Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Qingyang, Fujian, China

All Topics about Qingyang All Cities in China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take you to unwanted destinations. Recognize official taxis by their red license plates.

Official Taxis: Taxi cabs with red license plates are the only legal and safe taxis in Qingyang.
Avoid Unmarked Cars: Avoid taking rides from unlicensed or unmarked vehicles.
Negotiate Fares: Always negotiate fares before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Some currency exchange shops may offer unfavorable rates. Stick to reputable banks and larger establishments.

Check for Licenses: Ensure the exchange shop has a valid license before conducting transactions.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid exchanging currency with street vendors to minimize risks.
Use Online Resources: Check online exchange rates beforehand and compare them with the offered rates at exchange shops.

Some tourist attractions may charge inflated prices for tickets. Research ticket costs in advance and negotiate if necessary.

Online Research: Research the average ticket prices of popular attractions before visiting.
Avoid Unofficial Guides: Refuse offers from unofficial tour guides at tourist sites, who may lead you to overpriced attractions.
Negotiate Prices: Always try negotiating ticket prices before purchasing tickets to save money.

Some tour operators may offer fake packages or disappear with your payment. Choose a reputable operator with positive reviews.

Check for Licenses: Ensure the tour operator has a valid license and is registered.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Avoid purchasing tours from street solicitors or unlicensed vendors.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews of tour operators before making a decision.

Some vendors may use tricks to overcharge or sell poor-quality goods. Always haggle and check prices.

Haggle Prices: Always negotiate prices before making a purchase.
Avoid Overpriced Items: Be aware of items with excessive pricing and avoid them.
Check Quality: Inspect goods carefully before making a purchase to ensure quality.

Some vendors may offer sim cards with inflated prices or pre-installed malware. Purchase sim cards from official retailers.

Official Retailers: Always purchase sim cards from authorized retailers.
Check for Pre-installed Software: Ensure the sim card does not have any pre-installed software before activating it.
Negotiate Prices: Always try negotiating prices for sim cards to get a fair deal.

Some hotels may charge inflated prices for rooms. Research hotel rates in advance and negotiate prices.

Online Research: Research the average hotel room prices in Qingyang before booking.
Negotiate Prices: Always try negotiating room prices with hotels to get a fair deal.
Avoid Unlicensed Hotels: Only stay at licensed and reputable hotels in Qingyang.

Some guides or translators may overcharge or mislead you. Choose a reputable guide or translation service.

Check Credentials: Ensure the guide or translator has proper certification and good reviews.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for guide or translation services before hiring.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Refuse offers from unlicensed guides and translators on the street.

Some restaurants may use deceptive pricing or serve low-quality food. Always check prices and reviews before dining.

Online Research: Research restaurant prices and reviews before dining.
Avoid Street Food Stalls: Avoid eating at street food stalls to minimize risks.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices before ordering at restaurants.

Some shops may sell counterfeit local products. Purchase from reputable stores or markets.

Reputable Stores: Always purchase local products from reputable stores.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid purchasing local products from street vendors to minimize risks.
Check for Authenticity: Ensure the product is authentic by checking for any signs of counterfeiting.

Some bars or clubs may overcharge for drinks or use aggressive sales tactics. Research prices and visit during non-peak hours.

Online Research: Research bar and club prices before visiting.
Visit During Non-Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours to minimize overcrowding and inflated prices.
Negotiate Drink Prices: Always negotiate drink prices before ordering at bars or clubs.

Some internet cafes may offer unfavorable exchange rates for foreign currency. Use reputable banks or exchange shops instead.

Reputable Banks and Exchange Shops: Always use reputable banks or exchange shops for currency exchange.
Avoid Internet Cafes: Avoid using internet cafes for currency exchange to minimize risks.
Check Exchange Rates: Always check the current exchange rate before conducting transactions.

Some individuals may approach you offering help or asking for money. Ignore unsolicited offers and be aware of your belongings.

Be Aware of Your Belongings: Always keep a close eye on your belongings at public transportation stations.
Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Avoid engaging with strangers offering unsolicited help or requests for money.
Stay Vigilant: Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Some ATMs may have skimmers or malware. Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments.

ATMs Inside Banks or Reputable Establishments: Always use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments.
Check for Skimmers: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices before using it.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Limit your cash withdrawals to reduce potential losses if an issue occurs.

Some public toilets may charge inflated fees or have attendants who ask for money. Use restrooms located inside hotels, restaurants, or malls.

Restrooms Inside Hotels, Restaurants, or Malls: Always use restrooms located inside hotels, restaurants, or malls.
Avoid Public Toilets with Attendants: Avoid public toilets that have attendants who ask for money.
Check Fees Before Using: Always check the fee before using a public toilet to avoid any surprises.