China travel scams: official warnings and simple checks
Last checked 2026-10-18 · ChinaLocal team
The short answer
Check an unexpected invitation, payment page or ticket offer against an official channel before continuing.
This guide covers specific warnings in official consular, NIA and museum sources. It does not claim every offer or third-party seller is fraudulent.
In mainland China, call police on 110 if you are in danger or need to report suspected crime. A report does not guarantee a refund or recovery.
What to do
- Pause before following a stranger to another venue or opening an unexpected payment link.
- Find the official venue, transport or government channel independently.
- As ChinaLocal advice, keep existing confirmations and receipts and contact the provider through its official support. Do not send ChinaLocal passwords, codes or payment credentials.
- If threatened or in danger in mainland China, contact police on 110.
An invitation that becomes an expensive bill
UK consular advice describes tea, bar or massage invitations followed by large demands for payment. ChinaLocal advice: choose your own venue and confirm charges before ordering.
Taxi checks
UK consular advice warns against unmarked or unmetered taxis. Use official pickup arrangements; for a metered taxi, ask for the metered fare and receipt. An app does not guarantee that every ride is safe.
QR codes and look-alike pages
UK consular advice highlights QR phishing. ChinaLocal advice: inspect the official address before entering a code or payment details. A familiar logo does not establish who runs a page.
The official arrival card is free
NIA warns that fake sites charge for its free online arrival-card service. Start from the NIA notice and its s.nia.gov.cn link. Official port devices and paper cards remain options if you cannot complete it in advance.
Ticket offers: check the particular venue
The Palace Museum says it has not authorised third-party agents for its admission and exhibition reservations. This is that museum’s rule, not a claim about every attraction or booking platform.
Common problems
Should I pay a site for the official arrival card?
NIA says its online service is free. Verify the address from the official NIA notice.
Are all third-party tickets scams?
No blanket conclusion is made here. Check whether the actual venue authorises the channel and whether the listing covers your intended visit.
Can ChinaLocal recover a payment?
No. Use your provider’s official support and the authorities where appropriate; recovery is not promised.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-18. Follow the official source for live rules and availability.