Though the expatriate life in China is rich in (intrinsic and/or monetary) rewards and discoveries, it can also, at times, be extremely frustrating. One of the leading causes of such frustration is foreigners' vulnerability to common scams and theft. Taken from our Answers section, here are some questions and pieces of advice from expats in China.

Question 1: Got robbed in a massage parlor – should I bother calling police?

XpatJohn's answer:

When going to any massage parlor, KTV or any other place that offers services that are legally frowned upon, it is VERY important to remember that these places would not be open if they didn't have connections with the local police and underground. So before you go all kungfu or release your inner hulk, understand that if you do, things will probably get much, much worse.

The best advice I can give for avoiding places like this is:

A) Choose a big place. The big saunas/bath houses offer the same services, better quality stock and about the same prices. They also make SO much money that strong arming a patron for 2k just isn't worth the loss of business from the bad word of mouth press.

B) Get expat recommendations. A lot of them know the best/safest places in town so you don't have to play "roll me roulette".

Either one of these steps will increase your safety and enjoyment tremendously.

Question 2: What are the most common scams in China for travelers?

Ludovico's answer:

The tea-house scam is probably the most prevalent, where innocent-looking 'students' approach foreigners in big tourist areas (like Tiananmen Square or The Bund) and invite you to go tea-tasting, then rip you off with a massive bill and similarly massive guys blocking the door.

Taxis are known to overcharge, especially from the airport. Just make sure you either agree on a reasonable price beforehand, or insist on using the meter. If they claim it's broken, find another taxi. And there are heaps of websites out there that can indicate what a 'reasonable' price from the airport to the centre of town should be.

Another one is the hospital scam. Particularly at smaller hospitals, after you've been treated they will present you with a bill for all sorts of rubbish like bedding and drugs you either did not use or don't exist.

Best thing to do is have a Chinese friend you can call on if you sense that you're being ripped off.

Question 3: Are black cabs always cheats?

Redaria's answer:

I wouldn't say they're all bad. It really depends on your bargaining skills but I usually pay around the same price as a regular taxi fair. Sure, when they see a foreigner they'll try their luck to get a few extra bucks outta you, but usually I find they're really eager for business, so if you do the whole ‘walking away to find a more reasonable fair' thing, then they usually give in and give you a lower rate.

Question 4: How do you avoid a pickpocket thief from robbing you in China?

HappyExpat's answer:

Let's first get one thing clear: if you are a foreigner in China, sooner or later you will get hit by a pickpocket thief, and they are good!

So, minimize losses. Never carry passport, important papers, bulk of money, etc in any pockets. I use a waist waterproof money belt. Now, if I need anything from inside the money belt, I go into a WC stall and there remove it form the money belt. I only carry around 30 Yuan or so in my pockets, and I do spread it out into two or three pockets. 
Pockets with a button to hold them closed are not thief proof, as the button is easily cut off. Sometimes I do place money at the bottom of pocket, and on top place two or three facial tissues, just to deceive pickpockets.

They do not work alone, one will distract you, another may bump into you and a third will use chopsticks to remove your belongings. Like I said at the beginning, you can not stop them, just prevent having high losses by being wise and prepared, like a good boy scout.

Question 5: How to spot fake money in China?

george's answer:

If you've lived in or even visited China, you've most likely been a victim to fake money. Be sure to never let other people handle your money or leave sight of you with it in their hands – this often means that they are switching your real 100 RMB note with a fake one. It seems that no denomination of currency is too big or small to fall victim to counterfeit, so it's important to check all your bills. This may take some time at first, but once you practice for a while, you'll be able to spot a fake RMB note almost immediately.

So, how to tell if you've been handed a fake? There are several methods of checking.

1. One of the easiest ways to tell real currency from fake is by rubbing a finger against the collar on Chairman Mao's picture. His collar will have a raised, slightly rougher texture compared to the rest of the bill. If the entire bill is completely smooth, you have a fake.
2. Hold the bill up to the light. On the left side, Chairman Mao's face should be perfectly clear, not blurry or smudged. Same goes for the red and blue symbol inside the red circle located below the serial number. If the blue and red symbols aren't even or there is a white gap between their borders, it is fake.
3. The denomination number found next to these symbols should appear green when looking straight at it, but should look brown when you tilt the bill upwards and look at it from the bottom. If the number does not change color, you know you have a fake.
4. Lastly, on the top right corner, there is a circular design just below the denomination number. Tilt it upwards so that you are looking at it from the bottom. You should see a faint, slightly raised replica of the denomination number.

As you can see, there are many ways to tell whether your RMB notes are real or fake. I would recommend trying them all, then picking the one or two you find easiest to notice and keeping an eye out for those.
 

Related links
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How "Merlot" Can You Go? China's Wine Problem is Out of Control
Sun, Surf and Scams: The Seedy Side of Vacationing in China

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