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4 documented scams across 1 destinations

Tourist scams in Kina — and how to avoid them

These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Kina, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.

The tea-house ceremony scam

Hur det fungerar: Friendly English-speaking 'students' or 'tourists' invite you to a traditional tea ceremony nearby, then you are presented with an enormous bill for the tea and cannot easily leave.

Hur man undviker det: Politely decline invitations from strangers to a specific tea house, bar or gallery. Choose your own venues and never follow a new acquaintance to a place they insist on.

Rigged art-student gallery

Hur det fungerar: People posing as art students befriend you near the sights and steer you to a 'student exhibition', pressuring you to buy overpriced paintings as a favour.

Hur man undviker det: Be wary of strangers who quickly guide you to a shop or gallery. There is no obligation to buy, so decline firmly and walk away if you feel pressured.

Unlicensed airport taxi

Hur det fungerar: Touts at the airport or major stations offer an unofficial 'taxi' at a flat rate, then charge far above the metered fare or demand more on arrival.

Hur man undviker det: Use only the official taxi rank with the meter, the Airport Express, or a ride-hailing app. Never accept a ride from someone approaching you inside the terminal.

Fake or low-quality Great Wall tour

Hur det fungerar: Cheap street or hostel-touted 'Great Wall tours' can include long detours to jade or medicine shops for commission, or drop you at a lesser section than promised.

Hur man undviker det: Book a reputable tour or go independently by public transport. Confirm exactly which wall section, what is included, and that there are no shopping stops before paying.

Know the fair prices tooThe other half of not getting ripped off in Kina: what things should actually cost.See fair prices in Kina