Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nangandao, China

1. Taxi Scam at Nangandao Airport

Some taxi drivers may overcharge tourists at the airport. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.

Fixed Rates: Know the standard fixed rates for a trip from the airport to popular tourist destinations.
Official Taxis: Always use official airport taxis with visible signs or book in advance through reputable services.
Negotiation: Avoid haggling for lower prices before getting into the taxi; agree on a price before starting your journey.

Be wary of counterfeit goods being sold in local markets. Authentic items may be overpriced as well.

Brand Logos: Check for authentic logos and packaging on goods. Genuine items should have consistent branding.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at different stalls or shops to ensure fair pricing.
Reputable Shops: Purchase from reputable shops, especially those with good reviews and established businesses.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may charge excessive fees or lead you to scams. Only use licensed tour guides.

Licensing Information: Ensure your tour guide has proper licensing and identification documents.
Reputable Tour Companies: Book tours through reputable tour companies with good reviews.
Tour Group Sizes: Avoid small, private tours offered by individuals outside of licensed agencies.

Avoid unofficial currency exchange booths that may provide counterfeit money or unfavorable exchange rates.

Official Money Changers: Exchange your currency at official banks, hotels, or authorized money changers.
Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations to ensure fair pricing.
Secure Transactions: Always count your money immediately after the transaction and never leave large amounts of cash unattended.

Some street food vendors may use contaminated ingredients or even serve expired food. Always be cautious when eating street food.

Cleanliness and Hygiene: Choose stalls with clean environments, gloves, and proper food handling practices.
Busy Stalls: Busier stalls are usually more popular and have fresher ingredients.
Inspection Reports: Look for stalls with recent inspection reports from local health authorities.

Some casinos in Nangandao may use weighted dice or rigged games. Always choose reputable and licensed casinos.

Licensing Information: Ensure the casino is properly licensed and regulated.
Gaming Device Testing: Look for casinos that regularly test their gaming devices for fairness.
Player Reviews: Read player reviews and feedback about the casino's fairness and honesty.

Some ATMs in Nangandao may skim your card information or charge excessive fees. Use ATMs inside banks or reputable locations.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks or secure, well-lit areas.
Card Skimming Protection: Monitor your account for unusual activity and use card skimming protection services.
Fee Comparison: Compare fees at multiple ATMs to avoid excessive charges.

Some hotels in Nangandao may overcharge for rooms or offer substandard services. Research your hotel before booking.

Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and ratings from previous guests to ensure a good experience.
Booking Sites: Book through reputable travel sites with guaranteed prices and refund policies.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room upon arrival for any damage or discrepancies before settling in.

Some internet cafés may install keyloggers to steal your personal information. Use trusted, well-established cafes.

Secure Connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks and opt for secure connections instead.
Café Reputation: Choose cafes with good reputations, positive reviews, and established businesses.
Password Protection: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid accessing sensitive information on public computers.

Some bus and train ticket sellers may provide counterfeit tickets or charge excessive fees. Always verify your ticket before boarding.

Official Ticket Vendors: Purchase tickets from official vendors at the station or authorized locations.
Ticket Inspection: Inspect your ticket for validity and authenticity before boarding.
Schedule Confirmation: Confirm the schedule, route, and price of your ticket before purchasing.

During local festivals, scammers may target tourists with fake charities or overpriced goods. Be cautious and research festival customs.

Knowledge of Customs: Research the customs and traditions associated with local festivals.
Charity Verification: Verify the legitimacy of charities before donating money.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of festival goods at multiple vendors to ensure fair pricing.

Some scammers may offer lottery tickets with fake prizes or rigged games. Avoid participating in unsolicited lotteries.

Legitimate Lotteries: Only participate in officially licensed and regulated lotteries.
Prize Verification: Verify the legitimacy of any offered prizes with local authorities or officials.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Avoid participating in unsolicited lottery offers and be wary of high-pressure sales tactics.

Some street performers may overcharge for photos or ask for excessive donations. Observe performance costs beforehand.

Performance Costs: Ask about the cost of performances or photos before watching or taking part.
Fair Donations: Offer fair donations based on the quality and length of the performance.
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Resist high-pressure tactics to donate excessively or participate in costly activities.

Some bicycle rental shops may charge excessive fees or provide damaged bikes. Research and inspect the bike before renting.

Rental Shop Reputation: Choose reputable, well-reviewed rental shops.
Bike Condition: Inspect the bike for damage or missing parts before renting.
Rental Agreement: Read and understand the rental agreement to avoid hidden fees or penalties.

The language barrier can make it difficult for tourists to recognize scams. Research common scams before traveling.

Preparation and Research: Research common scams in Nangandao and learn how to avoid them.
Trusted Contacts: Have trusted contacts available for advice or assistance.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when interacting with locals.