Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quanzhou, China

1. Tourist Trap Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take circuitous routes. Avoid this by only using licensed taxis from recognized ranks.

Recognized Ranks: Look for official taxi stands or partner hotels to ensure a legitimate ride.
Licensed Taxis: Legitimate taxis in Quanzhou have distinctive license plates and uniformed drivers.
Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi meter is turned on to avoid overcharging.

Counterfeit goods are prevalent in some street markets. Be cautious when shopping and look for authenticity marks.

Authenticity Marks: Look for quality assurance labels, serial numbers, or holograms on branded goods.
Low Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of heavily discounted items.
Reputable Stores: Stick to established stores with good reviews or visit malls for branded products.

Unlicensed guides may lead you into scams or take poor routes. Ensure your guide is certified and licensed.

Certified Guides: Ask for a tour guide's certificate or badge before proceeding with their services.
Tour Agency Affiliation: Book tours through reputable agencies to ensure your guide is licensed and legitimate.
Language Skills: Check their English proficiency, as a good guide should be able to communicate effectively.

Some unauthorized ATMs may skim your card or give fake bills. Use only ATMs located in banks and secure locations.

Bank ATMs: ATMs located inside a bank are more secure than standalone machines.
Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas for added security.
Card Skimming Prevention: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers and skimmers.

Be wary of receiving fake banknotes. Familiarize yourself with the latest Chinese currency design.

Currency Design: The latest Chinese banknote designs have several security features, such as watermarks and raised patterns.
Bill Size: Each denomination has a different size, so compare the size of bills received to ensure their authenticity.
Feel and Weight: Authentic Chinese banknotes have a specific texture and weight. Counterfeits may feel different or weigh less.

Some sim card vendors may sell stolen phones or tampered SIM cards. Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Look for official telecom company stores to purchase your SIM card.
ID Verification: Be prepared to show identification when purchasing a SIM card to ensure legitimacy.
Activation Fee: Avoid any vendor asking for an unusual activation fee for your SIM card.

Unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots may steal personal information. Use a VPN or avoid logging in sensitive accounts.

VPN Usage: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting you from potential threats.
Secure Websites: Look for the 'https' prefix and a lock icon in your browser URL bar when accessing sensitive websites.
Limited Sensitive Logins: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts, such as banking or emails, on unsecured networks.

Unhygienic street food vendors may cause illness. Choose stalls with clean facilities and fresh ingredients.

Clean Facilities: Avoid stalls with poor hygiene, such as dirty surfaces or insects.
Fresh Ingredients: Check that ingredients are fresh and not left out for extended periods.
Customer Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the stall's cleanliness and quality.

Some accommodations may overcharge for subpar services. Compare prices and read reviews before booking.

Price Comparison: Use travel websites to compare prices and find the best deals.
Reviews: Look at customer reviews to get an idea of the accommodation's quality and service.
Location: Choose accommodations close to attractions or public transportation for convenience.

Unscrupulous money changers may give you less than agreed upon. Only use reputable and licensed exchanges.

Licensed Exchanges: Look for authorized exchange offices or banks for your currency exchange needs.
Currency Rates: Compare exchange rates with multiple providers to find the best deal.
Receipt: Always get a receipt for your transaction as proof of the exchange rate.

Counterfeit tickets to attractions may not grant entry. Purchase your tickets from authorized outlets.

Authorized Outlets: Buy tickets directly at the attraction or from reputable travel agencies.
Ticket Price: Compare ticket prices with other visitors to ensure you are not being overcharged.
Official Ticket Design: Familiarize yourself with the official design of attraction tickets to spot any irregularities.

Some vendors may pressure you into buying overpriced souvenirs or services. Be firm and negotiate prices.

Negotiation: Always negotiate prices with vendors to get a fair deal.
Avoid Rush Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid being pressured into purchases.
Legitimate Vendors: Choose vendors with a good reputation and quality items.

Some monks or vendors may ask for donations or pressure you into purchasing items. Be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid Donation Pressure: Do not feel obligated to make large donations, and decline any unwanted solicitation.
Legitimate Vendors: Choose vendors with a good reputation and quality items. Be wary of aggressive sales tactics.
Respect Temple Rules: Follow temple rules, such as dressing appropriately and behaving respectfully.

Vendors may pressure you into purchasing overpriced or low-quality jade items. Research beforehand and negotiate prices.

Research Quality Standards: Learn about jade quality standards to avoid purchasing poor-quality items.
Negotiation: Always negotiate prices with vendors to get a fair deal.
Legitimate Vendors: Choose vendors with a good reputation and quality items. Be wary of aggressive sales tactics.

Some guides or vendors may pressure you into buying overpriced souvenirs or services. Be aware of your surroundings.

Avoid Donation Pressure: Do not feel obligated to make large donations, and decline any unwanted solicitation.
Legitimate Vendors: Choose vendors with a good reputation and quality items. Be wary of aggressive sales tactics.
Respect Museum Rules: Follow museum rules, such as not taking flash photography or touching exhibits.