Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhaotong, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or take you to unwanted destinations. Avoid this by only using licensed cabs from designated stands.

Recognizable Logo: Legitimate taxis in Zhaotong have a recognizable logo on the vehicle.
Meter Usage: Legal cabs use meters; if a driver refuses, it may be an unlicensed cab.
Designated Stands: Always hail taxis from designated stands or app-based services to ensure legitimacy.

Unauthorized tour guides may offer cheap services but lead you to scams. Stick with licensed guides or reputable companies.

Licensed Guide: Legitimate guides carry a license and can provide proof upon request.
Reputable Company: Book tours through reputable companies or official tourist agencies.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Do not accept offers from street solicitors unless they can prove their legitimacy.

Markets may offer overpriced souvenirs. Bargain and compare prices to avoid being ripped off.

Ask Around: Ask around for fair prices before purchasing.
Compare Prices: Always compare prices between different vendors to ensure a fair deal.
Be Wary of Street Vendors: Street vendors may overcharge; consider shopping in stores instead.

Criminals use skimmers to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or reputable establishments.

Bank ATMs: ATMs located inside banks are generally safer.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Check for Tampering: Inspect ATMs for unusual attachments before using; if in doubt, use a different machine.

Internet cafés may install keyloggers to steal your information. Use trusted VPNs or stick to hotels for internet access.

Trusted VPN: Use a reputable VPN service when using public Wi-Fi.
Hotel Internet: Internet access in hotels is generally safer than internet cafés.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not conduct sensitive transactions, such as banking, on public Wi-Fi.

Booking fake accommodations can lead to theft or extortion. Use trusted booking platforms or reputable agencies.

Trusted Platforms: Use well-known online accommodation booking platforms.
Reputable Agencies: Book through reputable local travel agencies in Zhaotong.
Inspect Before Booking: Inspect accommodation photos and reviews before booking to ensure legitimacy.

Some temples may mislead you into overpaying for donations. Research the suggested donation amount before visiting.

Research Suggested Amount: Learn the suggested donation amounts for specific temples before your visit.
Donate at Offering Boxes: Always use offering boxes instead of accepting requests from temple attendants.
Avoid Large Donations: Avoid making large donations without proper research or verification.

Some translation services may offer poor quality or overcharge. Research and book through reputable providers.

Reputable Providers: Use well-known, reputable translation service providers.
Check Reviews: Check reviews from previous clients to ensure quality of services.
Compare Prices: Always compare prices between different providers before booking.

Some street food vendors may use contaminated ingredients or overcharge. Stick to popular, busy vendors.

Popular Vendors: Choose vendors with a high volume of customers for safer and fresher food.
Avoid Solo Vendors: Avoid solo vendors; busy streets often have multiple vendors, ensuring competition.
Check for Hygiene: Inspect the vendor's food preparation area and utensils for cleanliness.

Unscrupulous exchange vendors may offer unfavorable rates or switch currency. Use banks or reputable exchange centers.

Banks for Exchanges: Exchange currency at a bank or authorized exchange centers.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between different vendors to ensure fairness.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Do not accept offers for currency exchanges on the street or from strangers.

Friends offering tours may lead you to scams. Use reputable tour operators instead.

Reputable Tour Operators: Book tours through reputable, licensed tour companies.
Check Credentials: Ask for identification and proof of licensing from anyone offering tours.
Research Tour Companies: Do your research on tour companies before booking to ensure their legitimacy.

Some scammers may sell fake or used transportation tickets. Always buy directly from the station.

Station Ticket Sales: Always purchase tickets at the train, bus, or metro station.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not accept offers for transportation tickets from street vendors.
Check Ticket Validity: Inspect tickets for signs of tampering or alterations before use.

Markets may offer low-quality goods or overcharge. Research and compare prices before buying.

Research Market Prices: Learn the typical prices for items you wish to purchase.
Compare Prices: Always compare prices between different vendors before buying.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not accept offers for goods from street vendors without proper research.

Some guides may lead you to scams or provide poor-quality service. Use licensed guides from the park office.

Licensed Guides: Use licensed guides provided by the national park office.
Check Credentials: Ask for identification and proof of licensing from anyone offering guiding services.
Research Tour Companies: Do your research on tour companies before booking to ensure their legitimacy.

Some shops may sell counterfeit local products. Research authentic vendors or ask locals for recommendations.

Research Authentic Vendors: Learn about reputable, authentic vendors of local products.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for their recommendations on where to purchase authentic goods.
Check Product Quality: Inspect the product's quality and packaging for signs of authenticity.