Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Chengdu, China
1. Tea House Scam
In Chengdu, some locals may invite you to a tea house for a cultural experience, only to present you with an exorbitant bill. To avoid this, politely decline invitations from strangers. Always check prices before ordering.
- Invitation: Strangers inviting you to tea houses.
- Cultural Experience: Appeal to cultural curiosity.
- Exorbitant Bill: Unexpected high charges.
- Price Check: Verify prices before ordering.
2. Fake Tour Guides
Some individuals may pose as tour guides and offer services at popular sites like the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. They may charge high fees for poor service. Always book tours through reputable agencies.
- Popular Sites: Targeting tourists at famous attractions.
- Impersonation: Pretending to be official guides.
- Service Quality: Poor service despite high fees.
- Booking Channels: Use reputable agencies for tours.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Markets in Chengdu may sell fake branded goods at seemingly low prices. These items are often of poor quality and not worth the money. To avoid this, shop at official stores or verify the authenticity of the product.
- Market Stalls: Common places for counterfeit sales.
- Brand Imitation: Fake branded items.
- Quality Issues: Poor quality of counterfeit goods.
- Authenticity Verification: Check product authenticity before purchase.
4. Taxi Overcharging
Some taxi drivers in Chengdu may take longer routes or not use the meter to overcharge tourists. Always insist on using the meter or use ride-hailing apps like Didi. Be aware of the approximate fare to your destination.
- Route Manipulation: Taking longer routes to increase fare.
- Meter Usage: Drivers not using the meter.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Using apps like Didi for fair pricing.
- Fare Awareness: Knowing approximate fares beforehand.
5. Street Vendor Scams
Street vendors may sell items at inflated prices or claim they are handmade when they are not. Bargain wisely and be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals. It's best to compare prices with nearby shops.
- Inflated Prices: Charging more than the item's worth.
- Authenticity Claims: False claims of handmade goods.
- Bargaining: Negotiating prices is common.
- Price Comparison: Check prices with nearby vendors.
6. Fake Currency
Some scammers may give fake currency as change, especially in busy areas. Familiarize yourself with the look and feel of real Chinese yuan. Always count your change and check its authenticity.
- Busy Areas: Common places for fake currency scams.
- Currency Familiarity: Knowing the look and feel of real yuan.
- Change Counting: Always count your change.
- Authenticity Check: Verify the authenticity of currency received.
7. Art Student Scam
Scammers may pose as art students and invite you to view their work, only to pressure you into buying overpriced art. Politely decline such invitations. Visit established galleries if interested in local art.
- Art Student Impersonation: Posing as students to gain trust.
- Invitation Tactics: Inviting tourists to view art.
- Pressure Selling: Pressuring to buy overpriced art.
- Gallery Visits: Visit reputable galleries for art purchases.
8. Fake Charity Collectors
Some individuals may solicit donations for fake charities, often using emotional stories. Verify the legitimacy of the charity before donating. It's safer to donate through known organizations.
- Emotional Appeal: Using emotional stories to solicit donations.
- Legitimacy Verification: Checking if the charity is real.
- Donation Channels: Donating through known organizations.
- Street Solicitation: Approaching tourists on the street.
9. Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Use anti-theft bags and avoid displaying valuables.
- Crowded Areas: High risk in busy places.
- Belongings Security: Keeping items secure.
- Situational Awareness: Being aware of surroundings.
- Anti-Theft Measures: Using bags designed to prevent theft.
10. Hotel Booking Scams
Some websites may offer fake hotel deals or charge hidden fees. Always book through reputable platforms and read reviews. Confirm your booking directly with the hotel before arrival.
- Fake Deals: Offers that seem too good to be true.
- Hidden Fees: Unexpected charges added to the bill.
- Reputable Platforms: Booking through trusted websites.
- Booking Confirmation: Verifying booking directly with the hotel.