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

1. Counterfeit Souvenir Shops

Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors in crowded areas. Fake items are often sold as authentic.

Crowded Areas: Vendors in busy, touristy spots are more likely to sell counterfeit goods.
Price Difference: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Authentic Shops: Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops or official tourist centers.

Avoid taxis without a meter. Always confirm the price before starting your journey.

Taxis Without Meters: These taxis may charge exorbitant rates.
Price Confirmation: Always confirm the price before starting your journey to avoid surprises.
Legitimate Taxis: Choose taxis with a meter and recognizable livery for a fair fare.

Hire guides from recognized agencies or hotels. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Recognized Agencies: Guides from reputable organizations are more trustworthy.
Unsolicited Offers: Avoid guides who approach you without prior arrangement.
Hotel Guides: Guides provided by your hotel are often reliable and licensed.

Use ATMs in banks or tourist centers. Be cautious of machines in unattended locations.

Banks and Tourist Centers: ATMs in secure locations are less likely to be compromised.
Unattended Locations: ATMs in unattended areas may have skimming devices installed.
Card Safety: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN for added security.

Avoid eateries in heavily touristy areas. Opt for local restaurants off the beaten path.

Heavily Touristy Areas: Prices in these restaurants may be inflated.
Local Restaurants: Locally-owned restaurants offer authentic food at reasonable prices.
Off the Beaten Path: Venturing away from touristy spots can lead to more affordable dining options.

Book tours through reputable agencies or your hotel. Check reviews and ratings online.

Reputable Agencies: Tour agencies with good reviews and ratings are more reliable.
Hotel Bookings: Book tours through your hotel's tour desk for added peace of mind.
Online Reviews: Check multiple review sites to get a well-rounded perspective on agencies.

Inspect your bills for unusual features. If possible, exchange large amounts at banks.

Unusual Features: Counterfeit bills may have imperfections or lack security features.
Bank Exchanges: Exchanging money at banks reduces the risk of receiving counterfeit cash.
Small Transactions: Pay for small items with exact change to avoid potential issues.

Avoid wearing valuable jewelry and keep your belongings secure. Be aware of crowded areas.

Valuable Jewelry: Limiting the amount of valuables you carry can reduce the risk.
Crowded Areas: Pickpockets often target tourists in crowded, touristy spots.
Secure Belongings: Using a money belt or keeping valuables hidden can help prevent theft.

Book accommodation in advance through reputable sites. Compare prices for the best deals.

Reputable Booking Sites: Booking through trustworthy sites ensures a legitimate reservation.
Advance Bookings: Booking accommodation in advance can help secure the best rates.
Price Comparison: Comparing prices across multiple sites can help find the most affordable options.

Visit massage parlors in popular areas or those recommended by your hotel. Check for valid licenses.

Popular Areas: Massage parlors in busy, well-known locations are more likely to be legit.
Hotel Recommendations: Your hotel can suggest reputable massage parlors for a hassle-free experience.
Valid Licenses: Look for a valid license displayed at the parlor to ensure it's legal.

Avoid purchasing gold or jade from street vendors. Opt for reputable stores with certificates.

Street Vendors: Gold and jade sold by street vendors may be fake or overpriced.
Reputable Stores: Stores with certificates provide authentic items at a fair price.
Certified Items: Check for a certificate of authentication to ensure the quality and value of your purchase.

Avoid rickshaws without meters. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Rickshaws Without Meters: These rickshaws may charge exorbitant rates.
Fare Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid surprises.
Legitimate Rickshaws: Choose rickshaws with meters and recognizable livery for a fair fare.

Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Consider purchasing local SIM cards for data.

Unsecured Public Networks: These networks may be compromised, putting your personal information at risk.
Local SIM Cards: Using a local SIM card for data provides a secure connection.
VPN Usage: Using a VPN helps protect your data when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel. Check reviews and ratings online.

Locals and Hotel Recommendations: Translation services recommended by trusted sources are more reliable.
Online Reviews: Check multiple review sites to get a well-rounded perspective on agencies.
Certified Translators: Ensure the translator is certified and has positive feedback from previous clients.

Purchase prescription medication from pharmacies only. Avoid street vendors or unlicensed shops.

Pharmacies Only: Pharmacies offer legitimate, safe medication.
Prescription Needed: Only purchase prescription medication with a valid prescription.
Avoid Street Vendors: Counterfeit or substandard medicine may be sold by street vendors.