Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Maoming, China

1. Maoming Bus Scams

Avoid overpaying for bus tickets or being directed to non-existent routes. Always confirm prices with the driver before boarding.

Price Awareness: Understand standard ticket prices for buses in Maoming.
Driver Confirmation: Ask the driver for confirmation of the route and destination before buying a ticket.
Reputable Bus Stations: Only purchase tickets from reputable and official bus stations.

Be cautious of unlicensed tour guides offering cheap services. Always confirm their legitimacy before accepting guidance.

License Verification: Ask for a licensed tour guide's certificate and ID.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other guides or online resources to avoid overpaying.
Reputable Tour Companies: Book tours through reputable and established tour companies.

Avoid unlicensed taxis that may overcharge or take circuitous routes. Only use authorized taxi services.

Recognizing Licensed Taxis: Identify authorized taxis by their logo and license plate.
Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi uses a meter to calculate fare accurately.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other taxis or online resources to avoid overpaying.

Avoid booking accommodation that doesn't exist or is significantly different from the listing. Use trusted platforms and read reviews.

Trusted Platforms: Book accommodation through established and reputable online platforms.
Review Analysis: Read multiple reviews to assess the quality of the accommodation.
Contact Host or Manager: Directly contact the host or manager for clarification on any concerns before booking.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods in markets and street stalls. Stick to authorized retailers for authentic products.

Recognizing Counterfeits: Learn the signs of counterfeit products to avoid being deceived.
Authorized Retailers: Purchase goods from authorized retailers or shopping centers for authentic items.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure fairness and avoid overpaying.

Protect your card from skimming by only using ATMs located in banks or well-lit, public areas.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs that are part of a bank or are located in secure and well-lit areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Account Transactions: Regularly monitor account transactions for any unauthorized activity.

Avoid buying mobile phones from street vendors or private sellers. Purchase from authorized retailers instead.

Recognizing Unauthorized Sellers: Learn the signs of unauthorized phone sellers.
Warranty and Support: Buying from authorized retailers ensures warranty and support coverage.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other retailers to avoid overpaying.

Avoid consuming food from street vendors that appear unhygienic or use unsafe practices. Stick to reputable restaurants.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Look for clean and hygienic food stalls or restaurants.
Cooking Practices: Avoid vendors who do not follow safe cooking practices, such as reheating food multiple times.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews or ask locals for recommendations of reputable food establishments.

Avoid purchasing SIM cards from street vendors. Buy them from authorized retailers or official service centers.

Recognizing Unauthorized Sellers: Learn the signs of unauthorized SIM card sellers.
Activation Fee and Coverage: Ensure you understand the activation fee, coverage area, and data plans before purchasing a SIM card.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other retailers to avoid overpaying.

Avoid using cyber cafes that lack security measures. Use only trusted establishments for internet access.

Secure Cyber Cafes: Use cyber cafes that have security measures such as antivirus software installed.
Data Protection: Never share sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details, when using a cyber cafe.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor account transactions and emails for any unauthorized activity.

Avoid exchanging currency in street stalls or with private individuals. Use authorized exchange centers instead.

Recognizing Unauthorized Exchangers: Learn the signs of unauthorized currency exchangers.
Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments to ensure fairness.
Safety and Security: Use only authorized currency exchange centers that prioritize safety and security.

Avoid overpaying for souvenirs by negotiating prices or shopping around. Stick to reputable shops.

Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices when purchasing souvenirs, especially in markets.
Reputable Shops: Avoid street vendors and stick to reputable shops for souvenirs.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks that are unsecured or require personal information. Use a VPN for secure internet access.

Secure Wi-Fi: Use only secured and encrypted Wi-Fi networks.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN for secure internet access when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Data Protection: Never share sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details, while using public Wi-Fi networks.

Avoid carrying excessive cash and valuables. Use a money belt or neck pouch for essential items.

Minimizing Valuables: Carry only essential items, such as ID and a small amount of cash.
Secure Storage: Use a money belt or neck pouch to store essential items securely.
Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats, such as crowded areas or unfamiliar locations.

Avoid buying transportation tickets from unofficial vendors. Always purchase them from authorized ticket offices.

Recognizing Unauthorized Sellers: Learn the signs of unauthorized transportation ticket sellers.
Official Ticket Offices: Purchase tickets only from authorized and official ticket offices.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other passengers to ensure you're not overpaying.