Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ma’anshan, Anhui, China

All Topics about Ma’anshan All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Be wary of taxis without meters or drivers who offer fixed prices. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey.

Metered Taxis: Opt for metered taxis for fair pricing.
Pre-agreed Fare: Always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Legitimate Taxi Stands: Avoid hailing taxis from the street; use legitimate taxi stands instead.

Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors offering branded goods at unusually low prices.

Official Stores: Purchase souvenirs from official stores to ensure authenticity.
Brand Websites: Check if products are available on the brand's official website before purchasing.
Product Quality: Inspect goods carefully for poor quality, which is a common sign of counterfeits.

Avoid unsolicited help from strangers offering tour services. Always book tours through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through established and reputable travel agencies.
Official Tour Licenses: Ensure your guide has an official tour license from the local government.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from fellow travelers or online reviews for trustworthy guides.

Avoid exchanging money on the street. Use reputable banks or authorized exchange bureaus.

Authorized Exchanges: Use authorized exchange bureaus for safe and fair currency exchange.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates before transacting to ensure fairness.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are secure, avoiding those conducted in public areas.

Be cautious when using ATMs, especially those located in isolated or poorly lit areas. Avoid machines that appear tampered with.

Well-lit Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit and public areas to minimize the risk of theft.
Official Banks: Use ATMs located at official banks for added security.
Cover your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it to prevent prying eyes from observing.

Avoid buying tickets for attractions or events from street vendors. Purchase tickets from official outlets.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from official outlets to ensure validity.
Check Schedules: Confirm event schedules and ticket prices online before purchasing.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are secure, avoiding those conducted in public areas.

Avoid using public computers for sensitive activities like banking or shopping. Use VPNs to secure your connection.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN when accessing the internet on public computers.
Secure Passwords: Avoid saving passwords or sensitive data on public computers.
Reputable Cafés: Choose reputable internet cafes with good reviews for safer browsing.

Avoid booking accommodation from street vendors or private individuals. Use reputable online booking platforms.

Online Booking Platforms: Book accommodation through reputable online platforms.
Reviews: Check reviews and ratings of accommodations before booking.
Price Comparison: Compare prices on multiple platforms to find the best deal.

Avoid restaurants that have no sign or menu outside. Check menus for prices before ordering.

Visible Signage: Choose restaurants with clear signage and visible menus.
Price Checks: Always check prices before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.
Reputable Restaurants: Avoid dining at small, obscure restaurants without reviews or recommendations.

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering assistance for a fee. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

Travel in Groups: Travel in groups to avoid becoming isolated and vulnerable.
Cautious Friendship: Be cautious when forming friendships with locals, especially those who seem too eager to help.
Security Measures: Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items in public.

Avoid performances that demand immediate payment. Watch a few minutes before deciding to donate.

Free Performances: Watch free performances to avoid being scammed.
Voluntary Donations: Only donate if you wish, and never feel obligated to do so.
Reputation of Performers: Research the reputation of local performers beforehand.

Avoid sharing transportation with strangers who offer to drive you somewhere. Use legitimate transport services.

Legitimate Services: Use legitimate transport services like taxis or buses.
Secure Transactions: Ensure any payment is secure and does not involve sharing sensitive information.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline unsolicited offers of transportation from strangers to avoid potential scams.

Purchase tickets from authorized vendors at the station or on the vehicle. Avoid buying from unofficial sources.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from authorized vendors to avoid fines and potential scams.
Check Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices online before purchasing to ensure fairness.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are secure, avoiding those conducted in public areas.

Book accommodation well in advance to avoid overbooking scams. Confirm your reservation upon arrival.

Early Bookings: Book accommodation early to secure a room and avoid potential scams.
Confirm Reservations: Confirm your reservation upon arrival to ensure you have a room.
Reliable Booking Platforms: Use reliable booking platforms for your accommodation needs.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN to secure your connection.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN when accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi networks.
Secure Connections: Only connect to secure websites that begin with 'https'.
Avoid Sensitive Activities: Avoid sensitive activities like online banking on public Wi-Fi networks.