
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yangjiang, Guangdong, China
1. Temple Street Market Scam Warning
Avoid overpriced goods or fake guides at this bustling market; always confirm prices and agreements.
- Price Haggling: Always negotiate prices to avoid overpaying.
- Reliable Guides: Ask for licensed guides and read reviews before hiring one.
- Busy Time Management: Visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience.
2. Taxi Overcharging Scam
Avoid excessive fees by using licensed taxis or apps like Didi Chuxing; always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Licensed Taxis: Use only licensed taxis to avoid unscrupulous drivers.
- Fare Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises.
- Didi Chuxing App: Use the Didi Chuxing app for affordable and reliable taxi services.
3. Fish Foot Massage Scam
Avoid unnecessary add-ons at fish spas; choose reputable locations and ask for recommendations.
- Reputable Locations: Choose well-reviewed and busy fish spas to ensure a safe experience.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or your hotel staff about reliable fish spas.
- Avoid Add-Ons: Be cautious of additional services offered and only accept what you want.
4. Counterfeit Goods at Night Markets
Avoid buying counterfeit goods at night markets; stick to daytime shopping for authentic items.
- Daytime Shopping: Shop during the day when vendors are more likely to sell authentic goods.
- Avoid Night Markets: Steer clear of night markets known for selling counterfeit items.
- Knowledgeable Shopping Companions: Travel with someone knowledgeable about the local market scene to avoid scams.
5. Street Food Scam Warning
Avoid consuming food from street vendors who don't have proper hygiene practices; stick to reputable establishments.
- Proper Hygiene Practices: Look for clean surroundings, gloves, and fresh ingredients to ensure food safety.
- Reputable Establishments: Choose vendors that are busy and well-reviewed for a safer dining experience.
- Street Food Avoidance: Consider dining in restaurants for a more reliable meal.
6. Sim Card Scam Warning
Avoid buying sim cards from street vendors; visit authorized retailers like China Mobile or China Unicom for legitimate sim cards.
- Authorized Retailers: Purchase sim cards only from authorized retailers to avoid scams.
- Check for Valid ID: Ensure the vendor checks your identification before selling a sim card.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors who may sell counterfeit or malfunctioning sim cards.
7. Ferry Ticket Scam Warning
Avoid overpriced tickets or fake ferry operators; always confirm schedules and prices.
- Official Ferry Operators: Use only official ferry operators for safe and affordable transportation.
- Schedule Confirmation: Check schedules beforehand to avoid missing connections or paying excessively.
- Price Verification: Ask for price quotes from multiple vendors and compare them to ensure fair prices.
8. Casino Scam Warning
Be cautious of rigged games or excessive losses at casinos; only gamble responsibly and within your means.
- Reputable Casinos: Choose licensed and reputable casinos to avoid scams.
- Responsible Gambling: Set limits for yourself and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
- Avoid Rigged Games: Stay away from games that seem too good to be true or have unusual rules.
9. Motorcycle Taxi Scam Warning
Avoid overpriced rides or unsafe motorcycle taxis; always negotiate prices and wear helmets.
- Negotiated Prices: Always negotiate the fare before accepting a ride to avoid overcharging.
- Safety Precautions: Wear helmets and check that the driver has a valid license.
- Avoid Unlicensed Drivers: Use only licensed motorcycle taxis for safe transportation.
10. ATM Scam Warning
Avoid ATMs with sketchy surroundings or tampered machines; use only bank-owned ATMs for safe withdrawals.
- Bank-Owned ATMs: Use only bank-owned ATMs to avoid scams and ensure secure transactions.
- Well-Lit Locations: Choose ATMs located in well-lit areas for added security.
- Cover Your PIN: Cover your PIN when entering it to avoid shoulder surfing.
11. Friendly Scam Warning
Avoid overfriendly locals who offer help then ask for money; always be cautious and independent.
- Independence: Travel independently to minimize encounters with scammers.
- Report Suspicious Behavior: Inform local authorities or your embassy if you encounter any suspicious behavior.
- Be Cautious: Always be cautious and trust your instincts when interacting with strangers.
12. Barter Market Scam Warning
Avoid overpriced goods or fake items at barter markets; always negotiate prices and inspect items carefully.
- Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices to avoid overpaying.
- Inspect Items Carefully: Thoroughly examine items before making a purchase to ensure they are authentic.
- Avoid Night Markets: Steer clear of night markets known for selling counterfeit or overpriced items.
13. Tour Guide Scam Warning
Avoid pushy tour guides who overcharge or take you to unnecessary shops; always research and book tours in advance.
- Research and Book Ahead: Book guided tours through reputable companies to avoid scams.
- Avoid Pushy Guides: Ignore unsolicited offers from tour guides and stick with your pre-arranged plans.
- Check Credentials: Ensure your guide has proper credentials and good reviews before accepting their services.
14. Goldfish Ballon Scam Warning
Avoid buying goldfish in balloons; they are often sick or dead, and the release can harm wildlife.
- Wildlife Protection: Release fish into natural habitats to disrupt local ecosystems.
- Sick or Dead Fish: Goldfish in balloons are often sick, injured, or dead.
- Avoid the Scam: Refuse to purchase goldfish in balloons to avoid contributing to this scam.
15. Street Performance Scam Warning
Avoid street performances asking for money upfront; enjoy the show then tip at your discretion.
- Enjoy the Show First: Watch the performance before deciding to tip.
- Avoid Upfront Payments: Never give money upfront for a street performance.
- Tip at Your Discretion: Only tip if you are satisfied with the performance.