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Some scams

Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in China

China is generally safe for visitors, and violent street crime is rare. Tourist scams and theft still happen, especially around busy sights, transport hubs and crowds. Watch for taxi overcharging, invitations that lead to expensive purchases, fake goods and pickpockets.
  1. 1 ShoppingVery commonFake antiquesA seller presents a modern item as an antique. Most supposed antiques offered to visitors are fakes, even when they look convincing.Markets and shops selling items as antiques. 1Read
  2. 2 Other tricksVery commonPyramid and Ponzi investment schemesCriminals draw people into dishonest investment schemes. These schemes are described as widespread in Chengdu. Operators may become violent if they think they will be exposed.Chengdu 1Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonUnofficial taxi and queue-jumping toutsA tout approaches you before you reach the official taxi stand. They offer a fixed fare or a way to skip the queue. The fare can be much higher than a metered ride.Airports, railway stations and border crossings. A specific warning applies to the taxi queue at Beijing West Railway Station. 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonPickpocketing and opportunistic theftThieves take advantage of crowds or a moment of distraction to steal belongings. No particular distraction trick is described.Crowded places and public transport, especially at peak hours. Chengdu warnings include Yanshikou markets, crowded buses, people travelling by bicycle and the North Train Station area. 2Read
  5. 5 Food and drinkCommonTea-tasting and teahouse invitationsA friendly stranger encourages you to visit a particular teahouse or tea tasting. The visit can lead to inflated charges or pressure to make expensive purchases. A high tea price alone does not prove a scam.Beijing, Shanghai 3Read
  6. 6 ShoppingCommonStudent or artist exhibition invitationsSomeone posing as a student or artist invites you to an exhibition. Once there, you face pressure to buy expensive items.Beijing 3Read
  7. 7 ShoppingCommonFake branded goods and copied mediaFake brand-name goods are widely available. Most music or software CDs and DVDs are unauthorised copies. You can lose money if you pay for these believing they are genuine.Markets and shops across China.Read
  8. 8 TaxisCommonFull-fare taxi sharingA driver picks up extra passengers travelling in roughly the same direction. Each passenger pays the full fare. Sharing the ride does not mean sharing the bill.Some cities; none are named for this practice. 1Read
  9. 9 TheftCommonBicycle, battery and charger theftThieves steal bicycles or take battery packs and chargers from electric bicycles and scooters. Even an expensive lock may not stop a professional thief.Bicycle parking areas and other places where bikes or electric scooters are left. 1Read
  10. 10 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter refusal and fare overchargingA driver offers a fixed price instead of using the meter, fails to start it or takes advantage of a visitor's limited Chinese to charge too much. Most drivers are honest.Across China. Chengdu has a specific warning about fixed-price offers and drivers failing to start the meter. 3Read
  11. 11 On the streetOccasionalAccident and false compensation claimsSomeone uses an alleged accident to seek compensation. People who genuinely help someone in distress have also faced compensation claims. Foreign visitors are not often targeted.Roads and places where an accident or request for help occurs.Read
  12. 12 Fake officialsOccasionalBribe demandsA law enforcement officer asks for a bribe. The text warns against offering a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer.Across the countryRead
  13. 13 Other tricksOccasionalSuspicious phone callsFraudulent or suspicious phone calls can occur. No specific caller story or payment method is described. The scam enquiry number is 96110.Across the country 1Read
  14. 14 Other tricksOccasionalUnnecessary dental treatment upsellingA dentist identifies unnecessary problems to sell extra treatment. No specific incident or dishonest clinic is named.Some dental practices; no location is identified for this problem. 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Tiananmen Square, BeijingA tourist-heavy area where visitors are warned about scams and petty crime.
  • Routes to the Great Wall, BeijingVisitors are warned to watch for scams and petty crime on these routes.
  • Beijing West Railway Station taxi queueTouts offer to take travellers out of the official queue for a ride with a significantly higher fare.
  • Yanshikou markets, ChengduA named area where travellers are warned about thieves.
  • North Train Station area, ChengduA particular warning applies to theft around this station.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use official taxi stands or Didi. Ignore people trying to pull you away from a queue.
  • Check that the meter is running. Accept a fixed fare only if you can judge whether it is cheaper.
  • Keep your destination written in Chinese characters or carry your hotel's card.
  • Keep the receipt and note the vehicle details if a fare is disputed.

Money

  • Carry small notes so you can pay without needing much change.
  • Confirm prices in writing before agreeing to a purchase.
  • Ask for a fa piao, the official sales invoice, if you need evidence of a disputed charge.
  • Avoid investment offers from strangers.

Cards and ATMs

  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Keep your card and payment codes private.
  • Check payment amounts before confirming them.
  • Know how to freeze your cards quickly if they are lost or stolen.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you on crowded transport.
  • Keep phones and wallets away from easily reached pockets.
  • Keep belongings within sight at busy sights, markets and stations.
  • Use monitored bicycle parking and secure removable batteries and chargers.

Nights out

  • Choose your own bar or teahouse instead of following an unsolicited invitation.
  • Check prices before ordering, including the cost of individual tea samples.
  • Drink within your limits so you can check bills and keep track of belongings.
  • Leave early if a conversation turns into pressure to visit another venue.

Tours and guides

  • Keep to your plans when strangers invite you to exhibitions or tastings.
  • Be cautious when someone approaches to sell you something or lead you elsewhere.
  • Confirm the full price and what is included before agreeing to an activity.

Police and officials

  • Ask police officers to show their police identification cards if you need to verify who they are.
  • Do not offer bribes. Report a bribe demand through 12388.
  • Remember that private security staff can look similar to police but have no powers of arrest.
  • If detained, politely request a translator and access to consular services. Do not sign documents you do not understand.

What travellers say about China

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is China safe for a first-time visitor?

Generally, yes. Violent street crime is rare. Scams and opportunistic theft are more common, so take care around tourist sights, transport hubs and crowds.

How do I avoid an overpriced airport or station taxi?

Use the official taxi queue or book through Didi. Ignore people who approach you with a ride offer or promise to help you skip the queue. Unofficial rides can cost 2–3 times the metered fare.

Should I accept a stranger's invitation to a tea tasting or exhibition?

Be cautious, especially when someone is very eager to take you to a particular place. These invitations can lead to inflated charges or pressure to buy. Politely decline and keep to your plans.

Does an expensive cup of tea mean I have been scammed?

No. Tea can legitimately cost ¥50–200 per cup or pot, including hot-water refills. Samples may be priced separately. Check each price before accepting anything.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Watch your belongings in crowded places and on public transport at peak hours. In Chengdu, particular warnings cover Yanshikou markets and the North Train Station area.

Can I trust antiques and cheap foreign branded goods?

Most supposed antiques offered to visitors are fakes. Fake branded goods are also widely available, and genuine foreign brands are not generally cheaper than in Western countries. Get independent advice before an expensive purchase.

What should I do about a suspicious phone call?

Do not give the caller passwords, payment codes or money. Check the claim independently. Call 96110 for scam enquiries, or 110 if you have been scammed.

What if someone demands money after an accident?

Stay calm, preserve recordings and contact police. Avoid an immediate cash settlement under pressure. Call for medical help if someone is injured.

How can I protect a bicycle or electric scooter?

Use monitored parking, preferably with CCTV. Secure removable batteries and chargers. An expensive lock alone may not stop a professional thief.

What should I do if an officer asks for a bribe?

Do not offer a bribe. Ask a police officer to show their identification card and report a bribe demand through 12388. If detained, politely request a translator and consular access.

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