Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China

1. Taxi Overcharging Scam

Some unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge tourists in Shaoxing. Avoid this by using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Official taxis have a license plate and identification number.
Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing provide safe and affordable rides in Shaoxing.
Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid traveling during peak hours to prevent overcharging.

Be wary of cheap, seemingly authentic goods in markets. Some may be counterfeits.

Know the Brand: Research popular brands to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods.
Check Quality: Counterfeit items often have poor quality compared to authentic ones.
Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase goods from reputable shops or directly from the brand.

Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services at lower prices but provide poor service. Stick to licensed guides.

Licensed Tour Guides: Tour guides should have a valid tour guide license.
Check Reviews: Check reviews from previous customers before hiring a guide.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Avoid hiring guides who approach you on the street.

Some ATMs in Shaoxing may be rigged to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls.

Bank ATMs: ATMs inside banks are generally safer.
Shopping Mall ATMs: ATMs in shopping malls also offer a higher level of security.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account for any unusual activity.

Some tea shops may offer free tea with the intention of selling expensive tea sets. Enjoy the tea but be wary of sales pitches.

Know the Cost of Tea Sets: Research the cost of tea sets before entering a shop.
Decline Unsolicited Sales: Politely decline any sales attempts unless you are interested.
Enjoy the Experience: Enjoy the tea and the cultural experience without feeling pressured to buy.

Some locals may act friendly but intend to scam you. Trust your instincts and be cautious.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut feeling.
Research Common Scams: Knowing common scams can help you identify potential threats.
Stick with Trusted People: Travel with a trusted group or friend.

Some currency exchangers in Shaoxing may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Use official banks or authorized money changers.

Official Banks: Banks provide the best exchange rates.
Authorized Money Changers: Authorized money changers also offer fair exchange rates.
Check Rates Online: Check the current exchange rate online before exchanging money.

Some hotels may overcharge tourists. Book your accommodation in advance and compare prices online.

Book in Advance: Booking early can help secure a better price.
Compare Prices Online: Comparing prices across different platforms can help you find the best deal.
Read Reviews: Reviews from previous guests can provide insights into the quality of accommodation.

Some ticket sellers may sell fake or overpriced tickets for attractions. Buy tickets at official outlets.

Official Outlets: Tickets should be purchased from the attraction's official website or ticket office.
Check Online Reviews: Read reviews to ensure the ticket seller is reliable.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal your information. Use trusted internet providers or VPNs.

Trusted Internet Providers: Use well-known internet service providers.
VPN Use: Using a VPN can help protect your online privacy and security.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions while using public internet.

Some individuals may pretend to be interested in a relationship to scam you. Be cautious and verify their identity.

Verify Identity: Use video calls to confirm the person's identity.
Avoid Sending Money: Never send money to someone you have just met online.
Meet in a Public Place: Meeting in a public place can help ensure your safety.

Some street performers may expect payment after a performance. Watch the show but don't feel obligated to pay.

Enjoy the Show: Watch the performance and appreciate the artistry.
Don't Feel Obligated to Pay: You are not required to pay for every street performance you watch.
Avoid Verbal Commitments: Avoid making verbal commitments about payment during the performance.

Some art galleries may sell overpriced or counterfeit artwork. Research artists and galleries before purchasing.

Research Artists: Learn about the artist and their style to identify authentic works.
Check Gallery Reputation: Check online reviews of the gallery before making a purchase.
Buy from Reputable Auction Houses: Auction houses can provide authentic artwork at reasonable prices.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or overcharge tourists. Stick to recommended vendors.

Recommended Vendors: Ask locals for recommendations on trusted street food vendors.
Check Hygiene Levels: Look for clean environments and proper food handling.
Avoid Overpriced Food: Compare prices with other vendors in the area to avoid overpaying.

Some nightlife venues may overcharge drinks or use aggressive sales tactics. Research venues before going out.

Research Venues: Read reviews and check prices online.
Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours to prevent overcrowding and potential scams.
Stick with Trusted People: Travel with a trusted group or friend.