Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tanbei, Henan, China

All Topics about Tanbei All Cities in China

1. Tanbei Marketplace Scams

Avoid overpriced goods or fake products in bustling Tanbei markets. Be wary of pushy vendors and bargain aggressively.

Knowing Prices: Research typical prices before visiting the market.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Shop in crowded areas to avoid solo scam attempts.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and leave the area.

Avoid inflated taxi fares by using registered taxis only. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Recognize Registered Taxis: Look for distinct logos and signs of licensed taxis.
Negotiate Fare Upfront: Ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree on a price before getting in.
Use Taxi Apps: Use digital taxi apps for convenience and fixed prices.

Avoid fake tour guides offering cheap services. Always choose licensed and reputable tour companies.

Check Licenses: Look for a valid guide license and check it's genuine.
Research Tour Companies: Read reviews and choose established tour companies with good reputations.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't accept offers from unofficial guides on the street.

Beware of receiving fake Chinese Yuan when exchanging money. Always verify bills before accepting them.

Know Your Money: Familiarize yourself with the appearance and feel of authentic Chinese Yuan.
Exchange Money at Reputable Locations: Use banks, hotels or authorized exchange services for currency exchange.
Check Change Carefully: Count your change and check it thoroughly.

Avoid food poisoning by choosing hygienic restaurants. Be cautious when consuming street food.

Choose Restaurants Carefully: Look for clean environments, good reviews, and proper food handling.
Street Food Precautions: Avoid raw or undercooked foods, particularly shellfish.
Stay Hydrated: Drink bottled water and stay hydrated to avoid dehydration from illness.

Protect your card details by using secure ATMs. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Secure ATMs: Choose well-lit, busy locations with ATMs inside banks or hotels.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Use Card Reader Apps: Use smartphone apps to monitor your card usage and transactions.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing from authorized vendors. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Buy from Authorized Vendors: Purchase sim cards only at official stores or authorized retailers.
Check the SIM Before Leaving the Store: Test the SIM card's functionality before leaving the store.
Protect Your Personal Information: Guard your personal information when using your mobile device.

Avoid accommodation scams by booking with reputable providers. Check the location and property before arriving.

Book through Reputable Channels: Use trusted online booking platforms or reputable agencies.
Check Accommodation Photos and Reviews: Inspect the photos and read reviews to ensure accuracy.
Inspect the Property Upon Arrival: Visit the property before paying or committing to a stay.

Avoid overpriced tickets for attractions by purchasing from authorized vendors. Be wary of street ticket sellers.

Buy Tickets at Authorized Outlets: Purchase tickets only from official outlets or authorized resellers.
Check Opening Hours and Dates: Ensure the attraction is open on your desired date and time.
Stay Alert for Fake Ticket Sellers: Be cautious when approached by individuals offering tickets, especially in crowded areas.

Avoid transportation scams such as overcharging or fake drivers. Use registered taxis, buses or trains.

Use Registered Transportation: Choose official buses, trains and registered taxis.
Agree on Fare Upfront: Ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
Check Transportation Before Leaving the Station: Inspect the vehicle for its condition and cleanliness before getting in.

Avoid friendly scams such as overpriced gifts or assistance. Be wary of strangers offering help.

Be Skeptical: Remain cautious when interacting with strangers, especially those who offer unsolicited help.
Check Prices Before Agreeing: Ask for prices before accepting any gifts or services from strangers.
Report Suspicious Activities: Inform local authorities if you encounter suspicious activities.

Avoid scams by street performers such as fake petitions or pickpockets. Be wary of unsolicited interaction.

Avoid Distractions: Remain aware of your belongings and the people around you.
Check Permits and Licenses: Look for permits or licenses for street performances to ensure their legitimacy.
Report Unauthorized Performances: Inform local authorities if you encounter unauthorized performers.

Avoid massage parlors that may offer services beyond relaxation. Research establishments before visiting.

Check for Licenses: Look for a valid massage parlor license and check it's genuine.
Research Establishments: Read reviews and choose established parlors with good reputations.
Avoid Isolated Massage Parlors: Don't visit massage parlors in isolated areas or without proper addresses.

Avoid fraudulent local guides offering personal tours. Always choose licensed and reputable tour companies.

Check Licenses: Look for a valid guide license and check it's genuine.
Research Tour Companies: Read reviews and choose established tour companies with good reputations.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Don't accept offers from unofficial guides on the street.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit souvenirs by choosing reputable shops. Bargain carefully.

Choose Reputable Shops: Look for clean environments, good reviews, and proper souvenir handling.
Bargain Carefully: Avoid overpriced items by bargaining aggressively, but remain fair to the seller.
Check Souvenir Quality: Inspect souvenirs for quality before purchasing them.