Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Leizhou, China

1. Taxi Scams

Be wary of unofficial taxi drivers or taxis without meters. Overcharging and fake routes are common.

Unmetered Taxis: Avoid taxis that do not have a meter.
Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Official Taxis: Only use official taxi companies with recognizable logos and licenses.

Markets selling counterfeit goods may be tempting, but these items are often of poor quality and can lead to legal issues.

Legal Risks: Purchasing counterfeit goods can result in legal troubles.
Quality Issues: Counterfeit items are usually of poor quality and may not function properly.
Support: Authentic products often come with warranties and customer support.

Unlicensed tour guides may offer cheap services but can lead to tourist traps and overcharging.

Licensed Guide: Ensure your tour guide is licensed by the local government.
Itinerary Planning: Plan your itinerary ahead to avoid being led to tourist traps.
Reviews and Recommendations: Research reviews and recommendations for tour guides before hiring.

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

Authorized Booths: Exchange money at authorized banks or reputable exchange centers.
Fees and Rates: Ask about any fees before exchanging currency.
Online Research: Research the current exchange rate before visiting to avoid overpaying.

Some accommodations may inflate their prices or charge hidden fees. Research ahead to find affordable options.

Pre-booking: Book your accommodation in advance to secure the best rates.
Avoid Street Bookings: Avoid booking accommodations directly from street vendors or unofficial channels.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before booking to ensure a quality stay.

Some tourist attractions may be fake or overhyped. Research beforehand to visit the authentic locations.

Authentic Locations: Research the authenticity of attractions before visiting.
Local Tourism Board: Check with the local tourism board for information on authentic attractions.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and recommendations from other travelers to get a sense of the attraction's worth.

Some street food vendors may use expired ingredients or unsafe practices. Choose reliable vendors for a safe meal.

Reliable Vendors: Choose street food vendors that are busy and have good reviews.
Cooking Practices: Look for clean cooking areas and food being cooked in front of you.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe street food vendors.

Locals or fellow travelers may seem friendly but are attempting to lead you into a scam. Trust your instincts and be cautious.

Instincts: Trust your instincts if something seems suspicious.
Research Destination: Research the destination to be more aware of common scams.
Ask Locals: If something seems off, ask a local for advice.

Some mobile sim card vendors may offer poor service or overcharge. Purchase from official retailers or reputable stores.

Official Retailers: Buy your sim card from an authorized retailer.
Service and Coverage: Ensure the sim card offers good coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before purchasing a sim card.

Some temples may charge exorbitant fees for offerings or services. Research the temple's customs before visiting.

Customs and Traditions: Research the customs and traditions of the temple before visiting.
Official Fees: Ask about official fees for offerings or services at the temple.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and recommendations from other travelers to get a sense of the temple's practices.

Some bus drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Purchase tickets from official stations or reputable vendors.

Official Ticket Stations: Buy your bus ticket from an authorized station.
Fare Agreement: Ask about the fare before boarding the bus.
Itinerary Planning: Plan your itinerary ahead to avoid being led off course.

Some souvenir shops may overcharge for items. Research prices beforehand and negotiate if necessary.

Research Prices: Research prices of souvenirs before visiting the shop.
Negotiation: Negotiate the price if it seems too high.
Local Markets: Consider buying souvenirs from local markets for better prices.

Some ATMs may have skimmers or charge hidden fees. Use ATMs located in banks or secure areas.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located in secure areas such as banks.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Accounts: Monitor your account transactions regularly for any suspicious activity.

Some restaurants may overcharge or use poor-quality ingredients. Research beforehand and ask locals for recommendations.

Research Beforehand: Research restaurants before visiting to avoid tourist traps.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good restaurants.
Menu Prices: Check the menu prices before entering the restaurant.

Some massage parlors may offer poor-quality services or use unhygienic practices. Visit reputable establishments only.