Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Qujing, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging or being directed to unnecessary destinations by taxis. Always use registered taxi companies.

Registered Companies: Official and registered taxi companies have a meter and follow strict rules.
Avoid Overcharging: Always check the meter to avoid overcharging or unnecessary fees.
Pre-arranged Taxis: Arranging taxis in advance can help avoid confusion and potential scams.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods at street markets. Look for legitimate shops or authorized dealers.

Legitimate Shops: Genuine stores have proper licensing, branding, and customer service.
Authorized Dealers: Authorized dealers sell authentic products with manufacturer warranties.
Check for Quality: Inspect items carefully before buying to ensure they are of good quality and authentic.

Be cautious of unlicensed tour guides offering services. Always use registered travel agencies or check with your hotel.

Registered Travel Agencies: Legitimate travel agencies have a physical office, proper licensing, and good reviews.
Check with Hotel: Hotel staff can recommend reputable tour guides or agencies for your needs.
Ask for Proof of Licensing: Legitimate tour guides will have a valid tour guide ID and be able to provide it upon request.

Protect yourself from ATM skimming by using well-lit, heavily trafficked ATMs and closely monitoring your transactions.

Well-Lit ATMs: ATMs in well-lit areas are less likely to have skimming devices attached.
Heavily Trafficked Areas: Busy ATMs are more secure as potential thieves will be less likely to attempt fraud.
Monitor Transactions: Check your account balance frequently and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Protect your personal information by using trusted internet cafes and being cautious of public computers.

Trusted Internet Cafes: Reputable internet cafes have good reviews, are well-maintained, and provide secure connections.
Cautious of Public Computers: Never save your passwords or personal information on public computers.
Use a VPN: Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your data and privacy.

Avoid exchanging currency at street vendors or unofficial locations. Use banks or authorized exchange offices.

Banks and Authorized Exchange Offices: Official exchange points have proper licensing, fair rates, and provide receipts.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may give you less money than agreed or provide counterfeit bills.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations to ensure fairness.

Book accommodations through reputable platforms or hotels directly. Be wary of overly cheap deals that seem too good to be true.

Reputable Platforms: Use trusted booking websites with good reviews and secure payment options.
Hotel Directly: Booking through the hotel's official website ensures a legitimate reservation.
Avoid Overly Cheap Deals: Cheap deals may be fraudulent or substandard, so always do your research.

Be firm when declining unwanted guides or services, and avoid engaging with overly friendly individuals offering help.

Firm Declines: Politely decline offers of unwanted services to avoid potential scams.
Avoid Engaging with Overly Friendly Individuals: Friendly individuals may attempt to lead you into a scam or trick you into paying for unnecessary services.
Stay Alert and Cautious: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.

Always carry your passport and visa, but do not hand them over to anyone except officials at a police station or border control.

Legitimate Officers: Police officers will have identification and will not demand money or personal items.
Do Not Hand Over Passport: Never hand over your passport to anyone except officials at a police station or border control.
Contact Your Embassy: If you are targeted by a fake officer, contact your embassy for assistance.

Use banks or authorized exchange offices to change money. Avoid street vendors and unofficial locations.

Banks and Authorized Exchange Offices: Official exchange points have proper licensing, fair rates, and provide receipts.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may give you less money than agreed or provide counterfeit bills.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations to ensure fairness.

Be aware of pickpocketing and overcharging on public transportation. Keep your belongings close and validate tickets before boarding.

Keep Belongings Close: Keep your belongings in sight at all times to prevent pickpocketing.
Validate Tickets: Always validate your ticket before boarding public transportation to avoid overcharges.
Stay Aware and Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when traveling on public transportation.

Rent cars from reputable companies. Check the vehicle for damage before driving and report any issues.

Reputable Companies: Choose well-known rental car companies with good reviews.
Check the Vehicle: Inspect the vehicle for damage before driving to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues.
Report Issues: Notify the rental company of any issues with the vehicle before returning it.

Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or ticket machines. Avoid buying tickets from street vendors.

Authorized Vendors and Machines: Official ticket vendors have proper licensing, fair prices, and provide receipts.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets.
Check the Ticket Price: Compare ticket prices at multiple locations to ensure fairness.

Avoid eating street food from unhygienic or suspicious vendors. Stick to busy, popular areas with good reviews.

Busy, Popular Areas: Street food vendors in busy, popular areas have a reputation to maintain.
Good Reviews: Look for street food vendors with good online reviews and recommendations from locals.
Avoid Unhygienic Vendors: Street food vendors in unhygienic conditions may serve contaminated food.

Buy medication from pharmacies with a valid license. In case of emergencies, visit a reputable hospital.

Valid License: Pharmacies with a valid license have proper regulations and safety measures.
Reputable Hospitals: Hospitals with good reviews and proper accreditation can provide authentic medication.
Avoid Unofficial Sources: Buying medication from unofficial sources may result in counterfeit or low-quality drugs.