Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lianjiang, Guangdong, China

All Topics about Lianjiang All Cities in China

1. Temple Street Market Scam

Watch out for sellers offering 'genuine' souvenirs at inflated prices. Some items may be counterfeit or overpriced.

Knowledgeable Sellers: Some sellers may claim to be experts in their field, be wary of their authenticity.
Overpricing: Prices can be deliberately inflated, always negotiate before purchasing.
Counterfeit Goods: Be cautious when buying items that seem too good to be true, especially expensive items.

Some taxi drivers may overcharge tourists. Ensure the meter is turned on and agree on a price before starting the journey.

Meter Manipulation: Drivers might manipulate or not use the meter, always ensure it's functioning correctly.
Price Agreement: Always agree on a price before starting your journey to avoid unexpected costs.
Legitimate Taxi Services: Use only licensed taxis or services with a good reputation for fair pricing.

Some sellers may offer cheap Sim cards but they might not function properly or have hidden charges.

Hidden Charges: Be wary of hidden charges, read the contract thoroughly before purchasing.
Functionality Issues: Sim cards might not work properly or have limited coverage. Check with the service provider before purchase.
Reputable Vendors: Purchase Sim cards from reputable vendors or official stores to avoid scams.

Some coffee shops may overcharge tourists for food and drinks. Check the menu prices before ordering.

Menu Inaccuracies: Prices on menus might not match the actual cost, always ask about prices.
Tourist Pricing: Some establishments may charge tourists more than locals. Ask around or check reviews online.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices for food and drinks when possible to save money.

Some street vendors may use low-quality or expired ingredients. Only eat from reputable and hygienic food stalls.

Hygiene Standards: Check for cleanliness and proper food handling at the stall.
Reputation: Ask locals or read reviews about popular street food vendors.
Expired Ingredients: Be wary of vendors who don't rotate their stock frequently.

Some guides may offer services but provide misinformation or lead you to certain shops for commission.

Misinformation: Be aware that the guide might not provide accurate information about attractions.
Commission-based Guides: Guides may lead you to specific shops for their own benefit.
Licensed Guides: Only hire licensed guides or use reputable tour agencies to avoid scams.

Some accommodations may mislead about their facilities, services, or location. Check reviews and book through reputable platforms.

Misleading Information: Accommodation details might not match the actual facility.
Location: The accommodation might be further from attractions than advertised.
Reputable Booking Platforms: Book accommodations through reputable online platforms to ensure quality and safety.

Some bus or boat services might overcharge tourists or provide a lower quality of service.

Overcharging: Prices for transportation services may be inflated.
Lower Quality Service: The quality of service might not meet expectations.
Reputable Services: Choose transportation services with a good reputation for fair pricing and quality.

Some currency exchange offices may offer poor exchange rates or charge hidden fees.

Hidden Fees: Fees might be added without your knowledge.
Poor Exchange Rates: Exchange rates might be lower than the market average.
Reputable Services: Use reputable currency exchange services or banks for better rates and service.

Some tourist attractions may charge more from tourists than locals. Always check admission fees.

Location-based Pricing: Prices for the same attraction might vary based on your nationality.
Reputable Information Sources: Check admission fees online or ask locals to avoid overpaying.
Discounts and Promotions: Look for discounts, promotions, or group rates that might be available.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who might try to take advantage of you. Maintain a healthy skepticism.

Financial Extortion: Friends might ask for money or favors under the guise of friendship.
Personal Information Collection: Friends might try to gather personal information for future use.
Caution and Skepticism: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism towards strangers offering help or friendship.

Some festivals might charge exorbitant prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs.

Overpricing: Prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs might be inflated.
Preparedness: Bring snacks, water, and cash to avoid relying on festival vendors.
Avoid Peak Times: Visit the festival during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.

Some street performers might ask for excessive tips or offer low-quality goods after their performances.

Excessive Tips: Tips might be requested that are more than usual.
Low-Quality Goods: Goods offered after performances might not meet your expectations.
Appreciation and Generosity: Tip fairly based on the quality of performance, but avoid being pressured into giving too much.

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.

Crowded Places: Pickpockets often target crowded areas such as markets, tourist attractions, and public transportation.
Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items in public.
Insurance: Consider travel insurance to cover loss or theft of belongings.

Be cautious of your belongings during public transportation. Keep your luggage close and avoid displaying valuable items.

Public Transportation: Transportation such as buses, trains, and tricycles can be targets for theft.
Valuable Items: Avoid displaying valuable items in public transportation to deter theft.
Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure during travel.