Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Luocheng, China

1. Street Vendors

Be wary of vendors selling cheap trinkets or food, some may be low quality or overpriced.

Pricing: Always negotiate prices and check for similar items in other stalls to get a fair deal.
Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing, especially when buying food or electronics.
Location: Vendors near popular tourist spots often charge higher prices. Seek out local markets for better deals.

Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Fare Estimate: Always agree on a fare before starting the journey to avoid surprises.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi meter is turned on and the driver doesn't manipulate it.
Legitimate Taxis: Only use licensed taxis with clear identification to avoid unscrupulous drivers.

Unlicensed guides may offer their services and provide misinformation.

Credentials: Ask for a license or permit before hiring a guide to ensure they are legitimate.
Recommendations: Get recommendations from your hotel or reliable online sources for trusted guides.
Price: Be wary of extremely low prices as they may indicate a lack of expertise or unprofessionalism.

Some exchange stores may offer unfavorable rates or attempt to give fake currency.

Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations and online to get a fair deal.
Location: Exchange currency in banks or reputable exchange centers to minimize risk.
Counterfeit Bills: Inspect bills carefully, feel them for texture differences and use a pen to check if they're real.

Some tour agencies may offer poor quality services or cancel tours without refund.

Reviews: Check reviews online before booking a tour to ensure a positive experience.
Payment Methods: Pay by credit card or through a secure platform to have recourse in case of issues.
Refund Policy: Understand the refund policy before booking and request it in writing if possible.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who may lead you into scams.

Intention: Trust your instincts and be aware that not everyone has your best interests at heart.
Guided Tours: Stick to guided tours or travel in groups for safety and to avoid potential scams.
Common Sense: Use common sense and be cautious when interacting with strangers, especially in crowded areas.

Some shops may show one item but sell another of lower quality.

Inspection: Inspect items carefully before purchasing to ensure they match the description.
Pricing: Compare prices at multiple stores and negotiate if necessary.
Returns Policy: Understand the store's return policy in case you receive a lower quality item.

Some hotels may overbook rooms and force you to stay elsewhere.

Bookings: Book your hotel in advance through a reputable source or directly with the hotel.
Confirmation: Request confirmation of your booking and bring it with you to the hotel.
Backup Plan: Have a backup plan, such as another hotel or hostel, in case of overbooking issues.

Some restaurants may serve food that is not what it's labeled as.

Inspection: Check the food before eating to ensure it matches the description.
Reputation: Choose restaurants with good reviews and recommendations.
Ask Questions: Ask questions about the ingredients of dishes to avoid any surprises.

Some ATMs may skim your card or require a PIN number for a 'service fee'.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit, busy areas to minimize the risk of tampering.
Card Skimming: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and be aware of any unusual devices attached to the ATM.
Transactions: Monitor your transactions regularly to detect any unauthorized activity.

Some massage parlors may offer sexual services instead.

Location: Choose massage parlors in busy, reputable areas to minimize the risk.
Reviews: Check reviews online and ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel staff.
Ask About Services: Ask explicitly about the services offered to avoid any misunderstandings.

Some people may pose as charity collectors but keep the donations for themselves.

Legitimacy: Check if the collector is affiliated with a legitimate charity organization.
Donation Receipts: Ask for a receipt to prove your donation went to the intended recipient.
Common Sense: Trust your instincts and be cautious if something seems off.

Some souvenir shops may sell items that are not what they claim to be.

Inspection: Inspect the item carefully and research its authenticity online.
Pricing: Compare prices at multiple stores to get a sense of fair market value.
Ask Questions: Ask the seller questions about the item's origin and authenticity.

Some individuals may pose as police officers to extort money or steal from tourists.

Legitimacy: Ask for identification and verify it with a legitimate authority if necessary.
Common Sense: Trust your instincts and be cautious if something seems off.
Stay Calm: Stay calm and do not provide personal information or money unless you are certain of their legitimacy.

Some tourist attractions may be fake replicas designed to scam tourists.

Reputation: Choose well-known and reputable tourist attractions.
Location: Avoid tourist attractions in secluded areas or those with few visitors.
Research: Research the attraction online to verify its authenticity and compare prices with other similar attractions.