Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xi’an, China

1. Taxis in Xi'an

Avoid overcharging by using authorized taxi companies. Always check the meter and agree on fare before starting your journey.

Regulated Rates: Authorized taxis operate under regulated rates
Fare Meter: Always ensure the fare meter is running
Pre-agreed Fares: Agree on fare before starting your journey to avoid misunderstandings

Be wary of overfriendly locals offering help at the Bell Tower. They may demand payment for assistance that was not agreed upon.

False Assistance: Locals may offer unsolicited help and then demand payment
Popular Tourist Attraction: The Bell Tower is a well-known tourist attraction, making it a hotspot for scams
Prevention Strategy: Avoid accepting help from strangers unless necessary and politely decline if offered unwanted assistance

Be cautious when using rickshaws in Xi'an. Some drivers may attempt to overcharge or take you to unauthorized shops for commission.

Overcharging: Drivers may charge excessive fares
Commission-based Scams: Rickshaw drivers may take you to unauthorized shops for commission
Negotiating Fares: Always negotiate fares before starting your journey to avoid overcharging

Avoid markets selling counterfeit goods. These items may be low quality and illegal to purchase.

Low Quality: Counterfeit goods are often of lower quality compared to authentic items
Illegal Goods: Purchasing counterfeit goods is illegal and punishable by law
Supporting Illegal Trade: Buying counterfeit goods helps support an illegal trade industry

Be cautious when buying street food in Xi'an. Some vendors may use expired ingredients or contaminated utensils.

Expired Ingredients: Street food vendors may use expired ingredients
Contaminated Utensils: Some vendors use contaminated utensils, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses
Food Safety Standards: Always check for food safety standards and avoid unhygienic vendors

Be aware of overpriced souvenirs in shops around Xi'an. Always compare prices and negotiate before making a purchase.

Price Comparison: Always compare prices to avoid overpaying
Negotiation Skills: Bargaining skills can help you get a better price for souvenirs
Avoiding Regret: Overpriced items may lead to buyer's remorse when prices are later found to be lower

Avoid unlicensed tour guides in Xi'an. These guides may lead you to overpriced or fake attractions.

Overpriced Attractions: Unlicensed guides may take you to overpriced or fake attractions
Illegal Guides: Guiding without a license is illegal in Xi'an
Language Barriers: Licensed guides are more likely to communicate effectively, especially for English-speaking tourists

Stay aware of your belongings in crowded areas like markets or tourist attractions. Pickpockets are common in Xi'an.

Crowded Areas: Pickpocketing is more likely to occur in crowded places
Security Measures: Keep belongings secure by using a money belt or crossbody bags with hidden pockets
Attention and Awareness: Avoid distractions and remain aware of your surroundings to prevent falling victim to pickpocketing

Use only bank ATMs or those inside the official banks in Xi'an. Fake ATMs may be equipped with card-skimming devices.

Card Skimming: Fake ATMs may have card-skimming devices to steal your account information
Location of ATMs: Always use bank ATMs or those inside official banks for security
Check ATM Before Use: Examine the ATM for any unusual features before using it

Be cautious when visiting tea houses in Xi'an. Some may overcharge for the service or use low-quality tea.

Overcharging: Tea houses may charge excessive prices for their services
Low Quality Tea: Some tea houses use low-quality tea leaves or tea bags
Research and Reviews: Research popular and well-reviewed tea houses to ensure a better experience

Always purchase tickets from authorized vendors for attractions in Xi'an. Unauthorized ticket vendors may sell counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Unauthorized ticket vendors may sell counterfeit tickets
Overpriced Tickets: Some unauthorized ticket vendors may overcharge for tickets
Authorized Vendors: Always purchase tickets from authorized vendors to avoid scams

Be cautious when using internet cafes in Xi'an. Some may install keyloggers or spyware on computers to steal personal information.

Keylogging: Internet cafes may have keyloggers installed to capture your login credentials
Spyware Installation: Some internet cafes may install spyware on computers for malicious purposes
Secure Connections: Use a VPN to ensure secure connections while using public Wi-Fi

Be aware of potential scams due to language barriers when transacting in Xi'an. Always verify prices and agreements before making a purchase.

Communication Challenges: Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings and potential scams
Price Verification: Always verify prices before making a purchase
Use of Translation Tools: Use translation apps or hire a local translator when necessary to avoid confusion

Avoid restaurants that seem too good to be true. They may serve low-quality food or overcharge for meals.

Low Quality Food: Fake restaurants may serve low-quality food
Overcharging: Some fake restaurants may overcharge for meals
Reviews and Recommendations: Research popular and well-reviewed restaurants to ensure a quality dining experience

Be wary of fake charity collectors in Xi'an. Some may pretend to be collecting for a cause but keep the money for themselves.

Fake Collectors: Some collectors are not associated with any legitimate charities
Lack of Transparency: Legitimate charity collectors should be transparent about where the money is going
Verification and Research: Verify charities before donating, and research their credibility to ensure your donation is used effectively