Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xiaoyi, Shanxi, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid this by only using licensed taxis with a yellow top and red roof.

Official Licensing: Always check for official licensing on the taxi.
Color Coding: Recognize yellow top and red roof as licensed taxis in Xiaoyi.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi meter is used for fare calculation.

Some hotels may charge tourists inflated prices. Find reputable hotels or negotiate prices before booking.

Unauthorized tour guides may lead tourists to overpriced stores. Use licensed tour operators or research tours online.

Licensed Tour Operators: Choose tour operators with official licenses.
Online Research: Research tour reviews online to find reliable tours.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from street guides.

Markets selling counterfeit goods may lure tourists. Be aware of the quality and origin of items.

Know Your Brands: Research authentic brands to identify fakes.
Quality Inspection: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing to check for poor quality.
Avoid Unregulated Markets: Stay away from unregulated markets known for selling counterfeit items.

Exchange shops may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research exchange rates and use reputable shops.

Online Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with online resources before exchanging.
Reputation: Choose reputable exchange shops based on reviews.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street to avoid scams.

Restaurants may serve less food than ordered or overcharge. Be aware of portion sizes and prices.

Portion Size: Check the size of meals served in popular restaurants.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other restaurants for the same meal.
Avoid Street Food Stalls: Street food stalls may not follow hygiene standards, increasing the risk of health issues.

Locals offering friendship may lead tourists to scams or overcharge. Be cautious and verify their intentions.

Verifying Intentions: Ask direct questions to clarify the intentions of new acquaintances.
Trust but Verify: Trust your gut, but verify their advice or offers before following through.
Stay Alert: Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when meeting strangers.

ATMs may be tampered with to steal card information. Use ATMs in banks or reputable locations.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks for increased security.
Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas to reduce the risk of tampering.
Card Protection: Cover the ATM keypad when entering your PIN to protect against keyloggers.

Public Wi-Fi may be unsecured, allowing data theft. Use a VPN or avoid sensitive transactions on public networks.

VPN Usage: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your online activities.
Sensitive Data Protection: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
Password Protection: Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts to reduce the risk of hacking.

Charities may not use donations effectively or may be fraudulent. Research charities before donating.

Reputable Charities: Research charities to ensure they are reputable and effective.
Transparency: Look for transparency in how donations are used by the charity.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Avoid donating to charities soliciting on the street to reduce the risk of scams.

Some sightseeing spots may charge tourists inflated prices. Research ticket prices before visiting.

Online Research: Research the prices of sightseeing spots online.
Official Ticket Stations: Purchase tickets at official ticket stations to avoid overpricing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors to ensure authenticity.

Unlicensed car rental services may provide poor quality vehicles or overcharge. Use reputable rental companies.

Reputation: Choose reputable car rental companies based on reviews.
License Check: Ensure the car rental company has a valid license to operate.
Contract Review: Thoroughly review the contract before signing to avoid hidden fees.

Unauthorized SIM card vendors may sell overpriced or ineffective cards. Purchase SIM cards from reputable stores.

Reputation: Choose reputable mobile service providers for SIM card purchases.
License Check: Ensure the store selling SIM cards has a valid license to operate.
Contract Review: Review the contract carefully before signing, including fees and data usage limits.

Markets may sell items at inflated prices or use unethical bargaining tactics. Research prices and negotiate wisely.

Price Research: Research prices of items online before visiting markets.
Negotiation Skills: Develop negotiation skills to get a fair price.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Stay away from isolated shops to reduce the risk of overpricing and scams.

Some bars may serve alcohol to underage tourists. Avoid this by researching local laws and age requirements.

Local Laws: Understand the local drinking age laws in Xiaoyi.
Age Verification: Carry proof of age when going to bars to avoid being served alcohol illegally.
Reputable Bars: Choose reputable bars that follow local laws and regulations.