Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Wenzhou, China

1. Taxi Overcharging Scam

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge tourists in Wenzhou. Always agree on a fare before starting the journey.

Avoid Surprises: Avoid surprise high fares by agreeing on the price beforehand
Use Official Taxis: Choose official taxis with meters to reduce chances of overcharging
Avoid Late-Night Travel: Avoid traveling late at night when drivers may be more likely to take advantage

Vendors in Wenzhou markets may sell counterfeit goods. Always verify the authenticity of your purchases.

Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase goods only from reputable shops and vendors
Look for Quality Signs: Inspect the quality of items, as counterfeits often lack attention to detail
Check for Authentication: For high-value items, ask for authentication certificates

Some guides in Wenzhou may not be registered or knowledgeable. Verify the credentials of your guide.

Check for Licenses: Ask to see registration ID and tour guide licenses
Ask Recommendations: Seek recommendations from reputable sources or your hotel concierge
Check Online Reviews: Research the guide and check online reviews before hiring them

Some ATMs in Wenzhou may skim your card information. Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable locations.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions
Use Credit Cards when Possible: Consider using credit cards instead of debit cards to minimize financial losses

Some tour packages in Wenzhou may promise too-good-to-be-true deals. Research and verify tour packages thoroughly.

Check for Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of the tour package
Verify Inclusions: Ensure that the tour package includes what it promises
Ask for References: Ask for references and contact them to verify their experiences

Some street food vendors in Wenzhou may use inferior or expired ingredients. Only eat from reputable vendors.

Choose Busy Stalls: Choose stalls that are busy, indicating popularity and fresh food
Avoid Unattended Food: Stay away from food left unattended for long periods of time
Look for Hygiene Standards: Check if the stall has good hygiene practices, such as gloves and clean work surfaces

Some accommodations in Wenzhou may overcharge or provide poor services. Research your accommodation thoroughly.

Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation
Verify Location: Ensure that the accommodation is located in a safe and convenient area
Check for Inclusions: Confirm what amenities and services are included in the price

Public Wi-Fi spots in Wenzhou may pose security risks. Use a VPN and avoid sensitive transactions.

Use a VPN: Always use a VPN to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not conduct sensitive transactions, like banking or password changes, on public Wi-Fi
Keep Your Device Secure: Regularly update your device's antivirus software and keep it secure

Some massage parlors in Wenzhou may offer illegal services. Only visit licensed massage parlors.

Check for Licenses: Ask to see the parlor's business license and massage therapist certificates
Avoid Late-Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors after dark, as they may be operating illegally
Research Reputable Parlors: Research reputable massage parlors and read reviews from previous customers

Some SIM card vendors in Wenzhou may overcharge. Research the best deals before purchasing.

Check Prices Online: Compare prices online to find the best deal for a SIM card
Avoid Street Vendors: Buy SIM cards from official retailers or your hotel to avoid overcharges
Check Coverage Areas: Ensure that the SIM card covers the areas you will be visiting in Wenzhou

Some currency exchange offices in Wenzhou may offer unfavorable rates. Research the current exchange rate beforehand.

Check Current Exchange Rates: Check the current exchange rates online before making any transactions
Avoid Street Exchange Offices: Exchange currency at banks or reputable exchange offices to ensure fair rates
Count Your Money: Count your exchanged money carefully to avoid mistakes

Some ticket sellers in Wenzhou may sell fake or counterfeit tickets. Always verify the authenticity of your tickets.

Check for Authentication Marks: Look for authentication marks and holograms on tickets
Avoid Street Vendors: Buy tickets from official ticket booths or authorized vendors to avoid scams
Check for Event Dates: Ensure that the event date on your ticket matches the actual event date

Some people in Wenzhou may pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers. Donate to reputable charities only.

Research Charities: Research the charity's reputation and verify its legitimacy before donating
Ask for Documentation: Ask for documentation or ID to confirm that they represent a legitimate charity
Donate at Official Locations: Donate at official charity locations, such as their offices or events

Friendly locals in Wenzhou may attempt to befriend you and then ask for money. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Be Skeptical of Overly Friendly Strangers: Be wary of people who approach you too quickly or seem overly friendly
Avoid Financial Discussions: Avoid discussing finances with strangers to reduce the chance of being scammed
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation

Wenzhou, like many cities, is not immune to pickpockets. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Keep Your Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings close and avoid leaving them unattended
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that may lead to theft
Use Safe Storage Options: Store valuable items in a safe or secure hotel storage when not in use