Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pingdingshan, Henan, China

All Topics about Pingdingshan All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxis by using licensed and meter-operated vehicles. Be wary of drivers offering fixed prices.

Licensed Taxis: Official, yellow and green colored taxis with a license plate.
Metered Fares: Avoid paying more than the actual fare by using taxis with working meters.
Fixed Prices: Be skeptical of drivers offering fixed prices as they can be inflated.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods by purchasing from reputable shops and markets. Look for quality indicators.

Reputable Shops: Shop at established, popular stores with a good reputation.
Quality Indicators: Check for quality signs like labels, packaging, and construction of the goods.
Markets: Buy from designated markets known for selling authentic items.

Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers to avoid being ripped off. Be cautious when using street vendors.

Banks: Official banks with a visible logo and secure facilities.
Authorized Exchange Centers: Legitimate exchange centers approved by the government.
Street Vendors: Be cautious when dealing with unofficial street vendors.

Use secure internet cafes and keep your personal information safe. Watch out for suspicious activity.

Secure Cafes: Cafes with working antivirus software and updated systems.
Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords and bank details online.
Suspicious Activity: Be wary of any suspicious behavior, such as other users watching you type or looking over your shoulder.

Book tours from reputable travel agencies and read reviews. Check for official tour guide licenses.

Reputable Travel Agencies: Agencies with a good reputation, licensing, and positive customer feedback.
Official Tour Guides: Tour guides wearing official uniforms and carrying proper identification.
Read Reviews: Research tour operators by reading online reviews from previous customers.

Eat at popular and busy street food stalls to avoid contaminated or poor-quality food.

Popular Stalls: Busy stalls with a line of customers, indicating quality food.
Cleanliness: Check for cleanliness and proper food handling practices at the stall.
Busy Areas: Avoid eating from street food vendors in deserted or secluded areas.

Visit attractions during off-peak hours to avoid overpricing. Research admission fees beforehand.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit popular tourist spots during non-peak times for cheaper prices.
Admission Fees: Research admission fees online before visiting the attraction to avoid unexpected costs.
Reputable Sources: Use reliable sources like official websites or travel guides for accurate information.

Purchase sim cards from authorized sellers and follow the activation process correctly.

Authorized Sellers: Shops with an official logo of the telecom company or authorized dealers.
Activation Process: Follow the activation process carefully and avoid any unofficial assistance.
Unauthorized Packages: Avoid packages with excessive data or services that you don't need.

Book accommodation through reputable websites or agencies to avoid subpar conditions. Check for official certifications.

Reputable Sources: Use well-known travel booking sites or local agencies with positive reviews.
Official Certifications: Look for lodging with official certifications, like hotel or hostel licenses.
Hidden Fees: Be wary of hidden fees and read the terms and conditions carefully.

Buy public transport tickets from authorized vendors to avoid fines. Be cautious when using shared taxis.

Authorized Vendors: Official ticket booths or vending machines with a clear signage.
Shared Taxis: Avoid unmarked shared taxis that do not have official decals.
Fines: Be aware of fines for traveling without a valid ticket and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Use ATMs located in secure areas like banks or shopping centers to prevent card skimming. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Secure Areas: ATMs located in well-lit, busy locations with security cameras.
Card Skimming: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect yourself from card skimmers.
Multiple ATMs: Try multiple ATMs if one appears suspicious or doesn't work correctly.

Support local artists while avoiding scams by giving generously but thoughtfully. Be cautious of performers distracting you.

Generosity: Give donations directly to the artist, not through third parties.
Distractions: Be aware of distractions, such as others asking for help or trying to draw attention away from the performance.
Local Artists: Support local artists by learning about their work and recognizing them from genuine performances.

Give to reputable charities or donation boxes with a clear purpose. Be cautious of aggressive solicitors.

Reputable Charities: Research charities before giving to ensure they are legitimate and trustworthy.
Aggressive Solicitors: Be wary of aggressive solicitors who may be misrepresenting their cause or organization.
Donation Boxes: Check for clear signage indicating the purpose of the donation box before making a contribution.

Rent bicycles from official rental shops to avoid overpricing and bike theft. Return bikes promptly.

Official Rental Shops: Shops with a clear signage, proper safety equipment, and working bicycles.
Overpricing: Avoid rental shops that charge excessive prices for their bikes.
Bike Theft: Lock your bike securely when not in use and return rented bicycles promptly to avoid theft.

Book massages at reputable spas or parlors with proper licensing and clean facilities.

Reputable Spas: Spas with a good reputation, positive reviews, and professional staff.
Proper Licensing: Massage parlors with visible licenses or certifications.
Clean Facilities: Check for cleanliness and proper sanitation at the massage parlor.