Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Qingzhen, Guizhou, China

All Topics about Qingzhen All Cities in China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam

Avoid unlicensed taxis offering lower fares. They may charge excessively or take longer routes.

Know Licensed Taxis: Recognize official taxi emblems and license plates.
Use Reputable Apps: Book taxis through popular ride-hailing apps for safety and peace of mind.
Stay Informed: Keep track of the estimated fare and route during your trip.

Be cautious when booking accommodations from unknown websites or individuals. Some may offer subpar services or overcharge.

Book through Reputable Channels: Use trusted travel platforms for bookings.
Inspect the Property: Visit the property before finalizing your booking and check its condition.
Read Reviews: Review previous guests' experiences with the accommodation to make an informed decision.

Be aware of tour guides offering cheaper prices or hidden fees. They may omit important sites or rush through tours.

Choose Licensed Guides: Book guided tours with recognized and licensed tourist agencies.
Research Tour Itineraries: Check the itinerary for a comprehensive list of sites to be visited.
Negotiate Fees Upfront: Clearly discuss and agree on fees before starting your tour.

Avoid purchasing souvenirs from street vendors offering suspiciously low prices. The products may be counterfeit or subpar.

Shop at Official Stores: Purchase souvenirs from authorized stores in tourist areas.
Inspect Products Carefully: Examine the products for signs of poor quality or inconsistencies.
Bargain Wisely: Negotiate prices to ensure a fair deal, but avoid overly low offers.

Avoid exchanging money on the streets. Some vendors may offer unfair exchange rates or provide fake currency.

Use Authorized Exchanges: Exchange currency at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange kiosks.
Check Rates Beforehand: Compare exchange rates with online sources before making any transactions.
Count Your Money: Carefully count your exchanged currency to ensure accuracy.

Avoid using unattended internet cafes or computers. They may contain malware or steal personal information.

Choose Reputable Cafes: Select internet cafes that are clean, busy, and attended by staff.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your online activities.
Limit Sensitive Information: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or entering personal information on unfamiliar devices.

Be cautious when dining out. Some restaurants may inflate prices or add hidden fees.

Research Prices: Check the average prices of local dishes online before dining.
Negotiate Prices Upfront: Ask about menu prices and any additional fees before ordering.
Check Receipts Carefully: Compare the total amount on your receipt with your bill to ensure accuracy.

Beware of overly friendly locals offering help or friendship. They may lead you into scams or steal your belongings.

Trust Your Instincts: Use common sense and trust your gut when meeting new people.
Stay in Groups: Travel with others and stick together, especially at night or in crowded areas.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If you encounter a potentially dangerous situation, report it to local authorities immediately.

Be wary of overpriced items or aggressive vendors at local markets. Some may attempt to scam unwitting tourists.

Bargain Effectively: Negotiate prices skillfully while staying fair.
Shop during Off-Peak Hours: Visit the market during off-peak hours when it's less crowded, allowing for more relaxed bargaining.
Ask for Help if Needed: Seek help from locals or tourist information centers if you need assistance bargaining or identifying items.

Be cautious when using ATMs. Some may have skimmers or hidden cameras to steal your card information.

Use Well-lit and Busy ATMs: Choose ATMs that are in well-lit, busy areas and avoid using isolated machines.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent potential surveillance.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Be wary of offers to invest in gold mines or mining operations. They may be fraudulent and result in lost investments.

Research the Opportunity: Thoroughly investigate any investment opportunities before committing funds.
Invest through Reputable Channels: Invest in gold mines or mining operations through recognized and licensed financial institutions.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a local lawyer if you are unsure about the legitimacy of an investment opportunity.

Be cautious when enrolling in language schools offering low prices or poor quality instruction.

Research Reputable Language Schools: Select a language school with good reviews and recommendations.
Inspect the School: Visit the school before enrolling to check its facilities and instructor qualifications.
Ask for Certificates: Request proof of certification or accreditation for the language school.

Be wary of individuals claiming to collect donations for charities. They may be fraudulent and keep the money for themselves.

Research Legitimate Charities: Find out which local charities are recognized and legitimate.
Donate through Official Channels: Make donations directly to the charity, rather than through individuals.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt for your donation to prove that it was given to the charity.

Be cautious when making donations at temples. Some may pressure you for excessive or unnecessary contributions.

Research Temple Etiquette: Learn about the appropriate donation amounts and etiquette at local temples.
Donate with Discretion: Make donations thoughtfully, avoiding excessive or unnecessary contributions.
Decline Pressure: Politely decline pressure to donate more than you are comfortable with.

Be wary of scams during local festivals. Some vendors may overcharge or attempt to cheat tourists.

Research Festival Prices: Check the average prices of festival items and food online before attending.
Bargain Effectively: Negotiate prices skillfully while staying fair during the festival.
Ask for Help if Needed: Seek help from locals or tourist information centers if you need assistance bargaining or identifying items.