Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shaoyang, Hunan, China

All Topics about Shaoyang All Cities in China

1. Taxi Overcharging Scam

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may charge excessive fares to unsuspecting tourists.

Know Fixed Rates: Taxi rides within the city should cost around 10-15 RMB. Know these rates before you travel.
Use Licensed Taxis: Always use licensed taxis with meters to avoid overcharging.
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: For longer trips, negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Some street vendors sell counterfeit goods, which may look authentic but are of poor quality.

Buy from Official Shops: Official shops selling branded items can be found in shopping malls.
Know the Quality: Counterfeit goods often lack the quality of genuine products.
Check for Quality Control Marks: Genuine items usually have quality control marks, which are absent in counterfeits.

Some souvenir shops may overcharge tourists for items that are common and cheap elsewhere.

Negotiate Prices: Prices in souvenir shops can often be negotiated.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Avoid Busy Streets: Souvenir shops on busy streets often overcharge tourists.

Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services, but may lead you to scams or low-quality attractions.

Check for Licenses: Licensed tour guides should have a license and ID card.
Research Your Tour: Research your tour beforehand to know what to expect.
Avoid Private Tours Offered on the Street: Private tours offered by strangers on the street are often fraudulent.

Some money changers may offer a lower rate for your currency than agreed upon.

Check Rates Beforehand: Compare rates with other money changing services before you travel.
Only Use Licensed Money Changers: Licensed money changers can be found in banks and hotels.
Count Your Money Carefully: Count your changed money carefully to ensure the correct amount is given.

Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Keep Your Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded areas.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Avoid displaying valuables such as cameras and smartphones to reduce the likelihood of theft.
Use a Travel Wallet or Money Belt: Use a travel wallet or money belt to keep your cash and cards secure.

Some restaurants may serve lower quality food than advertised, or charge tourists more for the same meal.

Research Popular Eateries: Research popular local restaurants before you travel.
Avoid Restaurants near Tourist Attractions: Restaurants near tourist attractions often overcharge tourists.
Check Prices Before Ordering: Always check the prices before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.

Some ATMs may be tampered with to skim your card details or charge excessive fees.

Use ATMs in Banks and Hotels: ATMs in banks and hotels are generally safer.
Check for Tampering: Check the ATM for signs of tampering before using it.
Limit Daily Withdrawals: Limit your daily withdrawals to minimize potential losses if an ATM is compromised.

Unscrupulous ticket sellers may offer fake tickets or charge more than the official price for admission.

Buy Tickets from Official Outlets: Always buy tickets from the official outlet at the attraction.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets.
Check for Official Logos: Official outlets will display official logos and signs.

Some transportation providers may charge more than the agreed-upon price or take a longer route.

Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Use Licensed Providers: Only use licensed transportation providers to ensure fair pricing.
Avoid Shared Taxis: Shared taxis may overcharge tourists or take a longer route.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal your passwords and credit card details.

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions.
Use a VPN: Use a VPN to secure your connection and protect your data.
Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended: Never leave your devices unattended in an internet cafe.

Some accommodation providers may overbook rooms and refuse you entry upon arrival.

Book in Advance: Always book your accommodation in advance to avoid overbooking issues.
Check Reviews: Check reviews for the accommodation before booking.
Have a Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan in case of overbooking issues.

Some market vendors may refuse to bargain or charge tourists more than locals.

Know the Market Price: Research the market price before you travel.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices to get a fair deal.
Be Polite and Persistent: Be polite but persistent when bargaining to get the best possible price.

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors to solicit money, but use the funds for personal gain.

Research Legitimate Charities: Research legitimate charities before donating.
Avoid Street Solicitors: Avoid giving money to street solicitors.
Donate through Official Channels: Donate through official channels such as charity websites or donation boxes.

Some bars and clubs may serve counterfeit alcohol, which can be dangerous and low quality.

Choose Established Venues: Established venues are less likely to serve counterfeit drinks.
Check the Quality: Check the quality of your drink and report any suspicious signs.
Stick with Bottled Drinks: Bottled drinks are less likely to be counterfeit than draught beverages.