Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or unofficial taxis. Always use licensed cabs with visible meters.

Recognize Licenced Taxis: Look for the 'Yinchuan Taxi' logo and a working meter.
Use App-Based Services: Services like DiDi and Kuaidi are reliable and safe.
Negotiate Fare in Advance: If taking a non-metered taxi, negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Beware of fake goods in markets. Authentic products usually come with a receipt or warranty.

Recognize Quality: Authentic items will have better quality, workmanship, and materials.
Check Receipts: Ask for a receipt when buying an expensive item.
Trust Reputable Shops: Shop at established stores with good reviews and a long history.

Be cautious when using ATMs in less frequented areas. Use machines inside banks or in well-lit, busy locations.

Secure Location: ATMs located within banks are safer due to CCTV and security personnel.
Check for Skimming Devices: Inspect ATM card slots and keypad for any unusual attachments.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Try to take out smaller amounts to reduce the risk of theft or loss.

Avoid suspicious street food vendors. Look for busy stalls with clean environments and happy customers.

Busy Stalls: Busy stalls indicate a popular, quality vendor.
Clean Environment: A clean and organized stall shows the food is prepared hygienically.
Health Permits: Legitimate vendors will have a health permit visible for customers to see.

Be aware of overpriced or fake SIM cards. Buy from authorized stores or official locations.

Recognize Authorized Stores: Look for the China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom logo.
Check SIM Packaging: Genuine SIM cards will have good packaging and come with instructions.
Ask for Assistance: If unsure, ask a hotel or local staff to recommend a reliable provider.

Be wary of overly friendly locals asking to dance. These encounters can lead to demands for money.

Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to public, well-lit areas to avoid unwanted attention.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, politely decline and move on.
Know the Local Customs: Dancing with strangers is not a common practice in Yinchuan, so be cautious if invited.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides and book through reputable agencies. Check for proper credentials.

Recognize Licenced Tour Guides: Legitimate tour guides will have a badge, identification card, or certification.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Choose a guide with positive feedback from past customers.
Ask for Itinerary Details: Avoid guides who are vague about the tour itinerary or costs.

Only purchase tickets from authorized venues. Look for official logos and signage.

Recognize Authorized Venues: Official venues will have proper signage and logos.
Check for Ticket Validity: Genuine tickets will have a hologram, barcode or QR code for validation.
Ask for Assistance: If unsure, ask hotel or local staff to guide you to the right place.

Be aware of unfavorable exchange rates. Use reputable money changers or banks.

Recognize Reputable Money Changers: Look for authorized money changer signs or official uniforms.
Compare Rates: Check multiple exchange places to find the best rate.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when exchanging money.

Be cautious of unattended computers or internet cafés with outdated hardware.

Secure Computers: Only use attended computers to minimize the risk of theft or malware.
Update Your Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date before using public computers.
Create Strong Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for your accounts and personal information.

Avoid tea houses with poor reviews or low customer traffic. Opt for busier establishments.

Busy Establishments: Busy tea houses are more likely to serve quality drinks.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Choose a tea house with positive feedback from past customers.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, politely decline and move on.

Be cautious of massage parlors with poor reviews or low customer traffic. Opt for busier establishments.

Busy Establishments: Busy massage parlors are more likely to be legitimate.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Choose a massage parlor with positive feedback from past customers.
Ask for Recommendations: If unsure, ask hotel or local staff to recommend a reliable parlor.

Beware of overpriced souvenirs. Negotiate prices or shop around for better deals.

Negotiate Prices: Don't be afraid to negotiate prices for souvenirs.
Shop Around: Check multiple stores for the best deals on souvenirs.
Recognize Quality: Better-quality souvenirs will often cost less in the long run.

Be cautious of accommodation listings with poor reviews or low customer traffic. Book through reputable sites.

Recognize Reputable Sites: Book accommodations through well-known hotel booking websites.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Choose an accommodation with positive feedback from past customers.
Ask for Recommendations: If unsure, ask hotel or local staff to recommend a reliable place to stay.

Be aware of street performers asking for money. Only tip if you are satisfied with their performance.

Genuine Performances: Talented performers will earn tips without asking for them.
Check for a Tip Jar: Legitimate performers will have a tip jar or donation box available.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, politely decline and move on.