Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yichun, Heilongjiang, China

1. Taxi Scams

Be wary of unregistered taxis or drivers who overcharge. Always use authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Regulated Taxis: Know the difference between regulated and unregulated taxis.
Fare Estimation: Use fare estimation tools provided by ride-hailing apps.
Negotiation: Don't hesitate to negotiate the price with authorized taxi drivers.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. They may contain substandard materials or be outright fakes.

Legal Consequences: Be aware of the legal consequences of buying and selling counterfeit goods.
Quality Check: Look for quality indicators such as labels, packaging, or brand authenticity codes.
Authorized Shops: Buy from authorized shops or retailers to ensure authentic goods.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unauthorized places. They may offer a lower rate or give you less currency than agreed.

Authorized Exchange Centers: Exchange your currency only at authorized exchange centers or banks.
Rates Comparison: Compare the exchange rates offered by different providers before making a decision.
Verification: Verify the authenticity of the banknotes received.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may charge extra fees for non-existent attractions or services.

Licensing Check: Check if your tour guide is licensed by the local tourism bureau.
Itinerary Transparency: Ask for a clear and detailed itinerary before hiring a tour guide.
Feedback: Read reviews and feedback from other travelers about potential guides.

Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors or unauthorized retailers. They may not work properly or overcharge you.

Authorized Retailers: Buy your SIM card only from authorized retailers.
Rates Comparison: Compare the rates offered by different providers before making a decision.
Customer Support: Check if the provider offers customer support in case of issues.

Be careful when using ATMs. Fraudsters may install skimming devices to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use secure ATMs, usually found in banks or well-lit areas.
Card Protection: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect it from potential cameras.
Daily Limits: Check your daily withdrawal limit and plan your cash needs accordingly.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering help. They may try to take advantage of you.

Trust Your Gut: Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.
Ask for Assistance: Seek assistance from staff at hotels, restaurants, or tourist information centers.
Suspicious Behavior: Watch out for suspicious behavior such as a sudden change in the conversation to ask for money.

Some hotels may overbook rooms and offer lower-quality alternatives or force you to share a room with others.

Reputable Hotels: Choose reputable hotels known for good service.
Booking Ahead: Make your hotel reservations ahead of time to avoid issues.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers about the hotel before booking.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors that may use unhygienic or harmful practices.

Licensing Check: Check if the massage parlor is licensed by the local health authority.
Hygiene Standards: Look for clean and well-maintained facilities.
Customer Feedback: Read reviews from other customers to ensure a positive experience.

Avoid street food vendors that use contaminated ingredients or may overcharge you.

Health Inspections: Check if the vendor has passed recent health inspections.
Busy Vendors: Look for busy vendors, as they tend to have fresher food.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors in the area before making a purchase.

Public Wi-Fi can be unsafe as hackers may steal your personal information. Avoid accessing sensitive data on public networks.

VPN Use: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.
Secure Websites: Only access secure websites (https://) when using public Wi-Fi.
Password Protection: Never save passwords or other sensitive information on public devices.

Be cautious when buying transportation tickets. Fraudsters may sell you fake or expired tickets.

Avoid visiting attractions that may not exist or are simply scams designed to take your money.

Reputable Sources: Research attractions using reputable sources.
Local Information Centers: Ask for information about attractions at local tourist information centers.
Online Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before visiting an attraction.

Some fake charities may ask for donations or try to sell items under the guise of fundraising.

Legitimate Charities: Research legitimate charities before making a donation.
Donation Receipts: Ask for a receipt or proof of your donation.
Transparency: Look for transparency in how the charity uses its donations.

Some people may pretend to need money or offer you gifts to distract you while pickpocketing. Be cautious when approached.

Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated areas and busy tourist spots during nighttime.
Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure, such as by using a cross-body bag or keeping valuables hidden.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities.