Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
1. Silk Road Bazaar Scam
Avoid overpriced items or false promises at the bustling Silk Road Bazaar. Haggle fairly and beware of 'friends' offering guided tours.
- Knowledgeable Haggling: Understand local prices to avoid overpaying.
- Suspicious Guides: Be cautious of unsolicited offers for tours, especially those leading to less popular shops.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in crowded, well-lit areas for safety when shopping at the bazaar.
2. Taxi Fare Scam
Watch out for taxi drivers running a meter scam or refusing to use the meter. Always agree on fare before starting the journey.
- Meter Usage: Insist that the driver uses the meter during your ride.
- Pre-negotiated Fare: Agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid any disagreements later.
- Legitimate Taxis: Choose official taxis with visible company signs and licenses for safety.
3. Counterfeit Money Scam
Be aware of receiving counterfeit yuan bills during transactions. Check the authenticity of the notes by feel, sight, and light.
- Feel and Sight: Counterfeit bills may have a rougher texture or differences in color compared to real ones.
- Light Test: Shine light on the note at different angles; legitimate notes will reveal security features like watermarks and holograms.
- Reliable Sources: Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange offices to avoid receiving counterfeit bills.
4. Sim Card Scam
Avoid overpriced or malfunctioning SIM cards at the airport. Buy from official retailers or reliable local shops.
- Official Retailers: Purchase SIM cards from authorized stores to ensure proper functionality.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops before making a purchase to avoid overpaying.
- Activation Assistance: Request assistance from store staff for activation and setup of the SIM card.
5. ATM Skimming Scam
Avoid using ATMs that look tampered or in unsecure locations. Protect your PIN and withdraw during daylight.
- Secure Locations: Choose ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas.
- Cover PIN: Always cover your PIN while entering it to prevent others from observing.
- Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account for any suspicious activity after using an ATM.
6. Unlicensed Tour Guide Scam
Avoid unlicensed tour guides offering cheap or exclusive tours. Hire only registered and reputable tour guides.
- Registration Status: Check if the guide has a valid registration number and license.
- Reviews and Reputation: Research guides online for reviews, ratings, and recommendations.
- Legitimate Tour Companies: Book tours through registered and reputable tour companies to ensure a reliable experience.
7. Overpriced Restaurant Scam
Avoid restaurants with no prices listed or offering high-pressure sales tactics. Research local eateries and enjoy the authentic food experience.
- Price Listing: Choose restaurants that display clear menus and pricing.
- Authentic Food Experience: Experience the local cuisine in family-owned or popular restaurants.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations to find authentic and affordable dining options.
8. Accommodation Scam
Avoid subpar or overpriced accommodations by researching ahead. Book through reputable platforms and read reviews.
- Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known online travel agencies.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Location and Price: Consider the location of the accommodation and its price when making your decision.
9. Fraudulent Transactions Scam
Protect your personal information by avoiding using public computers or Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
- Secure Devices: Use secure devices with updated security software to protect against hacking.
- Private Transactions: Conduct financial transactions on private networks, not public Wi-Fi.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
10. Street Food Scam
Avoid street food vendors with poor hygiene practices or offering unfamiliar items. Choose clean and popular eateries.
- Hygiene Practices: Observe cleanliness of the vendor, their tools, and food preparation area.
- Familiar Foods: Stick to familiar street foods or ask for recommendations from locals.
- Popular Eateries: Choose busy and well-reviewed street food vendors for a safer dining experience.
11. Fake Police Scam
Avoid offering personal belongings or money to individuals posing as police officers. Politely request to see their badge and verify with a local authority.
- Verification Process: Request verification of the officer's identity before complying with any requests.
- Avoid Disclosing Information: Do not disclose personal or financial information to strangers claiming to be police officers.
- Contact Local Authorities: If in doubt, contact local authorities for confirmation and assistance.
12. Pickpocketing Scam
Secure belongings and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places or tourist attractions.
- Awareness: Keep your belongings close and maintain situational awareness.
- Secure Storage: Use secure bags, purses or fanny packs with zippers and pockets to protect your belongings.
- Valuables Safety: Limit the amount of valuables you carry and keep important items hidden.
13. Friendly Scam
Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help or companionship. Maintain a safe distance and trust your instincts.
- Instinct and Judgment: Trust your intuition when interacting with strangers.
- Limited Personal Information: Limit the amount of personal information you share with strangers.
- Stay in Groups: Travel in groups and stick together, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
14. Photography Scam
Be cautious when taking photos of people or places. Always ask permission and be aware of sensitive locations.
- Permission: Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
- Sensitive Locations: Respect cultural and religious sites by not taking photos without permission or in inappropriate areas.
- Safe Storage: Store your camera securely when not in use to prevent theft.
15. Dating Scam
Be cautious of individuals seeking romantic relationships online. Verify identities and avoid sending money or personal information.
- Identity Verification: Verify the identity of potential romantic partners through video calls, phone calls, or in-person meetings.
- Avoid Money Transfers: Do not send money to individuals you have only met online.
- Personal Information Security: Do not share personal or financial information with strangers.