π‘οΈ Tips for China Travel
Common Scams in China
& How to Avoid Them
Don't let scammers ruin your trip. Here's what to watch for.
π― Quick Answer
The vast majority of Chinese people are honest and helpful. But like everywhere with tourism, some target tourists. The scams here target your trust and friendliness, not your fear. If a stranger is too friendly and wants to take you somewhere β that's your red flag.
Let me start by saying this honestly: the vast majority of Chinese people are honest, warm, and will go out of their way to help a foreign visitor.
But like every country with tourism, some people target tourists. The scams here target your trust and friendliness, not your fear. Here's what to watch for.
π΅ 1. The Tea House or Art Studio Invitation
β οΈ How It Works
A friendly young person approaches you near a major landmark. They say they're a student practicing English, or an art student who wants to show you a "traditional ceremony." After chatting, they take you to a nearby tea house or "studio." Staff serve you tea or demonstrate calligraphy, then hand you a bill for hundreds or thousands of RMB β and the atmosphere turns suddenly unfriendly.
β How to Avoid It
- Be polite but firm: "Sorry, I'm not interested" β then walk away
- Even if they seem genuine, don't follow a stranger to a secondary location
- If you end up in one, call the police (110) β these places rely on intimidation, not legal authority
π‘ Local Tip
Genuine students looking to practice English will only chat with you casually on the spot. They won't drag you off to any unfamiliar locations, nor will they ask for your contact information to keep in touch. That rarely happens naturally. If someone approaches you and wants to be your friend, 9 times out of 10, it's a setup.
π 2. Fake Taxis and Rigged Meters
β οΈ How It Works
At airports and train stations, a driver approaches you offering a ride. These unlicensed private vehicles, commonly known as "black cabs", often disguise themselves as taxis. Drivers usually charge a flat per-person rate, which is far higher than the fares of official licensed cars. What's worse, riding them comes with no safety guarantees.
Where it's common: Major airports, high-speed rail stations
β How to Avoid It
- Use Didi (China's Uber equivalent) β prices are shown upfront, tracked, and you can share your ride with friends
- If you must take a taxi, use the official taxi queue at the airport β ignore drivers waiting outside
- If the driver refuses to use the meter or quotes a price that seems too high, get out
π 3. The "Free Gift" Then Payment
β οΈ How It Works
Someone offers you a "free" gift β a bracelet, a calligraphy scroll with your name, a Buddhist charm. The moment you accept it or let them put it on you, they demand payment. The "monk blessing" scam is the most common version of this.
Where it's common: Temples outside, tourist markets, near train stations
β How to Avoid It
- Don't accept anything offered by a stranger on the street, even if it's "free."
- If someone puts a bracelet on your wrist without asking, take it off and hand it back immediately
- Real Buddhist monks do not sell blessings or charms on the street
- A firm "No, thank you" and walking away always works β they won't follow you
ποΈ 4. The "My Friend Has a Shop" Tour
β οΈ How It Works
Same setup as the tea house scam β a friendly stranger chats you up and offers to take you to their "friend's shop" where you can get "special prices" on tea, jade, or silk. Tourist-site silver jewelry and jade stores fall into the same trap: their goods are priced far higher than shops in regular commercial districts, and authenticity can never be guaranteed.
Where it's common: Near every major tourist attraction
β How to Avoid It
- Same rule: don't follow a stranger to a shop they recommend
- Buy souvenirs from regular stores in commercial areas, not from someone who approached you on the street
- If you want quality tea or jade, go to a reputable market.
π What to Do If Something Happens
- 1 Call 110 β police emergency line. In major cities, they can connect you to an English-speaking officer
- 2 Take photos of the person, shop, or vehicle if it's safe
- 3 Call your hotel front desk β they can help explain the situation to police
- 4 Don't chase or confront β these people know the area, you don't. Report it and move on