Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Licheng, China

All Topics about Licheng All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis by insisting on using licensed cabs. Be wary of drivers offering fixed prices to popular destinations.

Licensed Taxis: Ensure the taxi is legally registered and has a visible license plate.
Metered Taxis: Always make sure the meter is turned on during the ride.
Avoid Fixed Prices: Beware of drivers offering fixed prices, especially for popular destinations.

Street vendors may sell counterfeit goods; seek out licensed shops to ensure authentic products.

Licensed Shops: Visit official stores and shops with visible licenses for genuine products.
Brand Quality: Check the quality of goods as counterfeits may be poor in workmanship.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with local retailers to avoid overpaying for fake items.

Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and beware of suspicious ATMs, often found in isolated areas.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas and inside banks when possible.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to protect your information from potential scammers.
Check Your Statements: Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Avoid unofficial guides who may overcharge or lead tourists into scams. Insist on registered tour guides.

Registered Guides: Look for a government-issued tour guide badge and ID.
Tour Group Sizes: Check the group size of your tour; officially licensed guides can only lead small groups.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Decline offers from unofficial guides found on the street to avoid potential scams.

Enjoy delicious Licheng street food but be cautious of dirty or unhygienic stands. Choose busy, popular spots with fresh ingredients.

Busy Stands: Opt for crowded, bustling street food stalls to ensure high turnover and freshness.
Fresh Ingredients: Look for vendors who frequently change their ingredients to maintain quality and safety.
Hygiene Standards: Avoid stands with poor hygiene practices, such as unclean utensils or improper food handling.

Beware of hotel rooms with hidden charges or subpar conditions. Read reviews and check prices before booking.

Reviews: Read online reviews to gain insight into the quality and cleanliness of hotels.
Price Comparison: Compare prices across various booking sites to avoid overpaying for a room.
Hidden Charges: Be aware of hidden fees, such as tourist taxes or service charges, when booking your hotel room.

Avoid purchasing discount travel cards from unauthorized vendors. Stick to official outlets for authentic passes.

Official Outlets: Buy your travel card from an authorized ticket booth or vending machine.
Check Expiration Dates: Inspect the card for valid expiration dates and ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
Avoid Street Sales: Refuse offers to purchase travel cards from street vendors to avoid potential scams.

Respectfully donate to temples while avoiding scam artists posing as monks or temple workers.

Monk Attire: Verify the attire of those requesting donations; monks wear specific robes.
Temple Staff Identification: Ask for identification from temple workers to ensure authenticity.
Donation Boxes: Use designated donation boxes instead of giving directly to individuals.

Enjoy local festivals but be vigilant for pickpocketing and overpriced goods. Research the event schedule ahead of time.

Crowd Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on personal belongings.
Prepaid Tickets: Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and potential scams at the door.
Avoid Overpriced Goods: Bargain for goods at the festival or seek out established vendors outside the event.

Be wary of online romance scams while traveling in Licheng. Never share personal information or send money to someone you've met online.

Meeting In-Person: Arrange to meet someone you've been communicating with online in a public place.
Avoid Sending Money: Refuse requests for money or gifts from individuals you've just met online.
Verify Information: Verify the authenticity of the person's identity and information before meeting in person.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities; opt for a VPN or mobile hotspot instead.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
Secure Mobile Hotspot: Use a secure mobile hotspot for safe and private internet access.
Avoid Login Credentials: Refrain from entering sensitive login credentials on public Wi-Fi networks.

Double-check accommodation bookings and confirm reservations with the property directly.

Confirm Reservation: Contact the hotel or hostel to verify your reservation before arrival.
Check Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure the accommodation is legitimate and trustworthy.
Payment Method: Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, when booking accommodations.

Be cautious of unofficial or overpriced transportation options. Stick to licensed taxis and buses when traveling.

Licensed Taxis: Insist on using licensed cabs and verify the driver's ID before entering.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Refuse offers from unofficial transportation providers to avoid potential scams.
Bus Ticket Machines: Use ticket machines or purchase tickets from authorized booths when taking the bus.

Avoid purchasing airline tickets from unauthorized sellers. Stick to official outlets or reputable travel agents.

Official Outlets: Buy your plane ticket directly from the airline's website or authorized ticket agencies.
Avoid Street Sales: Decline offers to purchase airline tickets from street vendors to avoid potential scams.
Check Travel Dates: Ensure the travel dates and flight details are accurate before finalizing your purchase.

Inspect rental cars carefully for damages before driving away. Read the contract thoroughly and return the car in good condition.

Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the rental car for damages before accepting the keys.
Contract Review: Read the contract carefully to understand any fees, fines, or penalties associated with the rental.
Return Car Condition: Return the car in the same condition as when you received it, otherwise you may be charged for damages.