Business China Solutions
"we mean BUSINESS in China"
Business China Solutions
Most of us know when we travel we don't always expect a level
playing field and the rules of the game are different to back home.
We are on our guard for this.
Where many of our clients come unstuck is out on the street where they are more at
ease, not expecting to be cheated or set up.
This is a problem the world over, China is not much different really, a case of buyer
[or tourist ]beware.
We tend expect hard sell at places like Great Wall and markets but it is the seemingly
innocent and sweet looking young women around Wangfujing Street and Oriental plaza
with their very seductive "soft sell" who cause the biggest headache.
This page lists 4 of the common tricks and scams starting from arrival at the airport and
on the "Golden Street".
It is neither inclusive or exhaustive as new ones come up or the theme varies.
For instance, now the Olympic Games and "Volunteers" are providing a golden
opportunity for many of Beijing's sub culture. Get away from the tourist traps, you
will enjoy Beijing more.
We have included a couple of external links that give more info, mostly on
taxis... poor taxi drivers, on the whole an honest bunch!!
Some are a little dated in so far as the picture shows the old red cabs,
but give good advice and tips.
Try this or
this or
this!
Enter the public area at Beijing Airport and you will be accosted by a variety
of touts.
One offer is to take your luggage to a taxi, but it comes at a price, often not
mentioned.
They also work hand in hand with taxi touts....see below...can be quite forceful and
take hold of your trolley or luggage, just walk past.
A couple, usually female but not always, will make the above claim and ask you back
to see "their art" on the pretext of a free exhibition.
The scam is to pressure you into buying worthless rubbish at a high price.
The location is usually out of the way and you will be pressured, stories of a
starving family, wicked lovers, fathers etc, tears and threats about making complaints
of sexual violation to the police if you don't buy.
Some of the older hands will also offer sexual favours.
Alone in a quiet part of Beijing with 2 young, sobbing girls making claims against you is
dangerous territory, same advice, ignore, walk past.
............of Art, English, what's your name?
Where do you come from?
Penny gets you 10 quid they are not students, but scammers or prostitutes.
If you are female you are less likely to be targeted, [but can happen] operators are
usually young and reasonably attractive women.
It is a honey trap guys, they want one thing.... your wallet.
Pretend you don't understand and walk past
Similar MO [as left] but will lead you to a tea shop on the pretext of
being a convenient place to "chat."
They will order several teas on your behalf [as you are a stranger] and then some time later
either excuse themselves or terminate the talk.
Which ever, you are going to be stiffed for an extremely expensive cup of tea, prices run into hundreds of dollars.
Note; DOLLARS NOT local currency.
These girls are hired to set you up.
If you do have an interest in Chinese culture, art or tea, contact us, we will provide a safe, reliable and knowledgeable guide who will
make sure you are not cheated
