Q: 5. What do I do if I realise I am being scammed?

Stay calm, do not escalate, and leave. For restaurant/bar bills you did not agree to, ask to see the menu with prices and take a photo of the bill. For amounts under ¥200, paying and leaving is often faster and safer than arguing. For larger amounts, call 110 (Chinese police) or ask to involve the tourist police. Tourist police offices (旅游警察) exist in most major Chinese cities and tourist sites. Having travel insurance that covers scam losses is useful — keep all receipts and document the situation.

Question 1

1. What is the tea ceremony scam in China?

Accepted Answer

A stranger (often an attractive young woman or friendly couple) approaches near a tourist site and invites you to a 'traditional tea ceremony.' The tea is served and is real. At the end, you receive a bill for ¥500–¥2,000 per person. The venue and the strangers are working together. Refusing to pay leads to intimidation or a call to a 'manager.' The fix: never accept food or drink invitations from strangers who approach you near tourist attractions. No exceptions. Friendly locals who genuinely want to connect will not approach you with an invitation within five minutes of meeting.

Question 2

2. How do I know if a taxi driver is scamming me?

Accepted Answer

Three signs: no meter running, a 'broken meter,' or a flat-fee offer before you get in. All legitimate taxis in Chinese cities run a meter. If a driver offers a flat fee, declines to use the meter, or says the meter is broken, get out and find another taxi or use DiDi. Airport taxis waiting outside arrivals halls (not in the official taxi queue) are the highest-risk. Always use the official taxi queue or DiDi app, which shows a fixed price before you book.

Question 3

3. Are fake monks a real scam in China?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is one of the most reported tourist scams near Buddhist temples in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. A person dressed as a Buddhist monk approaches you, gives you a small religious item (a bracelet, a coin, a card), then asks for a donation for their temple. Once you accept the gift, you are pressured to donate ¥100–¥500. Real monks do not approach strangers on the street to solicit donations. Decline politely and return the item if one is pressed into your hand.

Question 4

4. Is it safe to use ATMs in China?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ATM skimming is not a significant reported problem in China. Bank-branded ATMs in bank lobbies (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank) are safe. Standalone ATMs in tourist areas are slightly higher risk, as with any destination. The bigger issue is card acceptance: many Chinese ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Bank of China and ICBC ATMs in major cities are the most reliable for foreign Visa and Mastercard. Always have some cash as a backup.

Question 5

5. What do I do if I realise I am being scammed?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm, do not escalate, and leave. For restaurant/bar bills you did not agree to, ask to see the menu with prices and take a photo of the bill. For amounts under ¥200, paying and leaving is often faster and safer than arguing. For larger amounts, call 110 (Chinese police) or ask to involve the tourist police. Tourist police offices (旅游警察) exist in most major Chinese cities and tourist sites. Having travel insurance that covers scam losses is useful — keep all receipts and document the situation.

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