Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Weihai, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or fraudulent taxi rides. Some drivers may refuse meters or take longer routes.

Meter Use: Insist on meter usage for every ride.
Registered Taxis: Only take registered taxis with visible identification numbers.
Avoid Late-Night Rides: Avoid late-night taxi rides whenever possible.

Stay alert for fake Chinese Yuan notes. Look out for poor quality, irregular size or texture.

Check Denominations: Thoroughly check the denomination of each note.
Feel and Look: Feel for rough edges or irregularities, and examine notes under good light.
Exchange at Banks: Exchange large amounts at banks instead of informal exchanges.

Avoid overpriced souvenir shops. Negotiate prices and compare with other stores.

Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiation skills for better pricing.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other shops before buying.
Know the Market Price: Research common market prices online before shopping.

Avoid fraudulent tour guides who may overcharge or lead you to scams. Check for credentials.

Check Credentials: Request to see their official guide license.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Refuse unsolicited offers and hire guides through reputable channels.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers online.

Street vendors may use lead or other harmful substances in fish balls. Stick to reputable restaurants.

Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid purchasing fish balls from street vendors.
Choose Reputable Restaurants: Dine at reputable, well-reviewed restaurants.
Check for Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on safe and delicious food.

Some sim card vendors may provide faulty SIM cards or overcharge. Buy from official outlets.

Some ATMs may be equipped with skimmers to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or malls.

Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or malls for safety.
Check Machine for Tampering: Thoroughly inspect the ATM machine for any signs of tampering.
Use Card-less Transactions: Consider using card-less transactions or mobile payment apps.

Some cyber cafes may install keyloggers to steal your information. Use reputable cafes or hotels with secure Wi-Fi.

Choose Reputable Cyber Cafes: Select well-reviewed cyber cafes or use hotel Wi-Fi.
Use VPN Services: Consider using VPN services for added security.
Avoid Online Banking: Avoid online banking or sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi.

Some accommodations may provide poor service or fake listings. Book through reputable channels.

Book through Reputable Channels: Book your accommodation through reliable platforms.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests online.
Contact the Host: Establish contact with your host and ask questions before booking.

Some tourist attractions may be fake or charge exorbitant fees. Research and verify attraction authenticity.

Verify Authenticity: Double-check the authenticity of each attraction.
Check Entrance Fees: Compare entrance fees with reputable sources before visiting.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or travel experts.

Some street food vendors may use unsanitary practices leading to foodborne illness. Stick to reputable restaurants or street stalls.

Choose Reputable Street Stalls: Select busy, well-reviewed street food vendors.
Check for Health Inspections: Look for certifications or health inspection stickers.
Avoid Risky Foods: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and unwashed produce.

Some money exchange services may provide poor rates or overcharge. Use authorized banks or reputable exchange services.

Use Authorized Banks: Exchange your currency at authorized banks.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other service providers.
Avoid Late-Night Exchanges: Exchange your currency during regular banking hours.

Stay vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

Keep Belongings Secure: Use cross-body bags, keep a tight hold of purses or wallets.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Minimize the display of expensive items, such as jewelry or electronics.
Stay Aware in Crowded Areas: Remain aware of your surroundings and potential pickpockets.

Be wary of overly friendly locals or tourists who may try to distract you while others steal from you. Trust your instincts and avoid isolated areas.

Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your intuition when meeting new people.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas as much as possible.
Keep Valuables Secure: Keep your valuables concealed and secure at all times.

Some local shops may sell counterfeit products. Buy from reputable stores or markets.

Buy from Reputable Stores: Purchase items from well-reviewed and trustworthy stores.
Check for Quality: Inspect products carefully for signs of poor quality or unusual pricing.
Research Products Online: Do research on the products you wish to purchase online before buying.