Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yueqing, Zhejiang, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unlicensed taxis. Some drivers might overcharge or take a longer route.

Unlicensed Taxis: Operate illegally without proper licenses and insurance.
Overcharging: Charge excessive prices for rides, especially during peak hours or to tourist spots.
Longer Routes: Drive longer routes to increase the fare.

Avoid markets selling counterfeit goods. These items may not work or could be dangerous.

Counterfeit Items: Sell imitation goods that are often lower in quality and can be dangerous.
Lack of Warranty: Items may not come with a warranty or after-sales service.
Legal Issues: Possession and sale of counterfeit goods are illegal in China.

Be wary of unlicensed tour guides. They may lead you to scams or charge extra fees.

Always use authorized exchange centers to avoid receiving fake or less money.

Fake Money: Give you counterfeit currency in return for your legitimate money.
Unequal Exchange Rates: Provide unfavorable exchange rates to make a profit.
Theft: Steal your money or personal belongings during the transaction.

Be cautious of friendly locals offering help. They might ask for money later.

Fraudulent Assistance: Offer help with language or directions but ask for payment later.
Asking for Money: Request money under the pretense of friendship and then disappear.
Misleading Information: Provide incorrect or misleading information to lead you into a scam.

Use ATMs located in banks or secure areas to avoid skimming devices.

Avoid street food vendors that don't have a proper permit. The food could be contaminated or overpriced.

Contaminated Food: Serve food that is not prepared in hygienic conditions, potentially causing illness.
Overpricing: Charge excessive prices for their items.
Illegal Vendors: Operate without a proper permit, making it difficult to seek recourse if issues arise.

Use reputable internet cafes. Some may install keyloggers or spyware on your devices.

Keylogging: Record all keystrokes to steal personal information.
Spyware: Install software on your device to monitor and control it.
Hardware Theft: Steal your laptop, phone, or other valuable items while you are using their cafe.

Book accommodation through reputable websites or agencies to avoid overpriced or unsafe lodgings.

Overpricing: Charge excessive prices for lodging, often for substandard accommodations.
Unsafe Lodgings: Provide poor living conditions or lack necessary safety features.
Fraudulent Booking: Take your payment without confirming the reservation, leaving you homeless.

Buy train or bus tickets from authorized vendors to avoid counterfeit tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Sell you fake tickets that may not be valid.
Overpricing: Charge excessive prices for the tickets.
Transportation Denial: Deny you access to transportation with a counterfeit ticket.

Be cautious at local festivals and markets. Some vendors may try to cheat or overcharge tourists.

Avoid unlicensed casinos. They may cheat or not pay out winnings.

Unlicensed Casinos: Operate without proper licenses and oversight.
Cheating: Rig the games in their favor to maximize profits.
Non-payment of Winnings: Refuse to pay out winnings, or pay less than promised.

Avoid street performers who demand money. Some may use aggressive tactics or offer fake goods.

Aggressive Demands: Use intimidation or aggression to demand payment.
Fake Goods: Offer fake goods as a reward for payment.
Unfair Payment Demands: Demand excessive or unfair payment for their performance.

Be wary of street charity collectors. Some may be fraudulent and not donate the money collected.

Fraudulent Donations: Collect money under false pretenses, keeping it for themselves.
No Oversight: Operate without any oversight or accountability for how the donations are used.
Aggressive Collection Tactics: Use aggressive or forceful tactics to collect money.

Be cautious at popular tourist spots. Some vendors may try to cheat or overcharge tourists.