Beijing Tourist Trap Tips by muratkorman

Fluent English speaking students

You may be approached by young student couples (usually 2 girls) speaking fluent English. They will ask where you are from and they usually have some knowledge about your country, the continent and some cities in your country. They have the excuse to practice English speaking and they will invite you to drink something together. This is the point where you have to cut the conversation and leave immediately. Otherwise you may regret for the consequences. During my 5 days stay in Beijing, I was approached 3 times by this profile of people which I described above. Once it was on the snack street near Wangfujing, the next one was in Tiananmen Square during flag lowering ceremony and the third one was in front of a shopping mall in Wangfujing Street. I didn't believe in the sincerity of these people and I cut the conversation short. When we took a local tour to visit Great Wall later, we met with an American lady who was approached by similar people. She didn't suspect anything and she accepted their offer to drink something. Result : A bill of 900 Yuan (150 USD) for a tea tasting session. She was so sad to be tricked by these people and she had no choice but pay. I was also sad for her, but happy for listening to my insticts when I met with similar people. If you don't want a nasty experience like this, just avoid these people or report them to authorities.

Unique Suggestions: If you are approached by these people, do not accept their invitations.

Fun Alternatives: Avoid any invitations from these people having similar profile described above.

Confirm the price Shopping Review

When you are shopping in Beijing, you have to be extra careful with the price you have to pay. Before paying any cash, confirm the price and avoid giving more cash than the price as you may not get back the rest. If you go to a restaurant, ask for a menu. Local street vendors try to cheat you if you find a chance. I was charged 15 Yuan for a skewer costing 5 Yuan only. The convenience stores usually don't have price tags on any item. A snickers chocolate bar can cost you 25 Yuan in these places.

Unique Suggestions: Ask the price, confirm before you pay.

Fun Alternatives: If you are careful and you know the usual price, you can avoid these scams.

Tour scams Tour Scams Review

This can happen anywhere in the world. You may be overcharged for a tour, you may get a service less than what has been promised. The overall quality of the tour may be less than what you expect. However, these scams are likely to happen more in Beijing and China. If you avoid accepting tour offers from guides located in touristic attraction entrances, you already make a big step. The best way to enjoy tours is to contact trusted agencies and read suggestions from VT members. As well as showing the tourist traps, we also suggest tours that we believe are reasonable in price and good in quality.

Unique Suggestions: Once you pay the price for the tour, you have to stick to it.

Fun Alternatives: Avoid fishy tours, know the average cost, choose trusted tours suggested by VT members