Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lanzhou, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take you to undesired destinations. Avoid this by only taking licensed cabs from designated taxi stands.

Recognizable Logo: Legitimate taxis in Lanzhou have a recognizable logo on their vehicles.
Meter Usage: Genuine cabs should always use the meter for fare calculation.
Designated Stands: Avoid hailing taxis off the street, stick to designated taxi stands.

Unauthorized tour guides may charge excessive fees or lead you to tourist traps. Stick to authorized tour guides.

Licensed Guides: Authorized tour guides will have a permit and identification.
Official Tour Companies: Book tours through reputable, official tour companies.
Avoid Street Guides: Street guides may not be authorized and could lead to scams.

Souvenir shops in crowded tourist areas often overprice items. Shop around and negotiate prices.

Negotiate Prices: Don't be afraid to haggle for better prices.
Less Crowded Shops: Shops in less crowded areas may offer more competitive prices.
Local Markets: Local markets often have lower prices than tourist shops.

Some exchange booths may give you less money than agreed or charge high fees. Use authorized exchange centers or banks.

Authorized Centers: Exchange at authorized exchange centers or banks for peace of mind.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchanges may not be trustworthy and could lead to scams.
Compare Rates: Always compare exchange rates before choosing a booth.

Some street food vendors may use expired ingredients or add unwanted substances. Stick to reputable street food stalls.

Cleanliness: Look for clean, well-managed street food stalls.
Busy Stalls: Busy stalls often indicate popular and reliable options.
Avoid Unattended Food: Food that has been left unattended for a long time should be avoided.

Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and aware of your surroundings.

Zip Up Your Bag: Always zip up your bag to prevent easy access.
Secure Wallets: Keep wallets in front pockets or use a money belt.
Avoid Overly Crowded Areas: Try to avoid overly crowded areas whenever possible.

Friendly locals may offer help but lead you to scams or ask for money. Be wary of overly friendly strangers.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and move on.
Stick to Tour Groups: Stay with your tour group for added safety.
Ask for Help at Authorized Locations: If you need help, ask at a tourist information center or hotel concierge.

Skimmers can be installed on ATMs to steal your card info. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers when possible.

Inside Banks or Shopping Centers: ATMs inside banks or shopping centers are less likely to have skimmers.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Internet cafés may install keyloggers to steal personal information. Use reputable internet cafes or use a VPN.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose well-known, reputable internet cafés.
Use a VPN: Using a VPN can help protect your online activities.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid doing sensitive transactions, like banking, on public computers.

Hotels may overbook rooms and offer you a lower quality room. Book your hotel in advance and check the amenities.

Booking a non-existent or low-quality accommodation. Always book through reputable sources.

Reputable Booking Sources: Book accommodations through reputable booking sites.
Read Reviews: Always read reviews before booking an accommodation.
Avoid Street Bookings: Never book accommodations through street vendors or individuals.

Buying tickets from unauthorized sellers may result in invalid or overpriced tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized sources only.

Authorized Sources: Always buy tickets from authorized vendors or the venue's official website.
Check for Authorization: Make sure the ticket seller has authorization before purchasing.
Compare Prices: Always compare prices with official sources to avoid overpaying.

Massage parlors may offer sexual services instead of massages. Choose reputable parlors with good reviews.

Reputable Parlors: Choose massage parlors that have good reviews and a professional appearance.
Avoid Secretive Locations: Avoid massage parlors that are secretive or difficult to find.
Know the Local Customs: Understand the local customs regarding massage parlors before visiting.

Internet access points may charge excessive fees. Use free Wi-Fi at hotels or cafes when available.

Hotel or Cafe Wi-Fi: Use the free Wi-Fi provided by your hotel or local cafes.
Avoid Street Wi-Fi: Street Wi-Fi may not be secure and could lead to data theft.
Use a Mobile Hotspot: Using a mobile hotspot can help you avoid overpriced internet access.

Counterfeit products may be sold in stores or markets. Buy from reputable sellers and check the quality.

Reputable Sellers: Always buy from reputable sellers with good reviews.
Check Quality: Inspect the product for poor quality before purchasing.
Avoid Overly Cheap Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.