Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhengjiatun, Jilin, China

1. Counterfeit Tourist Attractions Scam

Some attractions in Zhengjiatun may claim to be genuine but are actually fake. Visitors could end up wasting time and money.

Official Signage: Legitimate tourist attractions will have official signage and permits.
Crowd Levels: Genuine tourist spots are usually busy with local tourists.
Online Reviews: Check online reviews before visiting an attraction to ensure its authenticity.

Some service providers in Zhengjiatun may overcharge tourists due to perceived lack of local knowledge.

Fixed Rates: Negotiate prices for services beforehand and agree on a fixed rate.
Local Prices: Enquire about the local price of services to avoid overcharging.
Friendly Locals: Friendly locals can often suggest reasonable service providers.

Some taxi drivers in Zhengjiatun may take an unnecessarily long route or overcharge tourists.

Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis to avoid issues with fare calculation.
Metered Fares: Insist on using the meter and check the fare regularly during your journey.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on reputable taxi services.

Some street vendors in Zhengjiatun may sell counterfeit goods to unsuspecting tourists.

Brand Quality: Check the quality of goods for inconsistencies or flaws.
Vendor Reputation: Avoid vendors with a bad reputation and choose established shops instead.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar goods in different stores to avoid overpaying.

Some accommodation providers in Zhengjiatun may advertise low prices but charge higher upon check-in.

Booking Platforms: Book through reputable platforms to secure pre-negotiated rates.
Check In/Out Prices: Enquire about any additional charges for check-in and check-out.
Location: Choose accommodation located in the city center to avoid hidden costs.

Some money changers in Zhengjiatun may offer unfavorable exchange rates.

Official Money Changers: Use official money changers found in banks or reputable shops.
Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates at different places to get the best deal.
Commission Fees: Enquire about any commission fees before exchanging money.

Some unauthorized guides in Zhengjiatun may overcharge or provide incorrect information.

Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide is licensed and registered with the local tourism board.
Tourist Information Center: Book tours through the Tourist Information Center for reliable guides.
Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on reputable tour guides.

Some ticket sellers in Zhengjiatun may sell fake or invalid tickets.

Official Outlets: Buy tickets from official outlets or authorized sellers.
Ticket Validation: Check the validity of tickets before using them.
Online Verification: Verify ticket details online to ensure their authenticity.

Some shopkeepers in Zhengjiatun may start bargaining at unfairly high prices.

Local Prices: Enquire about the local price of goods before starting negotiations.
Fair Negotiation: Negotiate reasonably and walk away if prices seem too high.
Knowledgeable Locals: Ask knowledgeable locals for advice on fair pricing.

Some public bus drivers in Zhengjiatun may demand extra money or take incorrect routes.

Prepaid Cards: Use prepaid transportation cards to avoid issues with fare calculation.
Metered Fares: Ensure the bus uses a meter and check the fare regularly during your journey.
Bus Routes: Familiarize yourself with bus routes to avoid getting lost or taken off-route.

Some restaurants in Zhengjiatun may add hidden charges or serve low-quality food.

Recommended Restaurants: Choose restaurants recommended by locals or food enthusiasts.
Menu Prices: Ensure prices on the menu match what you are charged for your meal.
Local Cuisine: Sample local cuisine to avoid restaurants serving tourist-focused meals.

Some accommodation providers in Zhengjiatun may overbook and ask for a higher price.

Booking Confirmations: Receive and check booking confirmations before arriving at the accommodation.
Alternative Options: Have alternative accommodations in mind in case of overbooking issues.
Payment Methods: Pay in advance only if absolutely necessary and through secure payment methods.

Some internet cafes in Zhengjiatun may install malware on your devices or charge excessive fees.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose secure internet cafes with good reviews and recommendations.
Device Safety: Use a VPN to protect your device and sensitive data while using public internet.
Fair Pricing: Compare prices at different internet cafes to avoid excessive charges.

Some ATMs in Zhengjiatun may have skimmers or charge hidden fees.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable shops for added security.
Bank Fees: Enquire about any bank fees associated with the transaction before using the ATM.
Card Safety: Cover the ATM keypad to prevent keyloggers and skimmers from capturing your PIN.

Some street performances in Zhengjiatun may be fake and ask for donations.

Real Performances: Attend well-known performances at legitimate venues to avoid scams.
Donation Requests: Be cautious when donating money and only support reputable causes.
Local Knowledge: Ask locals about popular performances to ensure they are genuine.