Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sanzhou, China
1. Tourist Trap Shops
Shops located near popular tourist attractions offering overpriced or low-quality goods. Avoid overspending by researching prices and shopping around.
- High Prices: Prices are significantly higher than in other areas.
- Low Quality: Goods may be of lower quality compared to the price paid.
- Location: Shops are often located near popular tourist spots.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Markets selling counterfeit goods. Be cautious when buying luxury items as they may be fake.
- Fake Items: Items being sold are likely to be counterfeit.
- Price Too Good To Be True: The price of the item is significantly lower than expected.
- Location: Markets may be off the beaten path.
3. Unlicensed Tour Guides
Tour guides who claim to work for a company but do not have the necessary licenses. Ensure that your guide is licensed and reputable.
- Lack of License: The tour guide does not have a valid license.
- Inaccurate Information: Information provided by the guide may be inaccurate or biased.
- Safety Risks: Unlicensed guides may lead tourists to unsafe areas.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Fraudulent currency exchange shops offering unfavorable exchange rates. Research fair exchange rates and use reputable exchange centers.
- Unfavorable Rates: Exchange rates offered are significantly worse than market rates.
- Location: Scam shops may be located near popular tourist spots.
- Lack of Regulation: Shops may not be regulated or licensed.
5. Food Poisoning Scams
Restaurants serving contaminated food to cause illness and extort money. Stick to well-reviewed restaurants and avoid eating street food if unsure.
- Contaminated Food: Food served may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or chemicals.
- Location: Restaurants may be located near tourist areas.
- Quick Recovery: Symptoms subside quickly, suggesting a deliberate act.
6. Fake ATM Machines
ATMs that skim card information for fraudulent use. Use well-lit and secure ATMs in reputable locations.
- Skimming Device: The ATM may have a device to capture your card information.
- Location: ATMs may be located in less secure areas or poorly lit locations.
- Oddities: The ATM may look unusual, have an unclear brand, or display suspicious signs.
7. Transportation Scams
Taxis overcharging, drivers taking longer routes, or shared taxis filled with hidden passengers. Research fair taxi rates and agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Overcharging: The driver charges significantly more than the fare should be.
- Longer Routes: The driver takes a longer route to increase the fare.
- Hidden Passengers: Additional passengers join your taxi without your knowledge.
8. Street Performance Scams
Street performers who demand payment for poor performances or distract you while accomplices steal from you. Be cautious and avoid engaging with performers asking for money.
- Poor Performance: The performance is of poor quality.
- Distraction: The performer may distract you while accomplices steal from you.
- Location: Performers are often located near popular tourist spots.
9. Friendly Scams
Locals or fellow tourists who appear friendly but offer misleading information or try to scam you. Be cautious when engaging with strangers.
- Misinformation: Information provided is incorrect or misleading.
- Friendly Appearance: The individual appears friendly and approachable.
- Location: Encounter may occur near tourist spots or in crowded areas.
10. Overpriced Accommodation
Hotels or hostels charging excessively high prices. Research and compare prices for accommodations in the area to avoid overpaying.
- High Prices: Prices are significantly higher than other establishments.
- Location: Accommodations may be located near tourist spots.
- Lack of Reputation: The accommodation may not have a good reputation or positive reviews.
11. Dining Scams
Restaurants presenting unexpected additional charges such as service fees, hidden menu items, or water bills. Be aware of the total cost before dining and ask for itemized bills.
- Hidden Charges: Additional charges not disclosed upfront.
- Menu Misinformation: Items on the menu may not be accurately priced or may have hidden costs.
- Location: Restaurants may be located near tourist spots.
12. Overpriced Tours
Tour operators offering overpriced or low-quality tours. Research and compare prices for tours in the area before booking.
- High Prices: Prices are significantly higher than other tour operators.
- Low Quality: Tours may be of lower quality compared to the price paid.
- Location: Tour operators may be located near tourist spots.
13. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Massage parlors offering services that may be illegal or unsafe. Seek out licensed and reputable massage establishments.
- Illegal Services: Services offered are illegal or unsafe.
- Location: Parlors may be located in less visible areas.
- Lack of Reputation: The massage parlor may not have a good reputation or positive reviews.
14. Fake Ticket Sales
Individuals selling fake tickets for attractions or events. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or at official ticket offices.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets are counterfeit and do not grant access to the attraction or event.
- Location: Ticket sales may occur in less visible areas or by individuals posing as ticket vendors.
- Price Too Good To Be True: The price of the ticket is significantly lower than expected.
15. Ticketless Attractions Scams
Attractions claiming to be free and then charging a fee upon entry. Confirm ticket prices before visiting attractions.
- Unexpected Fees: A fee is charged after entering the attraction.
- Location: Attractions may be located near tourist spots.
- Lack of Reputation: The attraction may not have a good reputation or positive reviews.