Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rongjiawan, China

All Topics about Rongjiawan All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unnecessary detours or inflated fares by always using official taxis, and use a meter whenever possible.

Official Taxis: Recognize official taxis by their distinctive markings.
Meter Usage: Insist on meter usage to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Late-Night Travel: Late-night travel may increase the risk of taxi scams.

Examine bills carefully for any irregularities such as watermarks, holograms, and feel for rough edges.

Watermark Verification: Check the presence of a watermark when holding up the note to light.
Hologram Presence: Look for holographic strips and images on higher denomination notes.
Feel for Rough Edges: Authentic bills should have rough edges due to security thread.

Book guides through reputable agencies and research guide credentials beforehand.

Reputable Agencies: Choose tour agencies with good reviews and a proven track record.
Credentials Verification: Ask for credentials or licenses, and verify their legitimacy.
Itinerary Confirmation: Ensure that the proposed itinerary includes popular tourist spots and landmarks.

Purchase only from trusted vendors in busy areas, and negotiate prices beforehand.

Trusted Vendors: Look for vendors with a consistent customer base and positive reviews.
Busy Areas: Avoid empty or isolated street vendor locations.
Negotiation: Bargain for prices before making a purchase to avoid overpaying.

Research hotel room rates online, and avoid paying excessive fees by using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Online Research: Compare hotel room prices on various websites to ensure fairness.
Credit Card Options: Choose a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad.
Invoices Review: Review invoices carefully before making payments to avoid unnecessary charges.

Use well-lit, heavily trafficked ATMs and cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Well-Lit Locations: Choose ATMs that are located in well-lit areas for enhanced security.
Heavily Trafficked Areas: Opt for ATMs in busy locations to minimize the risk of tampering.
Keypad Coverage: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to protect against shoulder-surfing.

Avoid restaurants with few customers, and ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel concierge.

Busy Locations: Choose busy restaurants with a steady flow of patrons.
Local Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or hotel staff about popular eateries.
Menu Translation: Use translation apps to help decipher menu items and avoid overpriced dishes.

Book tours through reputable operators and verify the tour guide's credentials.

Reputable Operators: Research tour companies with good reviews and a proven track record.
Credentials Verification: Ask for credentials or licenses, and verify their legitimacy.
Itinerary Confirmation: Ensure that the proposed itinerary includes popular tourist spots and landmarks.

Research internet cafe rates beforehand, and look for locations with multiple patrons.

Online Research: Compare internet cafe prices on various websites to ensure fairness.
Busy Locations: Opt for cafes with a steady flow of patrons for credibility.
Hourly Rates: Check hourly rates to avoid paying excessive fees.

Stay vigilant when approached by strangers offering help or friendship, as they may attempt to scam you.

Avoid Isolated Locations: Avoid isolated areas and stick to well-lit, busy locations.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person feels suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
Report Suspicious Incidents: Inform local authorities or your hotel about any suspicious encounters.

Research accommodation options thoroughly before booking, and verify the property's location and reviews.

Online Research: Compare accommodation prices on various websites to ensure fairness.
Location Verification: Ensure the property's location matches the booking address and is conveniently located.
Reviews Analysis: Analyze guest reviews to gauge the accommodation's quality and service.

Bargain for prices at souvenir shops, and research popular souvenirs ahead of time.

Bargaining Skills: Master bargaining techniques to get the best price on souvenirs.
Popular Souvenirs Research: Research popular souvenirs and their approximate prices before shopping.
Shop Around: Visit multiple souvenir shops to compare prices and find the best deal.

Give only to recognized charities, and research them before donating.

Recognized Charities: Donate to well-known, registered charities.
Online Research: Research charities before donating to ensure their legitimacy and impact.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid donating to street solicitors, as they may not be affiliated with a legitimate charity.

Exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices, and avoid exchanging money on the street.

Bank Exchanges: Exchange currency at a bank to ensure a fair rate.
Official Exchange Offices: Use official exchange offices for secure and fair transactions.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange money on the street, as it is risky and can result in receiving counterfeit currency.

Purchase gold and jade only from reputable stores, and ask for certificates of authenticity.

Reputable Stores: Choose well-established, reputable stores with good reviews.
Certificates of Authenticity: Ask for certificates or appraisals to ensure the authenticity and quality of the gold or jade.
Bargaining Skills: Use bargaining techniques to get a fair price while still ensuring quality.