Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China

1. Sim Card Scam

Fraudulent sellers offering cheap SIM cards with unlimited data. The cards are often faulty or overpriced.

Price Check: Always compare prices before buying to avoid overpaying.
Verified Vendors: Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers or mobile operator stores.
Network Coverage: Ensure the network has good coverage in areas you plan to visit.

Dishonest taxi drivers taking longer routes or charging inflated fares.

Meter Usage: Always insist on using the meter and ensure it's properly set before starting the journey.
Registered Taxis: Use only registered taxis, which can be identified by their license plate numbers.
Shared Taxis: Consider using shared taxis (Dàshùchǎo) to save costs.

Some tour guides may offer substandard services or overcharge tourists.

Licensed Guides: Choose a licensed guide registered with the local tourism authority.
Itinerary Negotiation: Negotiate the itinerary, price, and services before hiring any guide.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews of guides to ensure a positive reputation.

Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or overcharge tourists.

Reputable Vendors: Choose popular, busy street food stalls with good hygiene practices.
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with surrounding vendors to avoid overpaying.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite street food stalls.

Purchasing counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues and supports illegal activities.

Authentic Brands: Only buy from authorized retailers of authentic brands.
Product Quality: Inspect products for poor quality and check for any inconsistencies.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stores and online to ensure reasonable pricing.

Unscrupulous hotel owners may overcharge or offer substandard rooms.

Reputable Hotels: Choose hotels with good reviews and a proven track record.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other hotels online to avoid overpaying.
Location: Choose a hotel in a convenient location for sightseeing and transportation.

Some attractions may charge exorbitant prices to unsuspecting tourists.

Official Ticket Prices: Check official websites for accurate ticket prices.
Group Discounts: Consider purchasing tickets in groups to take advantage of any discounts.
Skip-the-Line Tickets: Purchase skip-the-line tickets to save time and avoid overpaying.

Massage parlors may offer substandard services or charge excessive fees.

Licensed Parlors: Choose massage parlors with valid licenses and good reviews.
Service Quality: Check for cleanliness, professionalism, and quality of service.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other massage parlors to ensure reasonable pricing.

Exchange houses may offer poor exchange rates or charge hidden fees.

Official Exchange Rates: Check official exchange rates before converting currency.
Multiple Quotes: Obtain multiple quotes from different exchange houses to compare prices.
Secure Locations: Exchange currency at secure locations such as banks or authorized exchange houses.

Individuals who approach tourists under the guise of friendship and then ask for money.

Suspicion and Caution: Remain cautious when interacting with strangers, especially if they seem overly friendly.
Avoid Giving Money: Never give money to individuals asking for help unless you are certain of their intentions.
Contact Local Authorities: Inform local authorities if you encounter suspicious individuals.

Scams involving buses, trains, and ferries, such as overcharging or selling fake tickets.

Official Ticket Prices: Check official ticket prices before purchasing.
Ticket Checks: Be prepared for ticket checks and always have your tickets ready.
Registered Transportation: Use only registered transportation providers, such as official bus companies or licensed taxi services.

Internet cafes may install malware on computers or charge excessive fees.

Secure Computers: Choose internet cafes with secure, up-to-date computers.
Hidden Charges: Ask about any hidden charges before using the computer.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN to protect your online activities and personal information.

Souvenir shops may charge excessive prices for low-quality items.

Authentic Souvenirs: Choose authentic souvenirs that represent the region and are of good quality.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure reasonable pricing.
Haggling: Haggle for a lower price if the initial offer is too high.

Buying counterfeit medicine can be dangerous and ineffective.

Authentic Brands: Buy only from authorized pharmacies or drug stores.
Prescription Medication: If you require prescription medication, bring it with you and obtain refills as needed.
First Aid Kits: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit for minor health issues.

Some individuals may ask for donations under false pretenses.

Reputable Charities: Donate only to reputable charities and organizations.
Avoid Street Donations: Do not give money to individuals asking for donations on the street.
Check Online Reviews: Research charities and organizations before making a donation.