In some places around the world, there are so many travel business operators are scamming and cheating us – the lovely tourists. In this article, we specifically called up the scam that is happening still today in some places in China tourist spots for all international tourists to avoid getting into this tourist traps. You may find it surprise when you read through these places, since you might traveled to this places before, if you are lucky you will escape the traps, if not, so sorry for you. So spend some time read through this, it will benefit you for your next trip to China.
1. Jiu Zhai Guo: Inflated Beef and Souvenir Price
Beware that the so call “Jiu Zhai Guo Furry Beef” has higher nutrient and better taste will cost you roughly RMB 88-100 for 500 grams, in fact it is the same dry aged beef sold in Chengdu with only RMB 22 for 500 grams. Many foreign tourist like to buy the bead in Jiu Zhai Guo, well almost 80% of the bead sold there is not genuine, mostly are made by glass. Those Tibet arts accessories like rings, necklace, wrist band, tea pot, wine bottle and many more are all made of iron and not real silver.
2. Mountain Er Mei – Burning Joysticks is Burning Money
Many visitors travel to temple will definitely burn some joysticks to pray for the god, well usually the pricing for the joysticks is just very minimum or sometimes it is free. But particular in Mt. Er Mei, if you are persuade to burn a bigger joysticks for more prosperous, more healthy, for more people, then you need to take precaution, since joysticks may ranging from RMB 100 to RMB2000-3000. Just don’t do that, as if you are praying using your bare hand is also serve the respect to the god.
3. Xi An – Fake Antiques Everywhere
Xi An is famous of the Emperor Qing tomb with many terracotta warriors, armies, battle horse carriage, which is very valuable. Many tourist like to keep one of these antiques as a souvenir, the real one would have cost more over millions dollars and it is not able to buy one for just ordinary tourist like us. So don’t be too naive that those selling out there quoted genuine and real “artifacts” can easily buy with RMB200-500. You will regret later.
4. Li Jiang – Jade and Ruby Trap
Yunnan is famous of producing jade and ruby since it has the same geographical terrain as Myanmar. Beware that the jewelery shop are selling a lot of fake jade and ruby in the special limited edition counter. Usually these type of quality products are selling like RMB30-50 only, not like the price tag shown in the shops which is sky rocket high pricing that could ranging to few thousands RMB.
5. Yangshou – Special Drinks & Special Services
In Yangshou there are many pubs and bars around in the city central, many foreign tourists like to hang out there, sometimes for those new to Yanghshou they will ask the taxi driver where to hang out, this is the dangerous time where the taxi driver will usually bring you to places which quoted from them is cheap and value for money and very good and special services. These pubs and bars are real trap for bachelor or guys, since they have 2 set of menu, one is for you to order and one is added with all sort of taxes and it is much expensive than the price you see when ordering the drinks. Also be aware that the “special” drinks that pretty sales girls mention are usually just mixture of coke and sprite/7 up and it costs RMB100-200 per drink as it is ridiculous with the cost is about RMB1-2 most. If you attracted with beautiful sales girl specially services like accompany you to sing, dance and drink beers, you will end up to pay a premium for the “special services” which will cost you between RMB600-800.
There are a lot more of travel scams and traps in China, you need to take extra precaution and avoid the greed of getting cheaper products, lowest rate hotel stays and foods. If possible get to know some reliable local folks or colleagues to bring you around rather than go alone. Be more alerts and careful.
***Around World Travels***