Destinations › China › Guilin › Scams
Guilin, China
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Guilin, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Touts selling scenic-area and light-show tickets that are invalid or heavily marked up over the official price.
Bamboo raft operators on the river quoting a price then demanding substantially more mid-river, where refusing is impractical.
River cruise tickets sold by street agents for boats of a materially lower class than described, or with the route shortened.
Riverside restaurants adding undisclosed 'scenic area' surcharges and unordered dishes to bills.
Pickpocketing at scenic-area entrances and on tour buses during peak season.
Unlicensed guides at caves and scenic areas demanding fees after unrequested commentary.
Counterfeit notes given as change by vendors in the tourist night markets.
Imitation jade and 'minority handicraft' sold as authentic with fabricated certificates.
Cormorant fishing 'photo opportunities' where a fee is agreed and then charged per photograph taken.
Unlicensed cars at the railway station and airport quoting fixed fares far above metered rates.
