Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zunyi, Guizhou, China

1. Taxi Scams at Zunyi Airport

Avoid overpriced or non-metered taxi rides by insisting on using a meter and confirming the rate before starting your journey.

Airport Location: Scams are more common in areas less frequented by tourists
Meter Usage: Always ensure the taxi uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Prepaid Taxis: Consider using prepaid taxis for fixed, hassle-free fares.

Purchase souvenirs only from authorized shops or stalls to avoid buying counterfeit items.

Authorized Shops: Only buy from officially recognized vendors.
Quality Check: Look for good quality items, as counterfeits are often poor in construction.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items to spot overpriced or underpriced souvenirs.

Eat at local restaurants instead of tourist hotspots to avoid overpriced meals.

Local Restaurants: Try food from family-owned or local eateries.
Tourist Attraction Locations: Scams are more common near popular tourist spots.
Menu Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants in the area to avoid overpriced meals.

Book accommodation through well-known websites or reputable local agencies to avoid fraudulent bookings.

Reputable Websites: Stick to popular and trusted online booking platforms.
Local Agencies: Contact local hotels or accommodation agencies directly for bookings.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure the quality of your accommodation choice.

Always check banknotes for signs of counterfeiting before making purchases.

Banknote Features: Inspect the banknote's texture, size, and watermark.
Tactile Indicators: Feel for raised dots and bumps on the edges of newer Chinese banknotes.
Light Refraction: Check for proper light refraction by holding the note up to light.

Avoid accepting unsolicited help from strangers offering guided tours and stick to organized group tours.

Unsolicited Help: Be wary of individuals who approach you without being asked.
Organized Group Tours: Consider joining organized group tours for reliable and safe guides.
Official Tourist Information Centers: Visit official tourist information centers for trusted guidance.

Ask for the fare before starting your journey to avoid overpricing and unexpected charges.

Fare Agreements: Always agree on a fare before boarding the taxi.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Taxis from Reputable Companies: Choose taxis from reputable companies for reliable pricing.

Purchase a SIM card from official retailers instead of airport kiosks to avoid overpricing.

Buy tea products from well-known brands or specialty tea shops to avoid counterfeits.

Well-Known Brands: Look for well-known and trusted tea brands.
Specialty Tea Shops: Visit specialty tea shops for expert advice and quality products.
Certified Authenticity: Check for certification from organizations such as the China National Tea Committee.

Eat at stalls with a steady stream of customers and look for cleanliness to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Steady Customer Flow: Choose stalls with consistent customer traffic.
Cleanliness: Look for hygienic conditions and well-maintained equipment.
Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on the best street food vendors.

Purchase medicines from well-established pharmacies or hospitals to avoid counterfeits.

Well-Established Pharmacies: Choose pharmacies that are part of a reputable chain.
Hospital Pharmacies: Purchase medicines from hospital pharmacies when necessary.
Packaging and Labeling: Check for proper packaging, labeling, and dosage information.

Avoid connecting to unsecured or unfamiliar wireless networks to protect your personal information.

Secure Connections: Only connect to secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your online traffic and protect sensitive data.
Avoid Personal Information Sharing: Avoid entering personal information when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Book car rentals through reputable companies or agencies to avoid overpricing and hidden fees.

Reputable Companies: Choose well-known and trusted car rental providers.
Agency Verification: Verify the legitimacy of the rental agency with local authorities.
Rental Agreement Review: Thoroughly review the rental agreement before signing.

Buy tickets directly from official ticket offices or authorized agents to avoid scams.

Exchange money at reputable banks or authorized exchange shops to avoid being short-changed.

Reputable Banks: Choose banks with a good reputation for currency exchange.
Authorized Exchange Shops: Exchange money only at authorized exchange shops.
Rate Comparison: Compare rates with other exchange services in the area to ensure fairness.