Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lhasa, China
1. Tibetan Flag Market Scam
Beware of vendors selling low-quality Tibetan flags at inflated prices, claiming they are blessed by monks.
- Inflated Prices: Vendors may charge exorbitant prices for ordinary items.
- Counterfeit Blessings: Flags are not truly blessed by monks, but misleadingly marketed as such.
- Lack of Quality Control: Low-quality flags may quickly lose their vibrancy and durability.
2. Monastery Entrance Fee Scam
Some monks at monasteries may ask for donations or try to sell you religious items instead of using the official ticket counters.
- Misleading Donation Requests: Donations requested by individuals rather than going through proper channels.
- Unauthorized Sales: Monks selling religious items without necessary permits or licenses.
- Loss of Contribution Traceability: Contributions made to individuals may not be properly accounted for and directed towards the monastery's maintenance.
3. Taxi Overcharging
Taxis might charge tourists higher prices than locals for the same journeys.
- Price Gouging: Taxis may overcharge by significantly more than the standard fare.
- Lack of Transparency: Drivers may intentionally avoid using meters or provide misleading route information to inflate fares.
- Language Barrier: Communication difficulties can make it harder for tourists to confirm the correct fare before starting a journey.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed tour guides may approach you offering their services, claiming to be authorized.
- Lack of Certification: Tour guides may not have the required licenses or qualifications.
- Inadequate Knowledge: Unlicensed guides might not provide accurate information about the city and its attractions.
- Security Risks: Working with an unauthorized guide could potentially expose you to dangerous situations or scams.
5. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Many souvenir shops in Lhasa sell fake, low-quality items disguised as authentic Tibetan handicrafts.
- Poor Quality: Items may not last long or have poor workmanship.
- Unethical Practices: Proceeds from sales do not support local artists or the Tibetan community.
- Misleading Labeling: Items are falsely labeled as handmade, traditional, or genuine when they are not.
6. Dolma Market Food Poisoning
Food vendors at Dolma Market may use unhygienic practices, leading to foodborne illnesses.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Vendors might not adhere to proper food handling and storage procedures.
- Chemical Contamination: Food may be treated with harmful chemicals to enhance its appearance or shelf life.
- Lack of Regulation: Some vendors operate without proper health inspection and regulation.
7. Potala Palace Ticket Scam
Tourists may encounter individuals offering to secure Potala Palace tickets for a fee or guide services within the palace.
- Unauthorized Sales: Tickets are sold by unauthorized vendors rather than at the official ticket office.
- Price Markup: Tickets may be significantly more expensive than the regular price.
- Fraudulent Guide Services: Guides might not have the required licenses or offer accurate information about the palace.
8. Rice Paddy Scam
Tourists may be invited to visit a rice paddy and offered traditional yak butter tea or local snacks, then asked for a large payment afterwards.
- Deceptive Invitation: The invitation appears friendly but hides an intent to solicit payment.
- Excessive Payment: The amount requested for food and drink is significantly higher than the local price.
- Lack of Transparency: Villagers may not disclose the actual cost or purpose of the visit upfront.
9. Street Performers Scam
Street performers may ask for payment after their performance or demand a tip that is excessive.
- Coerced Performance: Performers may be forced or misled into participating in the scam.
- Excessive Tip Request: Tips asked are significantly more than the local standard or customary amount.
- Lack of Gratitude: Performers may be ungrateful or rude if a smaller tip is given, creating pressure to give a larger one.
10. Fake Monastery Repairs Scam
Fraudulent individuals may claim that the monasteries are in need of repairs and ask for donations or sell items with the pretense that proceeds go towards repairs.
- Misrepresentation: The monetary contributions are not genuinely used for monastery repairs.
- Unauthorized Sales: Individuals sell items without the necessary permits or licenses.
- Lack of Transparency: Donors are not provided with proof or receipts of how their contributions were used.
11. Carpet Shop Scam
Tourists may be invited to a carpet shop for tea and pressured into purchasing overpriced carpets.
- Pressure Tactics: Salespeople use aggressive sales techniques to force purchases.
- Inflated Prices: Carpets are priced significantly higher than their actual value.
- Lack of Guarantee: Shops may not provide a return or repair policy, leaving customers with faulty products.
12. Tibetan Medical Institute Scam
Individuals may pretend to be doctors at the Tibetan Medical Institute and offer treatment or sell medicine, charging excessive fees.
- Unauthorized Practice: The individuals are not licensed practitioners of traditional Tibetan medicine.
- Price Markup: Medicine and treatments are significantly more expensive than the standard price.
- Lack of Effectiveness: Treatments and medicine may not be effective, potentially causing harm to the consumer.
13. Pilgrimage Guide Scam
Individuals may offer pilgrimage guidance or sell religious items during a pilgrimage, charging excessive fees.
- Unauthorized Guiding: The individuals are not licensed pilgrimage guides.
- Price Markup: Guiding fees and religious items are significantly more expensive than the standard price.
- Lack of Authenticity: Religious items may not be genuine or blessed, as claimed by the scammers.
14. Fake Police Officer Scam
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists asking for bribes or demanding that they pay fines for non-existent offenses.
- Impersonation: The individuals are not actual law enforcement personnel.
- Extortion: Tourists are asked to pay fines for offenses that do not exist or have already been paid.
- Intimidation Tactics: Scammers may use intimidation and threats to extract money from tourists.
15. Gold and Silver Scam
Stores may sell fake gold and silver jewelry at inflated prices or use weight manipulation to cheat customers.
- Counterfeit Products: Jewelry is made from lower-quality materials than claimed.
- Excessive Prices: Items are priced significantly higher than their actual value.
- Weight Manipulation: Jewelry may be lighter or heavier than the stated weight to manipulate pricing.