam.

Safety: Avoid isolated areas and travel in groups, especially at night.
Genuine Need: Assess the person's genuine need before donating.
Alternative Donations: Consider donating to reputable local charities instead of giving directly to beggars.