Top Travel Traps in China and How to Avoid Them

Almost equally awe-inspiring as its history and cultures, potential tourist scams and traps always take international travelers by surprise, not in a good way for sure. Without a local head, travelers, especially the first-timers, are easy targets for frauds and traps. This, however, is never the reason to hold back your trip or make it less enjoyable. Here we are sharing some common tourist traps and insider tips about how to keep yourself away.

Historic landmarks draw more and more international travelers

Common travel scams and traps

Money safety

Foreign visitors are often victims of currency exchange scams. Some exchange booths attract customers with “excellent exchange rates” but you may be given counterfeit banknotes. ATMs outside may steal your PIN and card information. Choose ATMs next to official bank branches whenever possible. And if anything goes wrong, you can get help straight away from bank staff.

Another classic scam is the "split found cash" trick. One scammer drops money nearby, and an accomplice quickly offers to share it with you. They trick you into handing over your cash as a deposit to prove trust, then steal your funds.

Merchants may attempt to encourage you to choose Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This adds hidden fees of 3%-8% . Always check your payment is up-to-date before you pay. Examine the receipts closely. Make sure you are charged in Chinese Yuan (CNY).

Always look for exchange desks with the green sign and clear exchange rate board.

In China, cash is rarely used, so mobile payment scams are common. Strangers may approach you and present QR codes, telling you that you can scan them to get discount coupons or free Wi-Fi access codes. Scanning of malicious codes can result in instant theft of money from your payment account and revealing of personal data for illegal actions. Don't scan QR codes from strangers for unofficial use.

Make-up attractions and knock-off purchases

Antique dealing is under strict custom regulations and you may check the local rules before purchasing.

One fundamental understanding between legit attractions and the fake ones is the latter will always try to sell you something. Some shops sign up contract with big tour operators and exploit tourists under the camouflage of attraction or museum. What you find at these places has little to do with cultures, history or experiences whatsoever. This happens more often with the fixed group tours, of which the tour guides are driven by commission.

Jewelry, silk, pearls, Chinese paintings or antiques can be nice presents to bring home. And you may also find some international brands at extremely low prices. Hold your horse. You need to keep an eye on this great deals or else you will come home with something worthless.

Approaching strangers or somebody in need of help

A beautiful tea ceremony can turn into a sinful scam.

Absolutely no news for the tea ceremony scams or pretty lady frauds. You will be invited to a tea ceremony, a meal or even a drink with a stranger (normally an attractive young lady speaking good English) and end up paying a bill of up to USD1000 for only a drink. A new trend is an invitation to a hands-on experience such as a “free-of-charge”calligraphy class.

It is awful to think that being helpful might also cause you problems when you are ready to offer a hand to somebody in need of help. They might ask you to take care of their stuff for a short while when they attend to something else (for example, toilet). Or begging, for a more common scenario. Just keep in mind that one that needs help should always contact the local police or other Chinese, not you, a foreigner.

“Real bargain” tours or services

The word “FREE” is truly appealing however be mentally prepared of what you are walking into. Some tour agents sell their day trips, bus tours or other services at low prices, or even free of charge. It can look pretty until you are tossed into a shop or asked for extra service fees. Profit comes from selling souvenirs or other stuff that you don’t need. Compulsory shopping or detours compromise or even ruin your traveling experiences, which is the least thing that you want from a holiday.

How to avoid them: keep a clear mind and sharp eyes

Travel safely and wisely, making this China holiday a journey of a lifetime.

When something is too good to be true, then it’s not. This is the rule of thumbs. There are some steps that keep you safe from all the scams and traps.

Read about posts on common scams and traps. Hazards come in different approaches yet one thing they share is that they are fishing with something seemingly pretty. Unfortunate experiences that are posted on travel websites or forums can be valuable lessons you draw from others’ mistakes.

Always look for legit signs. For independent travelers, signs and plates that are issued by Chinese government indicate the right places to go, no matter for shopping for antiques, choosing a travel agent, buying train or airplane tickets or exchanging money. Most of them are in English so you won’t miss them.

Choose your tour operator wisely. Compared to traveling independently and handling all details on your own, a private tour service not only saves you time and trouble, but can also be an excellent precaution to avoid frauds.

CET focuses on nothing but authentic experiences and will never take you to shops or make-up attractions just to extort commission out of your pocket. Our local tour guides share their experiences and insider tips on how to explore China on your own without stepping into any trap. Also, our 24x7 customer care will be with you all the time and when you need help, we are always one call away.