Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sanya, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxis. Always use official taxi stands or book via app.

Official Stands: Use only officially designated taxi stands to avoid unlicensed drivers
Metered Taxis: Ensure the taxi uses a meter and avoid any upfront payment proposals.
Booking Apps: Consider using local taxi-hailing apps for safe, reliable service

Be wary of cheap souvenirs or luxury goods. Check labels, quality, and consider shopping at official stores.

Official Stores: Shop only in authorized retailers or markets to ensure genuine items.
Quality Checks: Inspect merchandise for poor craftsmanship, misspellings, or inconsistencies
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're not being overcharged

Avoid booking accommodation in unpopular areas or through unofficial channels. Check online reviews and compare prices.

Unofficial Channels: Book accommodations only via trusted sites or travel agencies.
Location: Choose a location that is safe, central and well-connected to popular tourist spots.
Online Reviews: Check reviews from previous guests for insights into the quality of service and accommodations.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Check for proper identification and research tours before booking.

Proper Identification: Ensure the guide has a valid license and carries appropriate identification.
Research Tours: Read reviews, check itineraries, and compare prices before booking tours.
Scam Warning Signs: Be wary of guides who offer overly aggressive or unusual sales pitches

Avoid street food from unhygienic vendors. Research restaurants and stick to cooked, hot meals.

Hygienic Vendors: Choose vendors that maintain cleanliness and follow proper food handling procedures.
Cooked, Hot Food: Avoid foods that have been left unattended or are not kept hot.
Research Restaurants: Read reviews and check for proper food safety certifications

Avoid street currency exchanges. Use reputable banks or exchange offices.

Reputable Banks: Exchange money only in banks with good reviews and official licensing.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Do not exchange currency on the streets or with unlicensed vendors
Competitive Rates: Compare exchange rates between different banks to ensure fairness.

Choose well-lit, busy areas for ATMs. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Well-lit, Busy Areas: Use only ATMs located in safe and populated locations.
Cover the Keypad: Protect your PIN from prying eyes to avoid identity theft.
Monitor Transactions: Check your account balance and monitor transactions for any unusual activity.

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN or cellular data when accessing sensitive information.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN to protect your data and ensure secure connections.
Cellular Data: Use cellular data when possible for increased security
Avoid Public Networks: Do not access sensitive information on unsecured public networks.

Avoid street vendors for sim cards. Purchase from official stores or reputable providers.

Official Stores: Buy SIM cards only from authorized retailers.
Reputable Providers: Research providers with good reviews and customer service.
Check Registration: Ensure the SIM card is properly registered and activated before use.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help or assistance. Trust your instincts and avoid sharing personal information.

Trust Instincts: Listen to your intuition when encountering strangers
Avoid Personal Information: Do not share personal information or passwords with strangers.
Stay Alert: Maintain awareness of your surroundings and any suspicious activity.

Bargain aggressively for items at night markets. Know the market price before purchasing.

Know Market Prices: Research prices of desired items in advance to avoid overpaying.
Aggressive Bargaining: Be firm and persistent during negotiations to get a fair price.
Walk Away if Needed: Be prepared to walk away from a negotiation if the seller is not willing to meet your price.

Research massage parlors for good reviews and fair prices. Avoid establishments that seem unprofessional or seedy.

Good Reviews: Check online reviews to find reputable massage parlors.
Fair Prices: Compare prices with other massage parlors and negotiate if necessary.
Professional Establishments: Avoid unprofessional or seedy establishments that might be fronts for scams.

Purchase admission tickets only from authorized vendors. Check for official logos and holograms.

Authorized Vendors: Buy admission tickets only from authorized ticket booths or online outlets.
Official Logos and Holograms: Inspect tickets for authenticity before entering attractions.
Compare Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices with other sources to ensure you're not being overcharged.

Avoid unlicensed tour buses. Research and book tours with reputable providers.

Reputable Providers: Book tours only through providers with good reviews, proper licensing, and transparent pricing.
Avoid Unlicensed Buses: Do not board unlicensed tour buses or those offering exceptionally cheap rates.
Check Itineraries: Research the itinerary and compare with other tours to ensure a fair value.

Avoid participating in beach fishing activities with strangers. Stick to licensed and reputable providers.

Licensed Providers: Choose only licensed and reputable fishing providers.
Avoid Strangers: Do not participate in fishing activities with strangers or unlicensed vendors.
Check Equipment: Inspect the fishing equipment for signs of wear, damage, or tampering.