I got scammed in Bangkok by a tour guide who falsely told me the attractions were closed and took me around to clothing stores instead. I felt so duped!
@@jiveturkeeymc It's risky cause if you get caught, they kick you out of China with some kind of ban, I think 5 years. If you get caught selling, I've heard that's death penalty. Heard too many stories of cops going to bars, blocking the exits, and making everyone inside take a drug test. This is a random test, and you must comply. So even if you smoked in California, where it is legal, then go to China and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could get in some trouble without even doing anything wrong there. Just too risky. I just respect the laws of the country I am in and make sure to do research on them before I travel. Just cause something is legal where you live, doesn't make it legal where you travel. And I'm way to paranoid to even try to buy it there. I don't even want to talk about it there. Lol. They are serious about drugs, I believe it was because of the Opium Wars and losing face then.
I googled this scam because I fell for this scam too. Honestly, the best way to describe it is that I felt that our kindness got turned against us and in a sense I felt betrayed. And what's more the tea house scam happened in one of the tourist destinations in Beijing. So it was either Beijing botanical gardens or some other spot that you have to pay to enter. And I met this friendly stranger who spoke english which was a rarity, I was a solo woman touring and this was the first tourist spot I went to. She does the whole spiel. Tea house in this tourist spot, do you want tea or would like to sit down. I go along with it to just experience something new. I'm quite cheap and also do not like tea, so when it came to order she essentially ordered. Then we talk. And I think I realized something was off once I get the bill as I thought she was paying and I look around confused and there was this burley guy sitting at the door who smiles at me. I look around and I instinctively knew I was set up. I was so mad, but I was solo female traveler so I know I needed to get out of there. I don't think the scammer knew that I knew it was a set up so I acted innocent with her and I was able to convince her take a picture with me at some tourist tree for proof. And then we parted ways, and I went straight to the entrance gate asked for the police and let them know I got scammed. At this point I didn't know this was a very popular scam, all I cared was about getting my $30 back. Alot of google translate back and forth, the police finally comes and we go back to the teahouse. And I call them out. Alot of arguments back and forth in mandarin, and they agreed to give me back like $10 or something. I was still mad and knew something was off, so that night when I returned back to my place, I googled what happened. And when I realized that yes this was an actual scam, was quite popular, and that these people were playing me for a fool. The very next day, I go back to the tourist spot. I tell the entrance attendants the same thing. That I was scammed, I want police, I have my receipt, they took my money! And so the whole thing happened again. So they took me to the police station, at this point, I'm like, hmm, hopefully this turns out okay as I have no idea what people are saying. They get me an english speaking police officer and we go back to the tea house. And the whole thing repeats. Arguments ensue. I am trying to translate what they are saying to english with google translate but to no avail. I argue that I want ALL MY MONEY BACK SUCKAS, and I was adamant about it. This new police officer was a bit meaner but I think the restaurant and everyone realized that maybe I was being serious. So like an hour later after back and forth, the manager finally decides to give all my money back. They take back the receipt. The police officer I think takes a photo of my passport. I was like, oops, hopefully I'm not in trouble and am allowed back in China one day. But I got all my money back. What a story... It definitely was a sour start to my trip though.
In 2011 I fell for a tea/beer scam in wangfujing. But I didnt spend so much money. I think I spent 30 dollars or so to do ktv with some girls. I met someone that had 5000usd chaged to their card for the tea scam.
I went to Beijing last year and the scammers were still out in force. I ignored most of them but went to this really shady gift store to buy souvineers for my family. When It came time to pay, everyone in the store circled around me. I was handing money to the cashier when one of the employees distracted me with a 1200rmb "coupon" for jewelry (the cheapest thing you could buy was 1800rmb). When I turned back to the cashier she said i was short by 100rmb. I was confused but thought i must have been in the wrong and paid the 100. When i got back to my hotel and counted my money, I realized they shafted me. Pro tourist tip: If you want to buy souvineers in Beijing go to the gift shops next to the toilets outside the forbidden city. They seem to be legit and won't haggle prices for foreigners.
I got stung by a MAN, haha. First time in China, tired after a long flight but I couldn't fight the urge to get out there right away. Fella approached me with, what I now know to be, the typical do-you-speak-English line before asking if he can practice with me while walking. Eventually, inevitably, he suggested we go for a refreshing beverage. He was so nice, I didn't think twice. Felt strange to be going into a darkened restaurant and into a private room where they were bringing us sweet snacks and different teas... in any case the bill was brought and we were presented with a $100 bill, which my new friend kindly offered to split with me. He really put some leg room into the scam though, as he walked a good 30 minutes with me, even window shopping in a few places in Old Beijing. I didn't even realise I'd been scammed until later in the day when I got back to my hostel and looked on the bulletin board where it said beware of the teahouse scam! 'Only' set me back $50, could have been worse, but a great lesson learned. Haha.
