Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Linhai, Zhejiang, China

Linhai, China, Linhai, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

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.