Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhijiang, Hubei, China
1. Taxi Overcharging
Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.
- Licensed Taxis: Recognize the distinctive license plates and decals on authorized taxis
- Ride-hailing Apps: Download Didi app before arriving for safe and reasonable transportation
- Avoid Street Taxis: Street taxis may overcharge or provide substandard service
2. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid buying fake goods at bustling markets by verifying their authenticity and checking prices.
- Brand Authenticity: Look for official store labels or holograms, and compare prices with those online
- Market Reputation: Research popular markets in Zhijiang known for selling authentic goods
- Seller's Reputation: Ask around or check online reviews before making a purchase from a specific seller
3. ATM Skimming
Protect your bank card by using ATMs inside banks and keeping an eye out for suspicious devices.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within banks or financial institutions
- Inspect ATM: Check for any unusual attachments or tampering on the ATM before use
- Monitor Account: Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious activity
4. Cybercafé Data Theft
Avoid data theft in cyber cafes by using a VPN or choosing reputable establishments.
- VPN Usage: Use a trusted VPN service when accessing sensitive information online
- Cybercafe Reputation: Choose cyber cafes with good reviews and secure Wi-Fi networks
- Secure Devices: Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts or storing passwords on unsecured devices
5. Street Food Poisoning
Enjoy safe street food by choosing clean stalls with busy operations and properly cooked dishes.
- Busy Stalls: Opt for street food stalls with a consistent flow of customers
- Cleanliness: Look for clean work areas and food handling practices
- Proper Cooking: Check that the food is cooked thoroughly before consuming
6. Unwanted Tour Guides
Avoid unwanted tour guides by politely declining offers and confirming your guide's credentials.
- Official Guide Credentials: Ensure your guide has an official badge, license, or identification
- Prearranged Guides: Book tours through reputable agencies before arriving in Zhijiang
- Polite Declination: Decline offers politely but firmly if you don't want the guide's services
7. Exchange Rate Scams
Avoid unfair exchange rates by using banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Bank Exchange Rates: Use banks or designated exchange centers for the best rates
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Never exchange money on the street to avoid being overcharged
- Check Rates Online: Compare exchange rates online before deciding where to exchange your currency
8. Bogus Ticket Sales
Purchase tickets from official venues or authorized agents to avoid counterfeit or invalid tickets.
- Official Venue Tickets: Buy tickets directly from the event venue or its official website
- Authorized Agents: Find authorized agents for ticket sales through reputable channels like tour operators
- Avoid Street Sales: Never buy tickets from unauthorized vendors on the street
9. Scam Art Auctions
Buy art from reputable galleries or auction houses to avoid fake or overpriced items.
- Reputable Galleries: Purchase art from well-known galleries in Zhijiang
- Auction House Reputation: Check the reputation of auction houses before bidding on items
- Expert Advice: Seek advice from art experts or appraisers when considering a purchase
10. Temple Donation Scams
Donate to official temple organizations to support their work and avoid scammers.
- Official Temple Organizations: Look for the temple's official name or seal before making a donation
- Avoid Street Donations: Never donate to people soliciting on the street near temples
- Support Temple Projects: Learn about temple projects and donate directly to them if possible
11. Accommodation Overbooking
Avoid overbooked accommodations by booking in advance or using reputable providers.
- Advance Bookings: Book your accommodation well in advance to secure a room
- Reputable Providers: Choose accommodations from reliable providers like booking websites or local tour operators
- Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Booking last minute may lead to overbooked accommodations
12. Business Card Thieves
Protect your personal and business information by guarding your business cards and exchanging them cautiously.
- Guard Business Cards: Keep your business cards secure when not in use
- Cautious Exchanges: Exchange business cards with caution, only providing them to trustworthy individuals
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your personal and professional accounts for suspicious activity
13. Fraudulent Tour Packages
Avoid fraudulent tour packages by booking through reputable agencies or verified online platforms.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours with established, reliable travel agencies
- Verified Online Platforms: Use verified online platforms for booking tours or activities
- Research Tour Operators: Research the tour operator's reputation, reviews, and customer feedback
14. Unsafe Street Performances
Enjoy street performances while staying safe by keeping a safe distance and avoiding distractions.
- Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the performance to avoid being targeted
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your belongings secure and avoid distractions during performances
- Observe Locals: Follow the lead of local residents who may be familiar with common scams in the area
15. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs by purchasing from reputable shops or asking locals for recommendations.
- Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from established, trustworthy shops in Zhijiang
- Locals' Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on where to buy authentic souvenirs
- Price Comparisons: Compare prices of souvenirs with those at other shops or online before purchasing