Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Longyan, China

1. Longyan Taxi Scam

Avoid fixed-price taxis; always use meter-taxis. Be wary of drivers who refuse to turn on the meter or insist on a fixed price.

Meter Usage: Ensure taxi uses meter for fair pricing
Fixed Price Refusal: Be cautious of taxi drivers refusing to use the meter
Insistence on Fixed Price: Watch out for drivers who insist on a fixed price, which may be inflated

Avoid eating at unlicensed food stalls; look for health certificates and proper food handling.

Health Certificate: Check for a health certificate from the local government
Proper Food Handling: Ensure food is prepared and handled properly
Unlicensed Food Stalls: Avoid eating at unlicensed street food stalls to avoid contaminated food

Be wary of cheap souvenirs and branded goods; buy from official shops or markets for authentic items.

Official Shops: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops to ensure authenticity
Markets: Visit official markets for a wider selection of genuine items
Cheap Prices: Be cautious of extremely low prices, which may indicate counterfeit goods

Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit, busy areas to avoid skimming devices. Monitor your account transactions.

ATMs Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within banks for added security
Well-lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs in well-lit, busy areas to discourage tampering
Monitor Account Transactions: Regularly check your account transactions for any suspicious activity

Avoid using public computers; use a VPN to secure your personal information.

Public Computers: Do not use public computers for sensitive activities
VPN Usage: Use a VPN to secure your personal information while online
Sensitive Activities: Avoid conducting sensitive activities, such as banking transactions, on public computers

Book guided tours through reputable agencies; check for proper licensing and reviews.

Reputable Agencies: Choose a tour company with good reputation and customer feedback
Proper Licensing: Ensure the guide has a valid license to operate tours
Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge tour quality

Book rooms at established hotels or reputable websites; check for customer reviews.

Established Hotels: Stay at well-known hotels with good reputation
Reputable Websites: Book rooms through reliable travel websites
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of accommodation

Buy tickets at authorized ticket booths; be wary of individuals selling tickets.

Authorized Ticket Booths: Purchase tickets from authorized locations
Individuals Selling Tickets: Avoid buying tickets from unauthorized individuals, who may sell counterfeit tickets
Counterfeit Tickets: Risk being denied entry or facing fines with counterfeit transportation tickets

Do not feel obligated to tip; avoid performances that demand large amounts.

No Obligation to Tip: Do not feel pressured to give tips when not satisfied with performance
Large Amount Demands: Avoid performances that demand large amounts, which may be scams
Scams: Be cautious of performances that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams

Stay calm and ask for identification; contact local embassy or hotel if unsure.

Identification: Request identification from the officer to verify their legitimacy
Local Embassy: Contact your local embassy for assistance if you are unsure about an interaction with law enforcement
Hotel: Inform hotel staff or security about the situation for additional support

Visit official tourist information centers; avoid individuals offering unsolicited help.

Official Tourist Information Centers: Seek advice from authorized tourist information centers
Unsolicited Help: Decline assistance from strangers who offer unsolicited help, as they may be scammers
Scammers: Avoid interactions with individuals who seem too eager to help, as they may be scammers

Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange centers; check bills for authenticity.

Banks: Exchange currency at banks to ensure it's genuine
Reputable Exchange Centers: Use authorized exchange centers for secure transactions
Check Authenticity: Inspect bills carefully to avoid receiving counterfeit currency

Keep belongings secure; avoid displaying valuables in public.

Secure Belongings: Carry bags zipped and keep a tight grip on valuables
Displaying Valuables: Avoid displaying valuable items in public to discourage pickpockets
Public Areas: Be cautious in crowded areas where pickpocketting may occur

Book guides through reputable tour operators; ensure they have proper credentials.

Reputable Tour Operators: Choose a reliable tour operator for your guided tours
Proper Credentials: Ensure guides have the necessary licenses and certifications
Unofficial Guides: Avoid unofficial guides who may lead you to scams or tourist traps

Negotiate prices before agreeing; avoid overpriced shops and services.

Negotiation: Bargain for fair prices when shopping or hiring services
Overpriced Shops and Services: Avoid establishments with prices significantly higher than average
Average Prices: Research typical prices for goods and services in Longyan to avoid overpaying