My buddy fell for this scam. He met a girl on people nearby who invited him to a coffee shop. Afterwards he messaged her and she said sorry, it’s just my job.
Exact same thing happened to me in December 2017 Beijing. Two nice ladies wanted to practice their English then took me to a tea house. Shared a bottle of wine. Bill came to £120, at that point I knew I'd been scammed. I paid the bill and claimed it back from the bank when I got back to the UK. I wonder if it was the same women and 'tea house'.
Your not alone. They get about a dozen people everyday at the same location. They got me for $200.00. Tea house on the east side of the palace street about the middle. The bill was higher and I refused to pay and they were going to call the authorities. The owner of the tea house brought out two large burly men to guard the door. They agreed to split three ways. Once payed they walked me to the subway and pleasantly said goodbye. A month later I went back with my wife and I saw the same two working the subway and square. By the way I did take their pictures and they wrote their names on my business card. Lesson…don’t accept offers to drink tea!
@@apples874 sounds easy, but when your in a Chinese country they have no empathy for you. I always believed the authorities were in on it. To expand the story of some expats I was working with, same scam different locations when they refused to pay they were immediately escorted to the airport and then hold or cancel your visa. They were told you ordered you pay. No prices on the menus and If you don’t know the language…
I was a Beijing resident for 4 years. Tea scam encounters went like this: THEM "How long are you visiting Beijing?" ME: "I live here." THEM: "Okay bye."
I've managed to avoid most of these scams in the 6 years I've spent in China. But I think that's because on most of my tourist ventures, I've had my wife with me. She's Chinese so these kinds of scammers just don't approach me. I've had a lot of people try to charge me more money though. I still remember the first time I've noticed it. It was outside the Terracotta Warriors. This saleswoman was selling tiny replicas and clearly saying 5 rmb to everyone who passed. My Chinese was already good enough to understand her. Then she sees me and in perfect English says 20 rmb. I still wished I called her out on it, but I just politely said no.
Haha that takes me back, whence I have been travelling to India each year as i do, I used to go via Shanghai. Shanghai is a wonderful city, I went out early in the morning and took the Maglev and the subway to the people's square, then walked to the Bund, on every corner I had young Chinese girls coming up to me to offer me to go and drink tea/wine/whatever. Having watched your earlier videos and others I knew there was a scam going on. When they asked me to their "parlour" I said I am a gay, "A what"? they said, i said I like men, they rolled their eyes and left me alone. Oh well China is not welcoming gays - their loss. I always make a scene if anyome tries to take advantage of me.
Crap! What a Scam!! Happens to all of us at some point. Gas Stations were bad here in Mexico for years. If you did not watch, they would not Zero the Pump, so in addition to what you bought, you'd pay what the last car got too. Now much better but got us several times before we wised up. This was a great story. Thanks for sharing.
When I lived in Beijing, I was asked by a young woman to visit a tea house AND an art gallery across the street where we could sit down and practice English. I suggested instead we go to the Starbucks next door so I could buy her a hot chocolate because it was freezing outside. All of a sudden she didn't care about English and walked away. I was completely pissed that I didn't go over to the tea house and confront the owners for making this poor kid stand out in the cold to lure people into the scam. That was about 15 years ago and I'm still hacked about it. Can't wait to go back and set them straight.
I was also approached by a “friendly” local around Tianamen Square, we hung out a bit but it never got to the point where he asked for money. However , at the Great Wall I was with a friend and there weren’t any tourists as it was January...two old ladies started to follow us and showed us a “shortcut”, after a few hours of walking we approached Jinshanling’s gate and they started demanding that we buy overpriced souvenirs from them, we refused and they got agressive, we just gave them a few rmb and left 🤣🤣🤣
How the hell you fell for this scam I do not know. I was on Nanjing road in Shanghai when a couple of girls did the tea house scam on me. I knew it was a scam and told them my daughter was shopping so I was unable to go with them. Can’t believe that you didn’t pick up on the scam right away.
Wow, appreciate the scam story you shared. It’s good on you that you disputed it and thus will help general public to avoid being scammed by these organized crime. It was a cheaper lesson so that you don’t make the same mistake twice. BTW...heard about the train or air travelling in China can be painful due to crowds. Do you still have nightmares about the Dude drinking rice wine and munching on Chicken feet? 😂
😮😣The tea scam was common. You could report it to the local police, but they might be in on it, too. It's not uncommon to pay police off. As you said, organized crime. You were lucky to get away with paying only $30. The train ride was life lesson to make sure you remember it. 😆😏 Space cake, eh?
