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

All Topics about Longjiang All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides or being taken on a longer route. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Price Agreeing: Agreeing on the fare before starting the trip helps to avoid overcharging.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi driver uses the meter for a fair pricing system.
Avoid Night Travel: Avoid traveling by taxi at night to minimize the risk of scams.

Stay aware of people posing as official guides offering cheaper prices. Insist on a tour from an authorized agency.

Authorized Agency: Always confirm the tour guide or agency is officially registered.
Official Permit Check: Ask for an official permit or identification badge from your guide.
Tour Group Size: Be wary of a tour guide offering personal tours with very low prices.

Purchasing counterfeit goods may seem like a bargain but can lead to legal issues. Stick to reputable shops and markets.

Reputable Shops: Shop at stores with good reviews, recommendations, or official licenses.
Official Markets: Visit well-known and officially recognized markets to buy authentic goods.
Brand Checks: Check for quality and inconsistencies in popular brands to identify counterfeits.

Exchanging money at non-official exchange booths can result in receiving less than expected. Use authorized exchange centers.

Authorized Centers: Always exchange money at banks, hotels, or officially recognized exchange centers.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange money on the street to avoid scams and potential danger.

Be wary of SIM card vendors offering services at unreasonably low prices. Purchase from official stores or authorized retailers.

Official Stores: Buy SIM cards only from mobile carrier outlets or large electronic shops.
Check ID Requirements: Ensure the vendor requests a valid ID for registration purposes.
Data Package Deals: Opt for data packages to avoid excessive charges and unnecessary fees.

Beware of online relationships that suddenly require financial assistance. Stick to meeting locals in person and verifying their identities.

In-Person Meetings: Meet potential dating partners in public places and avoid secluded areas.
Background Checks: Perform online searches to verify the person's identity and check for inconsistencies.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and end the communication.

Protect your card information by using ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks or well-regarded financial institutions.
Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs that are well-lit and in populated areas to minimize the risk of tampering.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.

Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Carry essentials in a concealed and secure location.

Crowded Areas Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist spots.
Concealed Wallet: Use a travel wallet or concealed pocket for carrying valuables.
Zippered Bag: Carry a zippered bag to secure your belongings and prevent easy access.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation by researching prices online. Book through reputable platforms or official tourism websites.

Reputable Platforms: Book accommodation through well-known and trusted booking sites.
Official Tourism Websites: Look for official tourism websites to find reasonable accommodations.
Compare Prices: Always compare prices from different sources to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Enjoy delicious street food, but only from well-established vendors. Look for busy food stalls with high turnover.

Busy Vendors: Choose street food vendors that have a steady stream of customers.
Clean Conditions: Check if the food preparation area is clean and the ingredients are fresh.
Avoid Eating Alone: Eat with others or choose busy areas to minimize the risk of food tampering.

Giving money to beggars can encourage more aggressive solicitation. Offer assistance instead of cash.

Assistance Over Cash: Offer food, water, or help to those in need rather than giving money.
Avoid Alone Areas: Stay away from isolated areas where begging might be more aggressive.
Recognize Deception: Be aware of organized beggars who may claim to be disabled or in need.

Avoid paying inflated prices for souvenirs by negotiating and comparing prices. Shop at local markets or authorized shops.

Negotiation: Always negotiate the price to get a fair deal.
Local Markets: Find souvenir shops in local markets for more affordable options.
Authorized Shops: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops to ensure authenticity.

Avoid buying transportation tickets from unofficial vendors or on the black market. Purchase tickets directly at stations or authorized kiosks.

Authorized Kiosks: Always buy tickets from official ticket counters or authorized machines.
Station Purchase: Purchase tickets at train stations rather than on the train itself.
Check Expiry Dates: Ensure your ticket has a valid expiration date and is not counterfeit.

Avoid connecting to unsecured or unknown Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN for added security when browsing online.

VPN Usage: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure and encrypted internet connections.
Secure Wi-Fi Spots: Connect to Wi-Fi in trusted locations like hotels, cafes, or airports with secured networks.
Avoid Public Sharing: Never share sensitive information on unsecured Wi-Fi networks to protect your privacy.

Avoid unhygienic or shady massage parlors. Look for clean, reputable establishments with licensed therapists.

Reputable Spas: Choose well-reviewed and recommended spas for a professional experience.
Licensed Therapists: Make sure the massage therapist is properly licensed and qualified.
Cleanliness: Inspect the establishment for cleanliness, professional equipment, and hygiene practices.