Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tongchuan, China

All Topics about Tongchuan All Cities in China

1. Tongchuan Night Market Scam

Be cautious of overpriced goods or fake currency exchange at the bustling night market. Pickpocketing is also a concern.

Price Verification: Always confirm prices before purchasing and negotiate if necessary.
Secure Valuables: Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to crowded areas and avoid isolated spots when it gets dark.

Some temples may ask for 'donations' that are actually entry fees. Be wary of aggressive monks soliciting money.

Check Entrance Fees: Inquire about entrance fees at the temple before donating.
Avoid Aggressive Monks: Ignore aggressive solicitation and report any harassment to local authorities.
Respect Local Customs: Understand and respect the customs of the temple before making donations.

Some taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge tourists. Ensure the meter is on and agree on a price before starting your journey.

Use Metered Taxis: Prefer using metered taxis over unregistered ones.
Negotiate Price Beforehand: Ask for the price before getting into the taxi, and ensure it's a fair rate.
Avoid Overcharging: In case of dispute, take down the taxi number and inform local authorities.

Counterfeit goods are common at some markets. Be cautious of overpriced or unusually cheap items.

Check Authenticity: Look for authenticity seals and check the quality of products before purchasing.
Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase from established and reputable sellers.
Avoid Isolated Stalls: Stay away from isolated stalls, especially those with limited selection or poor quality products.

Some hotels may charge exorbitant prices for subpar rooms. Ensure to book through reputable channels.

Book Reputable Hotels: Book accommodation through trusted travel websites or agencies.
Check Room Rates: Ask for room rates before booking and compare with other hotels in the area.
Inspect Room Before Payment: Inspect the room before making any payments and report any issues to management.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or even serve stale food. Be cautious and choose reputable stalls.

Check Vendor Reputation: Look for crowded, popular food stalls with high turnover.
Inspect Food Quality: Check the cleanliness of the vendor's workspace and inspect the food before eating.
Avoid Unfamiliar Dishes: Start with common dishes and avoid unfamiliar foods until you're sure of their quality.

Some ATMs may have skimmers or hidden cameras. Use ATMs inside banks or reputable establishments.

Use Bank ATMs: Prefer using ATMs inside banks, hotels, or large shopping malls.
Cover PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Some guides may provide misinformation or ask for excessive fees. Use licensed and reputable guide services.

Use Licensed Guides: Book guided tours through official tourism agencies or hotels.
Negotiate Fair Fees: Ask for a price quote before the tour and negotiate if necessary.
Check Guides' Credentials: Confirm the guide's credentials and licenses before starting the tour.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers or spyware on computers. Use cafes with good reviews.

Use Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafes that have good reviews and are popular among locals.
Secure Your Devices: Use secure connections and avoid logging into sensitive accounts on shared computers.
Monitor Activity: Regularly monitor your device for any suspicious activity after using the internet cafe.

Some bicycle rental shops may charge excessive fees or provide poor quality bikes. Use reputable rental services.

Use Reputable Rental Shops: Rent bicycles from well-known and reputable shops.
Check Bike Condition: Inspect the bike before renting for any signs of damage or wear.
Return Bikes on Time: Return the bike on time to avoid additional charges and penalties.

Some individuals may offer you a share of 'winnings' from a foreign lottery. These are usually scams.

Avoid Foreign Lotteries: Do not participate in any foreign lotteries, as they are likely illegal or fraudulent.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity related to lottery scams to local authorities.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about common scams and how to avoid them in Tongchuan.

Some 'charities' may be fake or use donations for personal gain. Be cautious and verify charities before giving.

Verify Charities: Check with local authorities to confirm the legitimacy of a charity.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Do not give money to individuals soliciting on the street, especially in tourist areas.
Donate through Official Channels: Donate through official channels or trusted organizations instead of individuals.

Online dating scams may ask for money or personal information. Be cautious and verify identities before sharing details.

Verify Identity: Use video calls to confirm the identity of your online date.
Avoid Sending Money: Do not send money to anyone you meet online, especially for emergencies or travel expenses.
Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information, including bank details and addresses.

Some real estate agents may use high-pressure tactics or provide false information. Use reputable and licensed agents.

Use Licensed Agents: Choose real estate agents who are licensed and have a good reputation.
Check Property Details: Thoroughly inspect the property and verify all details before signing any contracts.
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Do not let real estate agents pressure you into making hasty decisions.

Some car rental agencies may charge hidden fees or provide poor quality vehicles. Use reputable and licensed services.

Use Licensed Car Rental Agencies: Choose car rental agencies that are licensed and have good reviews.
Inspect the Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before renting, including checking for any damage.
Read Contract Carefully: Read the rental contract carefully and ask questions about any unclear terms.