Recognise behaviour, not appearances
- Tea/bar invitations: a stranger starts a conversation, steers you to their chosen venue and a large bill appears afterwards. FCDO warns about tea-tasting and massage scams. “Practising English” or “cultural exchange” does not replace price checks.
- Art or shopping steering: someone claiming to be a student, staff member or free guide takes you shopping. Not every invitation is dishonest, but refusal to state prices, payment pressure or blocking your exit is a reason to leave for a staffed public place.
- Transport or attraction touts may claim official services are closed or your reservation is invalid, then offer a costly substitute. Verify with the desk, app or official attraction notice rather than relying on the tout.
QR codes and fake support
- 1
Check the payee
After scanning, check merchant name, amount and purpose. Verify refunds inside the original platform; a message knowing your flight number does not make its link trustworthy.
- 2
Keep control of the account
Do not provide passwords, codes or full card details, or install remote-control software for unsolicited support. Independently verify anyone claiming to be police or a bank and asking for a transfer to a “safe account”.
- 3
Limit further loss
Stop further payments, save orders, messages, receipts, location and merchant details, and report through the original platform or card issuer. For threats, confinement or immediate danger, prioritise safety and call 110.
Habits that help
Confirm the total and charging unit before ordering, whether a car price is per trip or person, and the visitor identity and seller for tickets. Keep the option to walk away from “one minute left”, “cash only” pressure or guaranteed-ticket claims.
Keep two independent information channels, such as the venue’s official site and your hotel desk. Protect your original passport and present it only for legitimate required processes. In a dispute, prioritise safety, records and formal reporting rather than pursuit or physical confrontation.
Check before you go
These are risk patterns, not claims that a group or city is untrustworthy. Step away and verify independently when uncertain, and never endanger yourself just to collect evidence.
Common questions
What if I already paid an unreasonable card bill?
Promptly explain the facts to your issuer with receipts and messages, and report to the platform or police as appropriate. Reversal depends on evidence and procedures; recovery is not guaranteed.
Should I avoid every free cultural invitation?
No. Prefer activities with verifiable organisers, venues, prices and an easy way to leave. Be cautious when an invitation shifts into pressured spending at an unfamiliar shop.
Read next & sources
Sources
- China safety and security advice英国外交部 / UK FCDO
- Getting help and emergency numbers in China英国外交部 / UK FCDO
- Beijing Capital Airport ground transport北京首都国际机场 / BCIA
Sources support the relevant rules, last reviewed 3 Oct 2026. Routes, budgets and practical suggestions are editorial guidance, not official guarantees. Recheck rules and service availability before travelling.