Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yangquan, China

1. Fake Tour Guides Scam

Unlicensed tour guides may offer cheap prices but lead you to overpriced shops or fake attractions. Avoid this by checking for official licenses.

Official Licenses: Always verify if the guide has an official license from Yangquan Tourism Bureau.
Avoid Overpriced Attractions: Refuse guides who try to take you to overpriced shops or attractions.
Research Ahead: Research the common attractions in Yangquan beforehand to identify potential scams.

Some exchange booths may offer poor rates or give you counterfeit money. Stick to banks or authorized exchange centers.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency only at banks, hotels, or authorized exchange centers.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates offered by different providers before making a decision.
Inspect Your Money: Thoroughly inspect the money you receive to ensure its authenticity.

Taxis or rickshaws might use a meter that runs faster or charge excessive fees. Use ride-hailing apps for safer travel.

Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Use apps like Didi Chuxing for safe and reliable transportation.
Check Fares Beforehand: Ask for the fare before getting into a taxi or rickshaw to avoid unexpected charges.
Negotiate Fare Upfront: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises.

Shops may sell fake goods or overprice items. Stick to reputable stores and negotiate prices.

Reputable Shops: Shop at well-known, established stores in tourist areas.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit goods or overprice items.

Unlicensed accommodation may offer poor service or be located far from attractions. Book through trusted sites or ask for official licenses.

Book Through Trusted Sites: Book your accommodation through trusted online travel agencies.
Check Official Licenses: Verify that the accommodation has an official license from Yangquan Tourism Bureau.
Location: Ensure your accommodation is centrally located near popular attractions.

Some restaurants may use cheap or contaminated ingredients. Stick to well-known chains or ask locals for recommendations.

Well-Known Chains: Choose well-known chain restaurants for a safer dining experience.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for their favorite, reliable restaurants to avoid contaminated food.
Street Food Safety: Be cautious when eating street food. Look for clean and busy stalls that use fresh ingredients.

Scammers may exploit the language barrier to trick tourists. Use translation apps or find a trusted local guide.

Translation Apps: Use translation apps like Google Translate for communication.
Find a Trusted Local Guide: Find a trusted local guide through reputable tour companies or travel agencies.
Learn Basic Phrases: Learn some basic Mandarin phrases to help communicate with locals.

Some shops may sell overpriced or fake SIM cards. Buy from authorized retailers like China Mobile stores.

Authorized Retailers: Buy your SIM card from authorized retailers like China Mobile stores.
Check Prices Beforehand: Compare prices for SIM cards offered by different providers before making a purchase.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell overpriced or fake SIM cards.

Locals offering help or friendship may ask for money. Be cautious and verify their intentions.

Verify Intention: Be wary of strangers who offer help or friendships, especially if they ask for money.
Ask Locals: Ask other locals about the individual to verify their intentions.
Stick to Familiar Places: Stay in areas that are familiar and well-populated to avoid potential scams.

Some ticket sellers may offer fake or overpriced tickets for popular attractions. Buy tickets from authorized booths or websites.

Authorized Booths or Websites: Buy your attraction tickets only from authorized booths or official websites.
Check Prices Beforehand: Compare prices for the attractions tickets offered by different sellers before making a purchase.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or overpriced attraction tickets.

Skimmers may attach devices to ATMs to steal your card information. Use secure ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks, hotels, or shopping malls for maximum security.
Cover Your Keys: Always cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent potential scammers from seeing it.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your bank account for any unusual activity.

Public Wi-Fi may have malware that steals personal information. Use a VPN or avoid using public Wi-Fi.

Use a VPN: Always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks if possible, especially for sensitive information.
Secure Devices: Install security software on your devices to protect them from potential threats.

Some beggars may attempt to pickpocket or lead you to scammers. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious.

Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings secure, ideally in a safe place like a locker or hotel room.
Avoid Distractions: Avoid distractions, especially when in crowded areas, to keep your belongings safe.
Stay Alert: Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid potential scams.

Some taxi or rickshaw drivers may overcharge tourists. Use ride-hailing apps or negotiate fares beforehand.

Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Use apps like Didi Chuxing for safe and reliable transportation.
Negotiate Fares Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid any surprises.
Check Fares Beforehand: Ask for the fare before getting into a taxi or rickshaw to avoid unexpected charges.

Restaurants near popular attractions may overprice food or serve low-quality meals. Ask locals for recommendations.

Ask Locals: Ask locals for their favorite, reliable restaurants to avoid tourist traps.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid Street Food: Street food may be overpriced or of low quality. Opt for sit-down restaurants instead.