
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Linhai, Zhejiang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- Recognize Licensed Taxis: Licensed taxis have a distinctive emblem and license plate.
- Use Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing provide secure and fair pricing.
- Avoid Non-metered Taxis: Non-metered taxis can charge arbitrary fares.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods at unofficial markets. Opt for authentic shops instead.
- Identify Counterfeit Markets: Unlicensed, crowded markets selling branded goods at unusually low prices.
- Purchase from Authentic Shops: Shops with legal permits and quality assurance.
- Check for Quality: Authentic goods should maintain quality over time.
3. Currency Exchange Scams
Avoid street currency exchanges. Use authorized banks or exchange bureaus.
- Recognize Authorized Exchanges: Authorized exchanges have a permit and display their rates.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates.
- Check Exchange Rates: Compare rates with online sources before exchanging currency.
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Book tours through reputable travel agencies.
- Identify Licensed Tour Guides: Licensed tour guides wear identification badges.
- Use Reputable Travel Agencies: Agencies provide licensed and experienced tour guides.
- Avoid Unsolicited Guides: Unsolicited guides may offer services at inflated prices.
5. Fake Attraction Tickets
Avoid purchasing attraction tickets from unofficial vendors. Buy tickets directly at the venue or authorized outlets.
- Identify Official Ticket Vendors: Official ticket vendors have permits and sell tickets at the venue.
- Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Unofficial sellers may offer fake or invalid tickets.
- Check Ticket Validity: Valid tickets have security features and QR codes for scanning.
6. Scams at Local Festivals
Be cautious during local festivals. Avoid strangers offering gifts or food with hidden fees.
- Recognize Potential Scams: Strangers offering free items may ask for payment afterwards.
- Stick with Trusted Companions: Trusted companions can help avoid potential scams.
- Ask for Help: Ask local authorities or festival organizers for assistance.
7. Overpriced Restaurants
Avoid overpriced restaurants. Look for moderately priced eateries with good reviews.
- Identify Overpriced Restaurants: Restaurants with prices significantly higher than others.
- Check Reviews: Online reviews can help identify reasonably priced and good quality restaurants.
- Ask for Recommendations: Locals or hotel staff can recommend moderately priced eateries.
8. Unwanted Help Scams
Avoid accepting help from strangers offering assistance with directions or luggage. Be self-reliant and ask for help only when necessary.
- Recognize Potential Scams: Strangers offering unsolicited help may ask for payment afterwards.
- Avoid Relying on Strangers: Rely on maps, GPS, and clear directions when possible.
- Seek Help from Authorities: Police or tourist information centers can provide reliable help.
9. Telephone Scams
Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. If you must answer, be cautious about sharing personal information.
- Recognize Potential Scams: Unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information.
- Do Not Share Information: Never share sensitive information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Verify Callers: Caller ID and online research can help verify callers' identities.
10. Internet Café Scams
Avoid using internet cafes. Use your mobile data or hotel Wi-Fi instead.
- Recognize Potential Scams: Internet cafes may have malware or spyware installed.
- Use Mobile Data or Hotel Wi-Fi: Mobile data and hotel Wi-Fi are generally secure and reliable.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never share sensitive information while using public internet connections.
11. Accommodation Scams
Avoid booking accommodations through unofficial channels. Use trusted online travel agencies or book directly with the property.
- Recognize Unofficial Channels: Unofficial channels may offer substandard or non-existent accommodations.
- Use Trusted Online Agencies: Online agencies provide secure and reliable booking services.
- Book Directly with the Property: Direct booking ensures you get the agreed-upon accommodation.
12. Unfair Bar Negotiations
Avoid bars with unclear pricing. Stick to transparent bars or ask for prices upfront.
- Recognize Unclear Pricing: Bars with unposted or vague pricing systems.
- Choose Transparent Bars: Bars with clear and upfront pricing are more reliable.
- Ask for Prices Upfront: Asking prices upfront helps avoid hidden fees or overpricing.
13. Business Card Scams
Avoid handing out your business card to strangers. Only give cards to trusted contacts.
- Recognize Potential Misuse: Strangers may use your card for fraudulent activities.
- Limit Card Distribution: Only give cards to trusted contacts or potential business partners.
- Keep a Record: Record contact details of those who receive your card.
14. Street Performer Scams
Avoid donating to street performers. If you wish to support them, give sparingly and only after a performance.
- Recognize Potential Scams: Street performers who do not perform before asking for payment.
- Give Sparingly and After Performance: Support performers fairly by giving only after they've performed.
- Avoid Giving Large Amounts: Never give large amounts without assessing the situation first.
15. Car Rental Scams
Avoid car rental scams by choosing a reputable agency and inspecting the vehicle thoroughly before driving off.
- Recognize Reputable Agencies: Reputable agencies have good reviews, licenses, and clear terms.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damages before driving off.
- Read the Contract Carefully: Understand all terms and conditions to avoid unexpected fees or charges.