Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nanchang, China

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take circuitous routes. Avoid by using official taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Official Taxis: Only use licensed, metered taxis.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Use apps like Didi Chuxing for reliable and affordable rides.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Steer clear of unlicensed taxis or those without a meter.

Unauthorized tour guides may offer services at tourist spots. Avoid by booking tours through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours with licensed and well-known travel agencies.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Do not accept offers from unauthorized guides approaching you on the street.
Check for Licenses: Ensure your guide has a valid tour guide license.

Counterfeit goods are widespread in local markets. Avoid by shopping at official stores or verified market stalls.

Official Stores: Shop for souvenirs and electronics at official brand stores.
Verified Market Stalls: Look for stalls with official seals or certificates.
Avoid Unverified Sellers: Do not buy goods from unverified sellers or street vendors.

Some currency exchange shops may provide less favorable rates. Avoid by using reputable banks or authorized exchange outlets.

Reputable Banks: Use large, well-known banks for currency exchanges.
Authorized Exchange Outlets: Look for exchange outlets with official seals or certificates.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Do not exchange money on the street or with unauthorized individuals.

Counterfeit attraction tickets may be sold by unscrupulous vendors. Avoid by buying tickets at official sales outlets.

Official Sales Outlets: Buy tickets at the entrance of attractions or authorized ticket booths.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from vendors on the street.
Check for Authenticity: Ensure your ticket has all required information and an official seal.

Some restaurants may serve contaminated food. Avoid by choosing hygienic eateries and being cautious with street food.

Hygienic Eateries: Choose restaurants with good hygiene practices.
Street Food Precautions: Avoid street food that looks old, uncovered or from vendors who do not follow proper sanitation procedures.
Word of Mouth Recommendations: Get recommendations for safe and delicious local eateries from other travelers or locals.

Friendly locals may offer assistance but lead you into scams. Avoid by being cautious and not sharing personal information.

Be Cautious: Stay vigilant and trust your instincts.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords or financial details with strangers.
Join Traveler Groups: Connect with other travelers in Nanchang for shared advice and safety tips.

Fraudulent telecom providers may offer cheap SIM cards but charge exorbitant fees. Avoid by using well-known and reputable service providers.

Reputable Providers: Choose well-established telecom providers like China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy SIM cards from street vendors or unauthorized shops.
Check for Official Seals: Ensure your provider has an official seal and that the SIM card is properly registered.

Low-priced accommodations may be substandard or overbooked. Avoid by booking through reputable online travel agencies.

Reputable Online Travel Agencies: Use well-known online platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia for accommodation bookings.
Avoid Street Deals: Do not accept offers for accommodations from street vendors or strangers.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Review the accommodation's ratings and read traveler experiences before booking.

Some ATMs may skim your card or charge high fees. Avoid by using ATMs located at banks and being cautious when using them.

ATMs at Banks: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.
Avoid Unattended Machines: Do not use ATMs that are not attended or look tampered with.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account for unauthorized transactions.

Internet cafés may install malware on your device or charge excessive fees. Avoid by using reputable Internet providers.

Reputable Internet Providers: Use well-known Internet service providers like China Telecom, China Mobile, or China Unicom.
Avoid Unattended Computers: Do not use unattended computers in internet cafés.
Use Secure Connections: Always use secure connections (HTTPS) when accessing sensitive information online.

Good Samaritans may find your lost item and return it with a false claim for a reward. Avoid by not leaving valuables unattended.

Do Not Leave Valuables Unattended: Keep your valuables close at all times.
Report Lost Items Immediately: Report lost items to the local police station or your accommodation as soon as possible.
Be Wary of Claimants: Be cautious when accepting help from strangers regarding found items.

Communication difficulties may lead to misunderstandings and scams. Avoid by learning some basic Chinese or using translation apps.

Basic Chinese Phrases: Learn basic phrases like hello, thank you, and numbers for a smoother travel experience.
Translation Apps: Use translation apps to communicate effectively with locals.
Avoid Overpaying: Understand the true cost of goods and services before agreeing to purchase.

Fraudulent transportation tickets may be sold for buses, trains, or ferries. Avoid by purchasing tickets at authorized sales outlets.

Authorized Sales Outlets: Purchase transportation tickets at the station or authorized ticket booths.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy transportation tickets from street vendors.
Check for Authenticity: Ensure your ticket has all required information and an official seal.

Free gifts may require payment or personal information. Avoid by not accepting offers from strangers.

Do Not Accept Offers from Strangers: Be cautious and do not accept gifts or favors from people you don't know.
Avoid Requests for Personal Information: Do not provide sensitive information like your address, phone number, or passwords.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform hotel staff or local authorities if you encounter suspicious activity.