| how to avoid the con | |
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| Mar 28, 2006 00:49 |   |
 | hi after reading lots of posted messages and travellers tales of china one thing stands out and that is the art of the con. now i know i am not stupid when i travel , but i suspect as a woman from the uk i am going to stand out during my time in china and hence be a likely target for con artists. how can i avoid being taken advantage of, and what sort of cons can i expect and hence subsequently avoid. the most common seem to be being overcharged for items not ordered, such as drinks in restaurants , also there appears to be a situation where after chatting and meeting new acquaintences tourists have been left with very expensive bills to pay in restaurants. please let me know if you have any tips, etc. Maz |
| Mar 28, 2006 01:06 | #1 |
| The most effective way I can think of is either disguise yourself as a Chinse man or don't come at all, Maz. |
| Mar 28, 2006 01:15 | #2 |
| Once again, China is safe and secure. |
| Mar 28, 2006 02:00 | #3 |
| I also read "tips" in TCG "travel tips" column about travelers led to bars/ restaurants with fast acquaintances and left with over charged bills. Well that was very unusual, I think, and I guess they target mostly on western men... |
| Mar 28, 2006 02:22 | #4 |
| I have been to China three times now, in several cities, and I have never, ever, been the victim of any “con” nor have any of my friends and acquaintances !!! I have always been treated so very well by all I have come in contact with. As I have stated in previous posts, I feel safer in China than I do anyplace else in this world !!! One can be a victim of a “con” anywhere on this planet, including the UK or the USA!! With all the tens of thousands of westerners who visit China, each and every year, I do not think that the “woman from the UK will stand out”. |
| Mar 28, 2006 02:57 | #5 |
| Being the 1st time to China, it is quite understandable that Maz has some reservation. Con-jobs, one will encounter anywhere in the world - even in London, Paris, New York or Tokyo. I was overcharged in Hangzhou too but I won't rate Shanghai/China a concern because of this 1 incident. Of cos, u yourself have to exercise caution and prudence. Shanghai is 1 of the safest places in China and is very modern - much more than York city, Maz. May I suggest that you write down a list of your concerns, keep it and review the list after you have visited China. Tell us about your findings thereafter. It should be interesting. |
| Mar 28, 2006 03:04 | #6 |
| That's a good idea, Pinetree!! As a matter of fact, I noticed almost all Maz's threads were something about her concerns of her upcoming China tour, it will be interesting to see her back to updating them all after her trip:-) What do you say, Maz?? |
| Mar 28, 2006 03:36 | #7 |
| I agree with Wocca - slowing down is a good way to avoid any traps when you're flustered. A rule of thumb I use which may help out - obviously not specific to China. When you're travelling, don't buy or accept any service or good that's offered to you without your having asked for it - for example, if someone comes up to you on the street offering you a souvenir, ride or guide service, or even invites you to see a display - in general, say no. Almost every time I've been overcharged for something, or led to somewhere I didn't want to go - it was because I didn't follow that rule. That being said - don't be too sensitive. If someone charges you RMB10 for something, and you find it's usually RMB6 - it's not really a lot of money. Swallowing your pride and accepting that a small loss for you is a major gain for someone eking out a living selling trinkets is no big deal. Travel is supposed to be fun - you'll have a great time. |
| Mar 28, 2006 14:47 | #8 |
| i love those ideas! thanks so much pinetree, Rtia and so, sorry i didn't mean for my question to come out as my thinking that china was the centre of the con, i was just ressponding to stories/concerns from other travellers in forums and some travel reviews. Obviously not the most reliable sources of information! but its hard to know how to place yourself logistically when you have never been somewhere that is so vast, unique and fast- paced! Pinetree your so right when you say what a contrast to york its going to be, which at once is intimidating but so exciting, i really am relishing this experience and can't wait to explore once i am on my way! mostly my post came from an over cautious/anxious father concerns - he had voiced to me his cautions and as a result got me exploring and thinking about what i should be aware of when travelling alone. so between over anxious parent and inexperience traveller thats what promopted my post ,and i will definately write a comparative piece of before and after my trip, both expectations as well as events that take place along the way! Apologies if anyone was offended by my post, curiosity on my part! Thanks for all the really helpful suggestions! Maz |
| Mar 28, 2006 14:48 | #9 |
| Mishen in short i think your post 'travel is supposed to be fun' sums up well exactly the attitude i plan to adopt! |
| Mar 28, 2006 18:56 | #10 |
| Understandable. Both Wocca's & Mishen's advices are sound. Take them as safety practices that you should follow wherever u go. Enjoy, enjoy. |
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