Hey kevin, sorry to say that a 200rmb tea is still way too expesive lol. But for sure what you experienced that time in Beijing can possibly be called as ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ Beijing version. 😭 Do you think you have became more cautious after that whenever stranger girls try talk to you ? ✌️ 💗
Wow, that was a rude awakening. Most of Asia lacks a strong sense of altruism, in my experience. We're all just minding our own businesses, and that allows these scams to flourish.
I got scammed in Bangkok by a tour guide who falsely told me the attractions were closed and took me around to clothing stores instead. I felt so duped!
Bro messing around with weed in China, that’s gutsy.
I was thinking the same thing. I smoke in the states, but I stay clean atleast a month before going to China. Too risky.
@@noeyedea28 why is it risky? Is it impossible to get weed in china?
@@jiveturkeeymc It's risky cause if you get caught, they kick you out of China with some kind of ban, I think 5 years. If you get caught selling, I've heard that's death penalty.
Heard too many stories of cops going to bars, blocking the exits, and making everyone inside take a drug test. This is a random test, and you must comply. So even if you smoked in California, where it is legal, then go to China and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could get in some trouble without even doing anything wrong there.
Just too risky. I just respect the laws of the country I am in and make sure to do research on them before I travel. Just cause something is legal where you live, doesn't make it legal where you travel.
And I'm way to paranoid to even try to buy it there. I don't even want to talk about it there. Lol. They are serious about drugs, I believe it was because of the Opium Wars and losing face then.
@@noeyedea28 wow. Yeah I wasnt aware of that.. surely if you really try you can get zweed but yeah from what you mentioned it seems pretty risky
@@jiveturkeeymc mmhhhmmm, that ain't no jive..........................turkey.
I googled this scam because I fell for this scam too. Honestly, the best way to describe it is that I felt that our kindness got turned against us and in a sense I felt betrayed. And what's more the tea house scam happened in one of the tourist destinations in Beijing. So it was either Beijing botanical gardens or some other spot that you have to pay to enter. And I met this friendly stranger who spoke english which was a rarity, I was a solo woman touring and this was the first tourist spot I went to.
She does the whole spiel. Tea house in this tourist spot, do you want tea or would like to sit down. I go along with it to just experience something new. I'm quite cheap and also do not like tea, so when it came to order she essentially ordered. Then we talk. And I think I realized something was off once I get the bill as I thought she was paying and I look around confused and there was this burley guy sitting at the door who smiles at me. I look around and I instinctively knew I was set up.
I was so mad, but I was solo female traveler so I know I needed to get out of there. I don't think the scammer knew that I knew it was a set up so I acted innocent with her and I was able to convince her take a picture with me at some tourist tree for proof. And then we parted ways, and I went straight to the entrance gate asked for the police and let them know I got scammed.
At this point I didn't know this was a very popular scam, all I cared was about getting my $30 back. Alot of google translate back and forth, the police finally comes and we go back to the teahouse. And I call them out. Alot of arguments back and forth in mandarin, and they agreed to give me back like $10 or something.
I was still mad and knew something was off, so that night when I returned back to my place, I googled what happened. And when I realized that yes this was an actual scam, was quite popular, and that these people were playing me for a fool. The very next day, I go back to the tourist spot. I tell the entrance attendants the same thing. That I was scammed, I want police, I have my receipt, they took my money! And so the whole thing happened again. So they took me to the police station, at this point, I'm like, hmm, hopefully this turns out okay as I have no idea what people are saying. They get me an english speaking police officer and we go back to the tea house. And the whole thing repeats. Arguments ensue. I am trying to translate what they are saying to english with google translate but to no avail. I argue that I want ALL MY MONEY BACK SUCKAS, and I was adamant about it. This new police officer was a bit meaner but I think the restaurant and everyone realized that maybe I was being serious. So like an hour later after back and forth, the manager finally decides to give all my money back. They take back the receipt. The police officer I think takes a photo of my passport. I was like, oops, hopefully I'm not in trouble and am allowed back in China one day. But I got all my money back. What a story... It definitely was a sour start to my trip though.
Did you just call a marijuana edible a "space cake"? 😂
That's what they're called!! :D
In 2011 I fell for a tea/beer scam in wangfujing. But I didnt spend so much money. I think I spent 30 dollars or so to do ktv with some girls. I met someone that had 5000usd chaged to their card for the tea scam.
5000, holy cow, haha!
