Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Luzhou, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and unofficial taxis by using licensed vehicles with meters.

Licensed Taxis: Official, metered taxis can be identified by their license plates.
Avoid Overcharging: Meters should always be used in licensed taxis.
Unofficial Taxis: Avoid bargaining with unlicensed drivers offering lower fares upfront.

Ensure food safety by choosing popular, busy food stalls with hygienic practices.

Busy Stalls: Choose busier street food stalls with a steady stream of customers.
Hygienic Practices: Look for food handlers using gloves and clean utensils.
Food Safety: Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods to minimize risk of illness.

Avoid buying fake goods by sticking to reputable stores and markets.

Reputable Stores: Stick to well-known, established retailers for authentic items.
Markets: Choose larger, more organized markets over smaller, disorganized ones.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on reputable places to shop.

Use authorized exchange booths or banks to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Authorized Booths: Look for official signs and licenses at currency exchange booths.
Banks: Exchange money at banks for the best rates and security.
Counterfeit Money: Check bills carefully for irregularities, such as inconsistent paper texture or incorrect size.

Verify tour guides' credentials to ensure they are licensed and knowledgeable.

Licensed Guides: Legitimate tour guides will carry identification or a license.
Knowledgeable Guides: Check their knowledge of local attractions, history, and culture.
Avoid Street Approaches: Do not accept offers from unsolicited guides on the street.

Book at reputable hotels to avoid issues with overcharging, poor service, or safety.

Reputable Hotels: Choose well-known hotel chains for a reliable stay.
Overcharging: Avoid hotels that do not display their rates prominently.
Safety: Ensure the hotel has safety measures in place, such as security cameras and staff.

Purchase SIM cards from official retailers to avoid receiving malfunctioning or malicious ones.

Official Retailers: Buy SIM cards at authorized mobile network stores.
Malfunctioning Cards: Check the card's functionality, including data usage and call quality.
Malicious Cards: Be cautious of offers for very cheap or 'free' SIM cards, as they may be malicious.

Choose reputable internet cafés to protect your personal information and devices.

Reputable Cafes: Avoid seedy or run-down internet cafés, opting for cleaner, busier ones.
Protect Personal Information: Create a strong password and avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public computers.
Devices Safety: Use your own USB drive for saving sensitive data when using unfamiliar computers.

Avoid overcharging by purchasing tickets from authorized sales points or machines.

Authorized Sales Points: Look for ticket booths, kiosks, or automated machines.
Avoid Overcharging: Never accept offers from unofficial sellers on the bus or train.
Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less crowded areas.

Avoid overpriced drinks and sketchy establishments by choosing popular, well-reviewed bars.

Popular Bars: Choose bars with a steady stream of customers and positive reviews.
Overpriced Drinks: Check drink prices before ordering to avoid unexpectedly high bills.
Sketchy Establishments: Avoid dimly lit bars with suspicious characters or no customer service.

Use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas to minimize the risk of fraud.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs in well-lit locations with good visibility.
Populated Areas: ATMs near shops, restaurants, or hotels are usually safer.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies to avoid substandard services.

Reputable Websites: Use well-known accommodation booking platforms.
Avoid Low Price Scams: Be wary of very cheap accommodations that may be substandard or non-existent.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of service and facilities.

Support legitimate charities by researching their authenticity before donating.

Legitimate Charities: Research charities online to verify their legitimacy and mission.
Avoid Over-enthusiastic Collectors: Be cautious of overzealous collectors, as they may be scammers.
Check for a Registration Number: Legitimate charities will have a registration number that you can verify.

Purchase tours from reputable providers to avoid receiving substandard or non-existent services.

Reputable Providers: Choose tour providers with good reviews and a proven track record.
Avoid Low Price Scams: Be wary of very cheap tours that may be substandard or non-existent.
Check Itineraries: Review the tour itinerary to ensure it includes all promised activities and destinations.

Participate in authentic local festivals by researching their origin and timing.

Authentic Festivals: Learn about the festival's history, cultural significance, and proper etiquette.
Avoid Overpriced Goods: Be cautious of overpriced souvenirs or food during the festivals.
Check Local Sources: Gather information about local festivals from reliable sources, such as local tourism boards or cultural centers.