Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Quzhou, China

All Topics about Quzhou All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Always agree on the price before starting the journey.

Markets selling counterfeit goods may be common. Purchase only from reputable stores or verified vendors.

Skimmers can be attached to ATMs to steal card information. Use secure ATMs in banks or well-lit areas.

Secure ATMs: Avoid ATMs that look tampered with or are not in a bank.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account transactions for unauthorized usage.
Card Protection: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.

Some tour guides may not be licensed or may charge excessive fees. Verify the guide's credentials and compare prices with reputable agencies.

Licensed Guides: Ask for a guide's license and check with local tourist authorities.
Reputable Agencies: Choose tour agencies with good reviews and recommendations.
Price Comparison: Compare prices for similar services to avoid overpaying.

Hotels or guesthouses may overcharge tourists. Research and compare prices before booking accommodation.

Research and Comparison: Compare prices across multiple online travel platforms.
Location: Consider the location of the accommodation in relation to attractions and transportation.
Reviews and Ratings: Look for accommodations with positive reviews and high ratings.

Unhygienic street food vendors may cause illness. Choose vendors that have proper hygiene practices.

Hygiene Practices: Look for clean cooking areas, gloves, and proper food handling.
Customer Reviews: Check for customer reviews and ratings of the street food vendor.
Busy Vendors: Choose vendors that are busy as it indicates good food and popularity among locals.

Some currency exchange shops may offer unfair exchange rates. Use authorized exchange centers or banks.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange money at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange kiosks.
Check Rates Online: Compare exchange rates online before visiting a physical exchange center.
Secure Transactions: Exchange large amounts of currency in multiple smaller transactions for security.

Restaurants near popular tourist attractions may overcharge. Seek recommendations from locals or online reviews.

Local Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations.
Online Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings of restaurants before visiting.
Fair Prices: Compare prices with other similar restaurants in the area.

Some tour packages may be overpriced or offer lower-quality services. Research and compare prices of different tours.

Research and Comparison: Compare prices across multiple online travel platforms.
Itinerary Quality: Check the itinerary for quality sights and activities.
Customer Reviews: Look for tour packages with positive reviews and high ratings.

Locals may pretend to be friendly and offer help, only to ask for money later. Be cautious when interacting with strangers.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated areas or poorly lit streets, especially at night.
Don't Share Personal Information: Never share personal information with strangers.

Counterfeit tickets for attractions and events may be sold. Only purchase tickets from authorized vendors or official websites.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets at the attraction's box office or authorized ticket booths.
Official Websites: Purchase tickets from the official website of the attraction or event.
Check for Holograms: Genuine tickets will have holograms, barcodes, or other security features.

Internet cafes may have malware or spyware installed. Use trusted VPNs and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

Use Trusted VPNs: Use a trusted VPN to secure your connection.
Avoid Sensitive Logins: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts like email or banking websites.
Check for Security Features: Look for security features like antivirus software installed on the computers.

Fraudulent police officers or officials may try to extort money. Always ask for identification and verify their status with local authorities.

Ask for Identification: Always ask for official ID before sharing personal information.
Verify Status with Local Authorities: Contact local authorities to verify the status of any official-looking individuals.
Stay Calm and Don't Provide Information: Remain calm and do not provide sensitive personal information.

Souvenir shops may overcharge tourists. Research prices before purchasing souvenirs.

Research Prices: Research the typical price of souvenirs online before visiting a physical shop.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices with the vendor for better deals.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Avoid tourist areas where prices may be inflated.

Offers of help from strangers may lead to demands for payment. Be cautious when accepting help from strangers.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated areas or poorly lit streets, especially at night.
Decline Unnecessary Help: Politely decline help from strangers when possible.