@@daniel-bkk I couldn't believe it myself
@@daniel-bkk I wanted to make a video about their tea experience.
I went to Beijing last year and the scammers were still out in force.
I ignored most of them but went to this really shady gift store to buy souvineers for my family. When It came time to pay, everyone in the store circled around me. I was handing money to the cashier when one of the employees distracted me with a 1200rmb "coupon" for jewelry (the cheapest thing you could buy was 1800rmb). When I turned back to the cashier she said i was short by 100rmb. I was confused but thought i must have been in the wrong and paid the 100.
When i got back to my hotel and counted my money, I realized they shafted me.
Pro tourist tip: If you want to buy souvineers in Beijing go to the gift shops next to the toilets outside the forbidden city. They seem to be legit and won't haggle prices for foreigners.
great channel Kevin !! we hope the under water challengeee will be up soon, support.
Under water challenge coming soon!...?
@@KevinCook4you Yesss, you are the best!!! We can´t wait for this one, it will be big!
I got stung by a MAN, haha. First time in China, tired after a long flight but I couldn't fight the urge to get out there right away. Fella approached me with, what I now know to be, the typical do-you-speak-English line before asking if he can practice with me while walking. Eventually, inevitably, he suggested we go for a refreshing beverage. He was so nice, I didn't think twice. Felt strange to be going into a darkened restaurant and into a private room where they were bringing us sweet snacks and different teas... in any case the bill was brought and we were presented with a $100 bill, which my new friend kindly offered to split with me. He really put some leg room into the scam though, as he walked a good 30 minutes with me, even window shopping in a few places in Old Beijing. I didn't even realise I'd been scammed until later in the day when I got back to my hostel and looked on the bulletin board where it said beware of the teahouse scam! 'Only' set me back $50, could have been worse, but a great lesson learned. Haha.
These stories are so common. It’s amazing how that’s someone’s profession!! Thanks for sharing
You were really lucky that let you get away with only 200 RMB.
Admire that you stood your ground. A reminder to us to always be wary of friendly local women.
He got lucky the local women didn't have some surly, unfriendly men wielding brass knuckles backing them up. That happens in Beijing scams too.
My buddy fell for this scam. He met a girl on people nearby who invited him to a coffee shop. Afterwards he messaged her and she said sorry, it’s just my job.
Exact same thing happened to me in December 2017 Beijing. Two nice ladies wanted to practice their English then took me to a tea house. Shared a bottle of wine. Bill came to £120, at that point I knew I'd been scammed. I paid the bill and claimed it back from the bank when I got back to the UK. I wonder if it was the same women and 'tea house'.
Being stuck in quarantine and not being able to travel, these videos really make up for it! Keep em coming, I'm traveling through your stories!
Your not alone. They get about a dozen people everyday at the same location. They got me for $200.00. Tea house on the east side of the palace street about the middle. The bill was higher and I refused to pay and they were going to call the authorities. The owner of the tea house brought out two large burly men to guard the door. They agreed to split three ways. Once payed they walked me to the subway and pleasantly said goodbye. A month later I went back with my wife and I saw the same two working the subway and square. By the way I did take their pictures and they wrote their names on my business card. Lesson…don’t accept offers to drink tea!
Shouldn't have paid
@@apples874 sounds easy, but when your in a Chinese country they have no empathy for you. I always believed the authorities were in on it. To expand the story of some expats I was working with, same scam different locations when they refused to pay they were immediately escorted to the airport and then hold or cancel your visa. They were told you ordered you pay. No prices on the menus and If you don’t know the language…
I was a Beijing resident for 4 years. Tea scam encounters went like this:
THEM "How long are you visiting Beijing?"
ME: "I live here."
THEM: "Okay bye."
I enjoy this channel more than your other one! 😇
I've managed to avoid most of these scams in the 6 years I've spent in China. But I think that's because on most of my tourist ventures, I've had my wife with me. She's Chinese so these kinds of scammers just don't approach me.
I've had a lot of people try to charge me more money though. I still remember the first time I've noticed it. It was outside the Terracotta Warriors. This saleswoman was selling tiny replicas and clearly saying 5 rmb to everyone who passed. My Chinese was already good enough to understand her. Then she sees me and in perfect English says 20 rmb. I still wished I called her out on it, but I just politely said no.
Haha that takes me back, whence I have been travelling to India each year as i do, I used to go via Shanghai. Shanghai is a wonderful city, I went out early in the morning and took the Maglev and the subway to the people's square, then walked to the Bund, on every corner I had young Chinese girls coming up to me to offer me to go and drink tea/wine/whatever. Having watched your earlier videos and others I knew there was a scam going on. When they asked me to their "parlour" I said I am a gay, "A what"? they said, i said I like men, they rolled their eyes and left me alone. Oh well China is not welcoming gays - their loss. I always make a scene if anyome tries to take advantage of me.
