Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xinzhou, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take a longer route. Recognize legitimate taxis by their logo and number plate.

Official Logo: Legitimate taxis should have an official logo on the car.
Number Plate: Legitimate taxis' number plates usually follow a specific format.
Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi meter is turned on.

Unauthorized guides may provide misleading or inaccurate information. Verify guide's credentials before hiring.

Official Badge: Authorized guides should have an official badge.
Registration Certificate: Legitimate guides will present a registration certificate.
Tour Company: Check for the tour company's official name and contact information.

Some vendors may charge inflated prices for souvenirs. Compare prices at multiple shops before purchasing.

Multiple Shops: Visit various stores to compare prices and find the best deal.
Local Prices: Ask for local prices, especially if you're a foreign tourist.
Fixed Price: Negotiate prices with vendors and agree on a fixed price before purchasing.

Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs in secure locations or inside banks.

Secure Location: ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, public areas are safer.
Cover Over Card Slot: Check for any tampered parts before using the ATM.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Exchange booths may give fewer Chinese Yuan in return for foreign currency. Always double-check the exchange rate.

Check Rate: Compare the offered exchange rate with online rates before exchanging.
Reputable Shops: Exchange currency at reputable shops, banks or authorized agencies.
Multiple Transactions: Break up large transactions into smaller ones to minimize losses.

Hotel rooms may be overbooked, leaving you stranded. Book directly with reputable hotels or reliable online travel agencies.

Reputable Hotel: Book at well-known and established hotels.
Book Directly: Book directly through the hotel's official website or contact them for reservations.
Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to ensure a positive experience.

Some restaurants may serve low-quality or under-portioned food. Ask locals for recommendations and check online reviews.

Local Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
Online Reviews: Check online reviews for an honest assessment of the restaurant.
Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other restaurants in the area to ensure reasonable costs.

Tickets may be sold at inflated prices by unauthorized vendors. Purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths or official websites.

Authorized Ticket Booths: Look for official ticket booths near attractions.
Official Websites: Purchase tickets from the attraction's official website.
Check Closing Times: Ensure you have enough time to reach the attraction before it closes.

Some street food vendors may use expired ingredients or unhygienic conditions. Opt for busy, well-known vendors and avoid suspicious foods.

Busy Vendors: Choose vendors with a steady stream of customers.
Clean Environment: Ensure the vendor's workspace is clean and hygienic.
Cooking Method: Avoid foods that are being prepared in unsanitary conditions.

Some vendors may sell expired or counterfeit SIM cards. Purchase from reputable telecom companies or authorized retailers.

Reputable Telecom Companies: Buy SIM cards from the official stores of major telecom providers.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when purchasing a SIM card.
Check Coverage: Ensure the SIM card has good coverage in the areas you plan to visit.

Some beggars may pose as victims and ask for money. Be cautious and donate to reputable charities instead.

Reputable Charities: Donate to established, reputable charities in Xinzhou.
Avoid Soliciting Areas: Be aware of areas known for soliciting and avoid giving money.
Help Locally: Offer help in other ways, such as buying food or supplies for those in need.

Internet cafes may overcharge for internet access. Compare prices at multiple cafes before using their services.

Multiple Internet Cafes: Visit various internet cafes to compare prices.
Hourly Rates: Check hourly rates for internet usage.
Wi-Fi Availability: Check if free Wi-Fi is available in your hotel or other public areas before using an internet cafe.

Some massage parlors may offer sexual services. Avoid massage parlors in sketchy areas and opt for reputable spas or hotels.

Reputable Spas: Choose massage parlors located in well-known hotels or spas.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.
Check Business License: Ensure the massage parlor has a valid business license.

Street performers may demand excessive fees or use aggressive tactics. Observe performances and negotiate fees beforehand.

Observation: Watch the performance before making a decision.
Negotiation: Negotiate fees with performers before watching their acts.
Legal Performances: Look for performances that comply with local laws and regulations.

Markets selling counterfeit goods may overcharge or sell poor-quality items. Be cautious and compare prices at multiple vendors.

Multiple Vendors: Visit various vendors to compare prices.
Check Quality: Examine the quality of the goods before purchasing.
Avoid Suspicious Goods: Avoid buying goods that seem too good to be true or have suspicious packaging.