Classic street scams
A friendly stranger invites you for tea/coffee, then presents an enormous bill; a “student” asks you to practice English and leads you to a gallery; a taxi driver takes a long route or swaps a genuine note. Walk away, agree the price first, and use ride-hailing/metro where possible.
Tickets and tours
Buy tickets from official counters/apps, not touts near stations. “Closed today” is a common line to redirect you to a expensive tour. Check the official website or ask at the ticket office. Do not pay cash to a “guide” without a receipt.
Online and payment scams
Never share verification codes, bank passwords or passport photos with strangers. Be wary of “investment”, “romance” and “part-time job” offers on social media. Use official apps and platforms; if someone pressures you to pay quickly, stop.
Reality check
The most common scam is not a pickpocket; it is a friendly stranger with a “special” tea house or tour.
Local tip: Agree prices first and use official apps/counters.
Step by step
- Agree prices before services.
- Use official apps/counters.
- Walk away from pressure.
- Do not share codes/passwords.
- Keep receipts and screenshots.
- Report to police (110) and your bank.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Typical tea scam | Hundreds to thousands of RMB |
| Fake tour | Hundreds of RMB |
| Card fraud | Potentially unlimited |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Police report number
- Receipts/screenshots
- Bank contact
Common mistakes
- Following friendly strangers to a “tea house”
- Paying cash without a receipt
- Sharing OTP codes
- Believing “the attraction is closed”
If things go wrong
- If pressured, walk into a shop or hotel and ask staff to call police.
- If you paid by card, call your bank and dispute the charge.
FAQ
Is it safe to walk around?
Generally yes, but use normal city precautions and avoid isolated areas at night.
What do I do if scammed?
Call 110, report to your bank, keep evidence, and contact your embassy if documents are involved.
Health and safety: the field guide
China is generally safe, but medical care is not uniform. Save an English-speaking clinic, understand your insurance and know the emergency numbers before you need them.
Hospitals and clinics
International clinics and the international departments of major public hospitals usually have English-speaking staff and shorter waits, at higher cost. Local public hospitals are cheaper but crowded and Chinese-language-heavy. For emergencies, call 120 or go to the nearest hospital; do not wait for an appointment.
Insurance and payment
Many international clinics require payment upfront and reimburse later. Keep every receipt, diagnosis and prescription. Check whether your policy covers China, pre-existing conditions and evacuation. For chronic conditions, bring enough medicine and a doctor’s letter; some medicines have different names in China.
Safety and scams
Use normal city precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, watch your bag in crowds, and do not follow friendly strangers to a “special” tea house or tour. Keep passport/visa copies in the cloud. If something goes wrong, call 110 for police, 120 for ambulance and contact your embassy for document emergencies.
Quick checks
- English-speaking clinic saved
- Insurance card and policy offline
- Medication list/prescriptions
- Emergency numbers and embassy contact
- Passport/visa copies in cloud
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Police report number
- Receipts/screenshots
- Bank contact
- Agree prices before services.
- Use official apps/counters.
- Walk away from pressure.
- Do not share codes/passwords.
- Keep receipts and screenshots.
- Report to police (110) and your bank.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.