Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Minzhu, Jilin, China

1. Taxi Scam Alert

Avoid unlicensed taxis and overcharging by confirming the meter is on and using licensed apps.

Unlicensed Taxis: Not adhering to local regulations, may overcharge or refuse to use meter.
Meter Tampering: Ensuring the taxi meter is on and functioning correctly to avoid overcharges.
Licensed Apps: Using trusted, local taxi apps for safer and regulated transportation.

Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors to avoid visiting fake attractions or paying for invalid tickets.

Authorized Vendors: Ensuring ticket purchases are made at authorized locations to guarantee legitimacy.
Fake Attractions: Avoiding scams that offer visits to non-existent or poor quality attractions.
Invalid Tickets: Verifying ticket authenticity to ensure admission to desired attractions.

Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange centers to avoid getting short-changed.

Banks and Authorized Centers: Using official institutions for currency exchange to guarantee fair rates.
Short-Changing: Ensuring exact change is given during currency exchanges.
Fraudulent Vendors: Avoiding unauthorized vendors who may try to give less than the agreed exchange rate.

Bargain and shop around for souvenirs to avoid overpaying at tourist traps.

Tourist Traps: Avoiding areas with higher prices aimed at tourists.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices to avoid overpaying for souvenirs.
Shopping Around: Visiting multiple stores to compare prices and find the best deal.

Book licensed guides through reputable agencies to ensure accurate and reliable information.

Licensed Guides: Ensuring guide is registered, knowledgeable, and adheres to local regulations.
Reputable Agencies: Using established tour agencies for guide services.
Inaccurate Information: Avoiding misinformation and scams by utilizing licensed guides.

Book accommodations through verified online platforms or trustworthy local agencies.

Verified Online Platforms: Using trusted, international accommodation booking sites to secure reservations.
Local Agencies: Utilizing reputable local travel agencies for lodging arrangements.
Fraudulent Listings: Avoiding scams by ensuring accurate listings of the accommodations.

Choose street food stalls that are clean, busy, and have fresh ingredients.

Cleanliness: Ensuring the food preparation area is clean to minimize health risks.
Busy Stalls: Avoiding empty stalls and opting for busier ones that are more likely to be reliable.
Fresh Ingredients: Ensuring food is made with fresh, quality ingredients to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Purchase sim cards only from authorized vendors or stores.

Authorized Vendors: Ensuring the purchase is made at an authorized store to guarantee legitimacy.
Invalid Cards: Avoiding scams by verifying SIM card functionality and coverage areas.
Fraudulent Vendors: Avoiding unauthorized vendors who may try to sell inactive or invalid sim cards.

Be cautious when accepting free gifts as they might be overpriced or low-quality items.

Overpriced Items: Avoiding gifts that come with hidden costs or are significantly marked up.
Low-Quality Items: Ensuring the gift is of good quality to avoid receiving something unwanted.
Hidden Costs: Avoiding gifts that require additional payments or fees.

Keep belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Secure Belongings: Protecting personal items from theft by keeping them close and out of sight.
Crowded Areas: Stay alert and aware in busy, touristy locations where pickpocketing is more common.
Surroundings: Avoid isolated areas and darkened streets to minimize the risk of theft.

Exchange money at banks or recognized exchange centers.

Banks and Recognized Centers: Using official institutions for currency exchange to guarantee fair rates.
Fraudulent Shops: Avoiding unauthorized money exchange shops that may try to give less than the agreed rate.
Inadequate Security: Ensuring exchange locations have secure environments to protect your money.

Use trustworthy rental shops and return the bike on time.

Trustworthy Shops: Using reputable rental shops for bikes to ensure fair prices and quality bicycles.
Return on Time: Avoiding late fees or charges by returning the bike promptly.
Damage to Bike: Checking the condition of the bike before and after use to avoid being charged for damages.

Ask for price checks before ordering to avoid unexpected high bills.

Price Checks: Avoiding hidden charges and ensuring reasonable prices by asking about costs.
Unfamiliar Menus: Be cautious when ordering from unfamiliar menus to prevent misunderstandings.
Haggling Prices: Negotiating prices for meals to avoid overpaying in restaurants.

Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors or stations.

Authorized Vendors and Stations: Ensuring ticket purchases are made at authorized locations to guarantee legitimacy.
Counterfeit Tickets: Avoiding scams by verifying ticket authenticity to ensure proper travel.
Overcharging: Ensuring exact change is given during transportation ticket purchases.

Use ATMs located in well-lit areas or inside banks and be cautious of any unusual devices.

Well-Lit Areas and Banks: Using ATMs in safe, well-lit locations to minimize the risk of skimming.
Unusual Devices: Avoiding ATMs with unusual devices or coverings that may contain skimmers.
Card and Pin Safety: Covering the PIN and being cautious when using an ATM to protect account information.