Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jixi, China

1. Temple Street Scam Alert

Be wary of fortune tellers who offer personalized predictions. They may use vague statements to extract money.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge or offer to take you to a store before your destination.

Overcharging: Ask the driver for a receipt and compare with standard rates
Unsolicited Store Visit: Decline offers to stop at stores unless you wish to visit
Prearranged Routes: Insist on going directly to your destination

Strangers offering tour services may not be licensed or trustworthy.

Avoid buying souvenirs from unofficial street vendors; they may sell counterfeit goods.

Counterfeit Souvenirs: Only buy from authorized stores or markets
Health and Safety Risks: Be aware of potential health hazards with cheap, fake goods
Lack of Quality: Realize that counterfeit goods do not meet quality standards

Some money exchangers may offer a lower rate or provide counterfeit money.

A 'free' tour may lead you to a store where they pressure you to buy something.

Pressure to Purchase: Be aware of attempts to steer you towards specific stores
Lack of Quality Goods: Realize that 'free' tours may not showcase the best the city has to offer
Unsolicited Offers: Decline any offers made during the tour unless you genuinely want them

Some ATMs may skim your card or overcharge fees.

Sellers of bus and train tickets may provide fake or invalid tickets.

Fake or Invalid Tickets: Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket sellers
Overpriced Tickets: Compare prices with other travelers or online resources
Unauthorized Sellers: Avoid ticket sellers outside official stations

Some restaurants may add hidden charges or serve less food than ordered.

Hidden Charges: Check menus for service fees before ordering
Short Measurements: Order dishes that can be easily measured, like noodles or rice
Overpriced Items: Research popular restaurants and compare prices with others

Some hotel rooms may not meet expectations or have hidden fees.

Rooms Not as Described: Take photos of the room upon arrival
Hidden Fees: Ask for a clear explanation of all fees before booking
Low-Quality Accommodations: Research the accommodation thoroughly before booking

Some street food vendors may use contaminated ingredients or overcharge.

Contaminated Ingredients: Look for popular, busy food stalls with high turnover
Overpriced Food: Compare prices with other street food vendors nearby
Unsanitary Conditions: Avoid food that is not being prepared hygienically

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers or charge excessive fees.

Keyloggers and Data Theft: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your data
Exorbitant Fees: Compare prices with other internet cafés in the area
Unsolicited Downloads: Be wary of any unprompted downloads or requests for access

Some public transportation may have ticket inspectors who demand additional payments.

Fraudulent Ticket Inspectors: Purchase tickets from authorized sellers before boarding
High Fines for Lack of a Valid Ticket: Pay the correct fare to avoid expensive fines
Pressure to Pay: Stay calm and don't feel pressured to pay more than necessary

Some people may pretend to be collecting for a charity but keep the donations for themselves.

Some taxi drivers or transportation services may overcharge you at the airport.

Overcharging: Compare prices with other travelers or research in advance
Fraudulent Drivers: Only use licensed taxis or pre-arrange transportation services
Lack of Communication: Use a translation app to clarify costs and destinations