Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taiyuan, China

1. Taiyuan Railway Station Scam

Be wary of overly helpful strangers offering assistance at the station who may distract you while others steal from your belongings.

Unsolicited Help: Avoid accepting help unless it's clearly asked for.
Crowded Places: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas like the station.
Valuables Safety: Keep valuables concealed and secure, ideally using a neck wallet or locker.

Some unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take you to unwanted destinations. Use only licensed taxis or ride-hailing services.

Licensed Taxis: Always ensure the taxi is officially licensed.
Ride-Hailing Services: Use popular ride-hailing apps for peace of mind.
Destination Confirmation: Always confirm the destination and price before starting your journey.

Some tour guides may overcharge or mislead you to certain destinations. Use only registered and reputable tour companies.

Registered Tour Companies: Only use tour companies that are officially registered.
Reputable Reviews: Check reviews and ratings before booking a tour guide or company.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other reputable companies to avoid overpaying.

Some exchange booths may offer a lower rate than legitimate ones. Stick to official banks or established exchange shops.

Official Banks: Exchange money at banks for the best rates and security.
Established Exchange Shops: Choose established exchange shops with good reviews.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid street exchanges or private transactions for your own safety.

Some souvenir shops may sell counterfeit items. Shop at reputable stores or markets.

Reputable Stores: Choose shops that are well-established and have good reviews.
Markets: Visit local markets for a wider selection of authentic souvenirs.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're not overpaying for counterfeits.

Accidents involving bicycles or cars may be staged to extort money. Be cautious and avoid any confrontations.

Avoid Confrontations: Do not get involved in conflicts; report any incidents to the authorities.
Stay Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when crossing roads or walking on busy streets.
Trusted Transportation: Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services for safe transportation.

Pickpockets may operate in crowded tourist spots. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying valuable items.

Keep Belongings Secure: Use a neck wallet or concealed pouch for valuables.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused and beware of distractions that could lead to theft.
Locker Usage: Use lockers or safe deposit boxes when available at tourist attractions.

Charities asking for donations may be fake. Only give to established and well-known charities.

Established Charities: Support reputable charities with a history of helping the community.
Donation Receipts: Ask for a receipt for your donation, and ensure it's from a legitimate charity.
Research: Research charities before donating to make sure they are legitimate.

Some cybercafes may install keyloggers or malware on your device. Use only reputable and secure cafes.

Reputable Cybercafes: Choose cybercafes that have good reviews and are busy.
Secure Devices: Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information on public devices.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Avoid online banking or financial transactions on cybercafe computers.

Police impersonators may approach you asking for money or belongings. Insist on seeing their ID and contact the local police if unsure.

Police Identification: Ask to see ID from any 'police officer' who approaches you.
Contact Local Authorities: If unsure, contact the local police or embassy for assistance.
Stay Calm and Cautious: Stay calm and do not provide any personal information or valuables to strangers.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be unsecured and allow hackers to access your data. Use a VPN or stick to secure connections.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Secure Connections: Only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not perform financial transactions over unsecured public networks.

Some tuk-tuk drivers may overcharge you for rides. Agree on a price before starting your journey.

Price Agreement: Always agree on the price before starting your ride.
Avoid Unlicensed Tuk-Tuks: Only use licensed tuk-tuks for a safer and more reliable ride.
Negotiate the Price: Negotiate the price before entering the tuk-tuk to get a fair rate.

Some street food vendors may overcharge you or serve lower-quality food. Try well-established and popular vendors.

Well-Established Vendors: Choose vendors that have a steady stream of customers.
Popular Dishes: Look for popular local dishes; these are usually the most authentic and affordable.
Avoid Alcoholic Drinks: Street vendors may use watered-down alcohol in drinks; stick to non-alcoholic beverages instead.

Some massage parlors may use untrained or unhygienic staff. Choose licensed and reputable parlors.

Licensed Massage Parlors: Choose licensed massage parlors for a safe and clean experience.
Reputable Reviews: Check reviews and ratings before booking a massage.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or your hotel staff for recommendations on reputable parlors.

Some night market vendors may try to sell counterfeit or overpriced items. Be cautious and compare prices.

Compare Prices: Compare prices with other vendors before making a purchase.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused and aware of your surroundings to avoid distraction scams.
Reputable Shops: Choose established shops with a good reputation for better quality items.