Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Meishan, China

1. Counterfeit Souvenir Shops

Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors or unofficial shops. Counterfeit goods are common in Meishan.

Check Quality: Authentic souvenirs have high quality and consistent design.
Buy from Official Shops: Official shops are authorized to sell genuine souvenirs.
Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Only use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services. Unlicensed drivers may overcharge or lead you to fraudulent destinations.

Check License: Licensed taxis have a visible license plate and logo.
Avoid Street Hails: Hail a taxi from a taxi stand or use a ride-hailing app.
Negotiate Price Before Ride: Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Always book tours with reputable companies. Fake guides may lead you to scams or charge excessive fees.

Check Company Reputation: Look for positive reviews and recommendations from trusted sources.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't accept offers from strangers on the street.
Check Guide's Uniform and ID: Official guides have a uniform and valid identification.

Exchange money only at reputable banks or exchange bureaus. Be wary of street vendors offering to exchange currency.

Check Rates: Compare rates with other establishments and online references.
Secure Transaction: Ensure the exchange is conducted in a secure, official location.
Check for Hidden Fees: Some establishments charge hidden fees, so always ask before exchanging money.

Book accommodation in advance through reputable websites or travel agencies. Avoid street vendors offering rooms at low prices.

Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may offer rooms at low prices but they could be substandard or fraudulent.
Check Location and Amenities: Ensure the accommodation is in a safe area and offers essential amenities.

Avoid eating at touristy areas or restaurants with no locals. Locals usually know the best places to eat affordably.

Check Local Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations.
Avoid Touristy Areas: Restaurants near tourist attractions often overcharge.
Check Menu Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants and online references.

Only use ATMs located at banks or reputable establishments. Avoid using standalone machines on the street.

Secure Transaction: Ensure the transaction is conducted in a secure, official location.
Check Machine for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering or unusual features.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Buy a sim card only from official service providers or authorized dealers. Avoid street vendors offering discounted sim cards.

Check Official Shops: Official shops are easily recognizable and have proper signage.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell faulty or stolen sim cards.
Check IMEI Number: Check the IMEI number of the phone before inserting the sim card.

Only purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths or official websites. Avoid buying from unofficial vendors.

Check Authorized Outlets: Authorized outlets have clear signage and a formal ticketing system.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or stolen tickets.
Check Ticket Validity: Ensure the ticket has a valid date, time, and destination.

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering to show you around. They may lead you to scams or extort money from you.

Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't accept offers from strangers on the street.
Trust Your Instincts: If someone seems too friendly, be cautious and trust your instincts.
Stick with Tour Groups: Joining a reputable tour group can help you avoid potential scams.

Only visit licensed massage parlors. Unlicensed parlors may overcharge or provide inadequate services.

Check for License: Licensed massage parlors have a visible license and clear signage.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't accept offers from strangers on the street.
Check Price before Service: Always agree on the price before starting the massage service.

Only buy medicine from pharmacies. Avoid street vendors or unlicensed shops selling medicines.

Check for License: Pharmacies have a visible license and proper signage.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality medicines.
Check Ingredients and Packaging: Authentic medicines have correct ingredients listed on the packaging.

Avoid buying goldfish in balloons. These fish are often harmed during transport and sold illegally.

Care for Local Wildlife: Goldfish are not native to Meishan and releasing them into the wild is harmful.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell goldfish in balloons.
Support Local Aquariums: Visit local aquariums to enjoy fish and support ethical animal care.

Only buy alcohol from reputable stores. Avoid street vendors or unlicensed shops selling alcohol.

Check for Labels and Seals: Authentic alcohol has proper labels, seals, and packaging.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or low-quality alcohol.
Check Price before Purchase: Counterfeit alcohol is often significantly cheaper than authentic alcohol.

Only connect to secured Wi-Fi networks. Avoid using unsecured public hotspots, as they may be a security risk.

Use Secure Connections: Secured Wi-Fi networks require a password.
Avoid Unsecured Hotspots: Unsecured hotspots can be a security risk and may collect your data.
Use a VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online activities.