Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lincang, Yunnan, China

All Topics about Lincang All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging by unofficial taxis. Always use licensed cabs or ride-sharing apps.

Recognize Licensed Taxis: Licensed taxis in Lincang have yellow plates and a meter.
Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing are widely used and reliable.
Negotiate Price Beforehand: Ask for the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods that are common in certain markets. Look for quality and legal guarantees.

Legal Guarantee: Authentic stores usually provide a warranty or guarantee.
Quality Check: Check the product's details, materials, and packaging for signs of inferior quality.
Location: Legitimate shops are typically found in established shopping districts.

Stick to ATMs located at banks or shopping malls to avoid skimming devices. Monitor your transactions closely.

Secure ATMs: Official ATMs are usually inside banks or guarded by security cameras.
Check Your Card and Receipt: Ensure that the card slot doesn't look tampered, and check your transaction receipt for accuracy.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Limiting withdrawals reduces the risk of loss due to theft or skimming.

Avoid touristy restaurants that overcharge for local food. Seek out recommendations from locals or travel guides.

Local Recommendations: Ask locals about their favorite eateries to find affordable, delicious meals.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Restaurants near popular attractions often have inflated prices.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other restaurants offering similar dishes to find a good deal.

Be cautious when using public computers as they might have keyloggers. Use VPNs and avoid online banking.

VPN Usage: Using a VPN adds an extra layer of security while browsing on public computers.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid online banking or entering sensitive information on public computers.
Check Computer Security: Look for signs of computer security software installed before using a cyber café.

Ensure your tour guide is licensed and reputable to avoid overcharging or misleading information.

Licensed Guides: Legitimate guides will have a license and be affiliated with recognized tour companies.
Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews and ask for recommendations from fellow travelers or accommodation staff.
Price Comparison: Compare the tour prices with other reputable providers to avoid overpaying.

Avoid shady hotels that offer unrealistic deals. Check reviews and book through reputable sites.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book through well-known travel websites to ensure a legitimate reservation.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings from other guests to get an idea of the hotel's quality.
Location: Avoid hotels located in questionable areas or too far from attractions.

Be cautious during local festivals as pickpocketing and overpriced goods may increase.

Stay Alert: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid Overpriced Goods: Bargain hard and check prices against other vendors to avoid overpaying.
Secure Cash Storage: Keep cash in a secure location, like a money belt or travel wallet.

Stick to banks or authorized exchange centers for currency exchange to avoid being cheated.

Authorized Centers: Banks and authorized exchange centers have the best rates and official facilities.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other centers or use online tools to find a fair deal.
Secure Transactions: Exchange currency in secure, well-lit areas and never hand over cash before receiving the correct amount.

Avoid donating to street performers who demand payment upfront. Only give money after a satisfactory performance.

Post-Performance Payment: Avoid giving money until the performance is complete and you are satisfied.
Legitimate Performances: Look for licensed performers or those who have a tip jar, indicating they rely on donations.
Avoid Upfront Payment: Never pay in advance as it is risky and encourages more scams.

Be wary of strangers offering free gifts or items that require a small payment upfront.

Avoid Upfront Payments: Never pay money for a 'free' gift. This is often a scam.
Recognize Scams: Be aware of common scams and don't fall victim to them, even if they seem harmless.
Stick with Trusted Sources: Only accept gifts or items from trustworthy sources like friends, family, or your accommodation.

Purchase sim cards from official retailers to avoid getting a non-functional SIM or being overcharged.

Official Retailers: Buy your SIM card from authorized retailers, like mobile phone stores or airport kiosks.
Check Coverage: Ensure the SIM card has good coverage in areas you plan to visit.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell non-functional or overpriced SIM cards.

Be careful when accepting help from strangers who suddenly offer assistance. They might lead you to scam locations or demand payment.

Suspicious Offers: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true or suspicious behavior from the 'helper'.
Avoid Going Alone: Always travel with a companion or stick to well-populated areas when accepting help from strangers.
Verify Identities: Ask for identification and verify the person's intentions before accepting their help.

Purchase tickets from authorized vendors to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy your tickets from official ticket offices, authorized retailers, or the event's official website.
Check Ticket Validity: Inspect the ticket for signs of tampering, such as torn edges or irregularities in the print.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Be cautious when giving money to beggars as some may use deceitful tactics or have accomplices.

Avoid Giving Money: Instead of giving money, consider donating to a reputable charity.
Recognize Deceitful Tactics: Beggars may pretend to be disabled or have family in need. Be wary of their stories and actions.
Stay Alert: Keep your belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings when encountering beggars.