Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xinpu, Jiangsu, China

All Topics about Xinpu All Cities in China

1. Tourist Trap Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Be wary of metered taxis with broken meters.

Know Fixed Prices: Research fixed prices for common destinations in advance.
Insist on Meter Use: Always ensure the taxi meter is running and refuses to pay more than the agreed-upon price.
Use Reputable Companies: Opt for reputable, official taxi companies or ride-hailing services.

Some art galleries may sell low-quality replicas disguised as originals. Be cautious when buying art.

Check Certificates: Ask for certificates of authenticity and research the artist online.
Buy from Reputable Dealers: Purchase art from reputable dealers or galleries.
Inspect Carefully: Thoroughly inspect the artwork before making a purchase.

Some shopping malls may sell counterfeit goods. Be careful when shopping for branded items.

Shop at Official Stores: Purchase branded items only from official stores or authorized retailers.
Look for Quality: Check the quality of the item and compare it with authentic pieces online.
Avoid Too-Good-to-be-True Deals: Beware of bargains that seem too good to be true, as they may involve counterfeit goods.

Some street food vendors may use less expensive ingredients or sell spoiled food. Be cautious when eating street food.

Choose Busy Stalls: Opt for busy, popular stalls with fresh ingredients.
Avoid Unlabeled Foods: Stay away from unlabeled dishes and ask for ingredient lists.
Follow Your Gut: Trust your instincts and don't eat at stalls that seem unsanitary or suspicious.

Some accommodations may not deliver as advertised. Be cautious when booking hotels online.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation before booking to ensure its legitimacy.
Book with Reputable Sites: Use reputable booking sites for accommodations and double-check the email correspondence.
Arrive During Daylight: Arrive during daylight to inspect the accommodation before committing.

Unlicensed tour guides may provide inaccurate or misleading information. Be cautious when hiring a tour guide.

Check Licenses: Ensure the tour guide has a valid license and is wearing an identification badge.
Research Tour Operators: Choose reputable, licensed tour operators with good reviews.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers for reliable tour guides.

Some souvenir shops may sell counterfeit items. Be cautious when buying souvenirs.

Buy at Authorized Shops: Purchase souvenirs only from authorized shops or official tourist sites.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of the item and compare it with authentic pieces online.
Avoid Too-Good-to-be-True Deals: Beware of bargains that seem too good to be true, as they may involve counterfeit goods.

Some currency exchange booths may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Be cautious when exchanging money.

Research Rates: Research the current exchange rate beforehand and compare it with multiple providers.
Avoid Street Exchange Booths: Opt for bank or authorized exchange centers instead of street booths.
Count Your Money: Count your exchanged money immediately to ensure the correct amount is given.

Some ATMs may skim card information or charge high fees. Be cautious when withdrawing money.

Choose Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or affiliated with your bank.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Your Account: Monitor your account closely for unauthorized transactions.

Some mobile service providers may offer overpriced SIM cards. Be cautious when purchasing a SIM card.

Research Prices: Research the price of SIM cards beforehand and compare it with multiple providers.
Buy at Official Outlets: Purchase a SIM card from an official mobile service provider outlet.
Check Included Services: Ensure the SIM card includes the desired services, such as data and international calls.

Some street vendors may offer 'free gifts' but require a purchase. Be cautious when accepting free gifts.

Be Wary of Free Gifts: Be skeptical of unsolicited 'free gifts' and avoid any obligations.
Know the Real Cost: Understand that there may be a hidden cost or obligation associated with accepting the free gift.
Decline Politely: Politely decline the offer if it seems suspicious or too good to be true.

Some people may solicit donations for fake charities. Be cautious when donating money.

Research Charities: Research the charity thoroughly before donating to ensure its legitimacy.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt when donating and verify it is an official document.
Donate to Official Organizations: Donate only to recognized, reputable charitable organizations.

Some cyber cafes may install keyloggers or spyware on your devices. Be cautious when using public computers.

Use a VPN: Always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your data.
Avoid Online Banking: Avoid online banking and sensitive transactions on public computers.
Log Out Carefully: Always log out of accounts and close browsers completely when finished.

The language barrier may make it difficult to understand scams. Be vigilant and double-check information.

Use a Translation App: Use translation apps to help communicate and understand contracts or agreements.
Verify Information: Verbally confirm and double-check important information with locals or fellow travelers.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts if a situation seems suspicious or too good to be true.

Some tour operators may charge exorbitant prices for tours. Be cautious when booking tours.

Research Prices: Research the average price of tours beforehand and compare it with multiple providers.
Book in Advance: Book tours in advance to secure a fair price and avoid overpaying.
Ask for Inclusions: Ensure the tour includes transportation, guide, and entrance fees before booking.