Updated 12 October 2026 · LocalKey consultant team
Strangers in popular tourist areas invite visitors to a teahouse, bar, massage place or gallery, and a large bill can follow, according to UK and Canadian travel advice. We suggest shopping where you chose to go, paying by an app you control and checking every banknote you receive.
Which shopping scams target visitors in China?
Canada's advice says scammers target foreigners in popular tourist areas, particularly Beijing's Tiananmen Square and Shanghai's Bund, East Nanjing Road and People's Square. The UK advice names the "tea tasting" or "massage" scam as a common example.
| Scam | How it works | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation scam (tea, drinks, massage, art gallery) | Friendly strangers invite you to a bar, to drink tea or have a massage, and the establishment then demands a large fee. The UK advice says this can be followed by threats, violence or credit card fraud. Canada's advice says the bill can be exorbitant, sometimes under threat of injury, and warns about strangers who ask to "practise English" or take you to an art gallery. | UK FCDO and Government of Canada |
| Counterfeit banknotes | Counterfeit notes, especially 100 renminbi notes, are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them. | UK FCDO |
| Card and ATM fraud | Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Watch your card when others handle it. | Government of Canada |
| QR code phishing | Travellers should know the risks of QR code phishing. | UK FCDO |
| Fake police calls | Scammers posing as police may call and ask you to transfer funds. Do not send money. | Government of Canada |
Be cautious of strangers who ask to "practise English" or offer to take you to an art gallery, teahouse or unknown location. We suggest politely declining and going to a place you chose yourself before you left home. If tea is on your shopping list, our page on buying tea in China without scams covers tastings, weighing and receipts. Before any purchase, it also helps to write down the name and address of the shop, so you have them if something goes wrong later.
How do you avoid cash and counterfeit-note problems?
The UK advice says to check notes before accepting them, because counterfeit banknotes, especially 100 renminbi notes, are common and banks will not replace them. Canada's advice adds that if you pay cash, you should use small denominations, refuse damaged notes and take care with change in taxis and small informal businesses.
We suggest these habits for cash:
- Carry small denominations where you can, so a single bad note is less of a problem.
- Look at each 100 renminbi note before you accept it, and refuse any that look damaged.
- Be careful with change from taxi drivers and small informal stalls.
- Count your change before you leave the counter, while the seller is still in front of you.
We suggest paying by an app you control, which also leaves you a record of each payment. Our Alipay guide for foreigners explains how to set it up before you travel.
Is paying by card or QR code safe?
Canada's advice says credit card and ATM fraud occurs and suggests watching your card when others handle it, using ATMs in well-lit places or inside a bank, and avoiding card readers with unusual features. Canada also advises being vigilant when scanning, transferring or paying with your phone.
The UK advice highlights the risks of QR code phishing. Canada's advice adds that scammers may pose as police and call you to ask for a fund transfer, and says not to send money.
We suggest these habits:
- Keep your card in sight, and do not let someone take it out of view to process a payment.
- Use ATMs in well-lit places or inside a bank.
- Only scan QR codes that come from a merchant you chose, and check the payee name before you confirm.
- If a call asks you to move money, end the call and contact the police or your embassy yourself.
If you plan to pay by mobile wallet, our WeChat Pay guide for foreigners walks through the setup steps.
How do you avoid taxi overcharging when you shop?
Both governments flag overcharging by drivers. The UK advice says to avoid unmarked or unmetered taxis, insist on the metered fare and ask for a receipt with the taxi number.
Canada's advice says taxi, motorcycle and pedicab drivers sometimes overcharge, especially at airports, and recommends licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, and asking for the meter or agreeing the fare first.
We suggest booking a ride-hailing app where you can, so the fare is shown before you travel. Our DiDi guide explains how to set it up. Keep the receipt, and note the taxi number if you need to report a problem.
What should you do if you have been scammed?
Canada's advice gives clear steps. First, get to a safe place.
Then note the name and address of the place or person involved, notify the police and get a report, and call your card company.
Our emergency contacts page lists the numbers to keep on your phone before you travel. LocalKey can arrange 24/7 backup that works with you through the LocalKey app, and Independent travellers use this support on their own trip. Private Guided travellers have a private English-speaking guide on hand throughout the trip.
If you buy goods and want VAT back, the official route is set out on our tax refund page. Keep receipts and follow the official steps.
Plan your trip with LocalKey
LocalKey can arrange your own China trip — planned, booked and backed — with a 1:1 specialist who can talk you through the options. For an Independent trip with the LocalKey app and 24/7 backup, see our Independent option. There is no full-time guide on any day. A local guide, airport pickup or a private car and driver are optional add-ons on demand.
If you want an English-speaking private guide and a private car throughout the trip, see our Private Guided option. LocalKey can plan and book this as part of your private China tours.
Message us on WeChat or WhatsApp. Our team is available 7×24.
For safety beyond shopping, including health, transport and solo travel, see is China safe to travel.
Sources
- UK FCDO — China: safety and security — verified_on 2026-10-12
- Government of Canada — China travel advice (last updated 31 August 2026) — verified_on 2026-10-12
