Tea House Invitations
Befriending and Overcharging at Tea Houses
In various Chinese cities, friendly locals, often young women posing as students, approach tourists in public areas like parks or near metro stations and invite them to a traditional tea ceremony. Once at the tea house, participants are served expensive teas and snacks, with the bill unexpectedly totaling 500-2000 RMB (about $70-280 USD) for what was presented as a cultural experience. This scam exploits cultural curiosity, as tea is a staple in Chinese culture, and victims are pressured to pay to avoid embarrassment.
- Politely decline invitations from strangers for tea or cultural activities and stick to guided tours from reputable companies like China International Travel Service.
- Use apps like WeChat or Alipay to verify tea house prices in advance, as many legitimate ones list menus online in RMB.
- If approached, ask for the tea house's official license or WeChat ID, as scammers often avoid providing verifiable details in this cashless society.
Counterfeit Goods Markets
Fake Brand Name Products
At markets like those in Beijing's Wangfujing Street or Shanghai's Nanjing Road, vendors sell counterfeit luxury items such as Louis Vuitton bags or Rolex watches, claiming they are authentic or 'factory direct.' Prices start at 100-500 RMB ($14-70 USD) but are worthless, as the goods are poorly made and illegal. This scam preys on tourists seeking bargains in China's manufacturing hub, with vendors using persuasive tactics like showing fake certificates.
- Only purchase from authorized stores or use apps like Taobao to check seller ratings, avoiding street vendors who pressure for cash payments.
- Be aware that genuine luxury items in China come with holograms and receipts; insist on seeing these before buying, and use Alipay for traceable transactions.
- Report suspicious vendors to local tourist police, who can be contacted via the 12345 hotline for consumer complaints specific to counterfeit goods.