Crap! What a Scam!! Happens to all of us at some point. Gas Stations were bad here in Mexico for years. If you did not watch, they would not Zero the Pump, so in addition to what you bought, you'd pay what the last car got too. Now much better but got us several times before we wised up. This was a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Oh Beijing is full of tourist traps and scams like that, well, at least you got a good story to tell for 200rmb!
Sorry to hear that. It's a good rule of thumb not to go with anyone to a specific place. Insist to go to a place of your choice.
When I lived in Beijing, I was asked by a young woman to visit a tea house AND an art gallery across the street where we could sit down and practice English. I suggested instead we go to the Starbucks next door so I could buy her a hot chocolate because it was freezing outside. All of a sudden she didn't care about English and walked away. I was completely pissed that I didn't go over to the tea house and confront the owners for making this poor kid stand out in the cold to lure people into the scam. That was about 15 years ago and I'm still hacked about it. Can't wait to go back and set them straight.
I was also approached by a “friendly” local around Tianamen Square, we hung out a bit but it never got to the point where he asked for money. However , at the Great Wall I was with a friend and there weren’t any tourists as it was January...two old ladies started to follow us and showed us a “shortcut”, after a few hours of walking we approached Jinshanling’s gate and they started demanding that we buy overpriced souvenirs from them, we refused and they got agressive, we just gave them a few rmb and left 🤣🤣🤣
👋 I’m sorry that this happened, u should make an episode exposing them. I’m glad u r more cautious now. Stay kind & sweet 🤓
It's possible that the space cake saved your life. More stories! :)
Kevin, if you were going to China to live/work for the first time again, which city/place would you start?
Is there a police or sth similar in China? In Europe we would call police and matter would be settled
The police probably take a cut
I had similar tourist trap experience when I was in Los Angeles a year ago
taiwan number 1
The crowds are crazy during holidays in china xx
I also fell for this scam aswell x
How the hell you fell for this scam I do not know. I was on Nanjing road in Shanghai when a couple of girls did the tea house scam on me. I knew it was a scam and told them my daughter was shopping so I was unable to go with them. Can’t believe that you didn’t pick up on the scam right away.
I was extremely high and had not researched common scams yet
Oh man.... That's so rough bro.
Wow, appreciate the scam story you shared. It’s good on you that you disputed it and thus will help general public to avoid being scammed by these organized crime. It was a cheaper lesson so that you don’t make the same mistake twice. BTW...heard about the train or air travelling in China can be painful due to crowds. Do you still have nightmares about the Dude drinking rice wine and munching on Chicken feet? 😂
Hey bro!! Are you thinking about going back to China?
Might wanna replace that space cake with a mars bar doc!!
Sorry to hear what happened to you.We live and learn...
So the tea scam is actually a thing? I’ll keep that in mind when I make my way to Beijing! Thanks for taking a bullet for the rest of us!!
Yes
What’s a space cake?
Drugs
You should have made a scene. They saw through you.
😮😣The tea scam was common. You could report it to the local police, but they might be in on it, too. It's not uncommon to pay police off. As you said, organized crime. You were lucky to get away with paying only $30. The train ride was life lesson to make sure you remember it. 😆😏 Space cake, eh?
Why were you living in China?
because China is developing, so it has gobs of opportunity for everyone who wants to learn & earn
Are you still living in China?
Oh no, you didn't!
Quite a scam, Kevin! Thanks for sharing.
The Chinese are clever
Cool story bro. Like, fo real, cool story.
Thanks bro
I would have said I have no money kek I have all of my money digitally usually even when travelling so they would have had a hard time getting to it
Classic train Experience in China. haha.
Hey kevin, sorry to say that a 200rmb tea is still way too expesive lol. But for sure what you experienced that time in Beijing can possibly be called as ‘Don’t talk to strangers’ Beijing version. 😭 Do you think you have became more cautious after that whenever stranger girls try talk to you ? ✌️ 💗
NO random Chinese woman will walk up to you, an obvious non-Asian tourist, speaking English. Think about it.
Wow, that was a rude awakening. Most of Asia lacks a strong sense of altruism, in my experience. We're all just minding our own businesses, and that allows these scams to flourish.
To put a stop to it, start an awareness group on FB, accumulate, expose and report to police and public
Great story, 中国人也爱听，尽管有点屌丝
😷😂🙄
U sohandsome
I would delete this video mate. Not smart.
He basically admitted to taking dr*gs in China🤣