China Traveler guide
CommuniTips:
Be cautious when talking to a local
enfant_terrible
Added: 2009-09-25 10:37:09 in China
If you are in tourist areas, be cautious of locals approaching you and trying to strike a conversation in English. This may be just a confidence game and lead to a scam. Never allow a local to bring you to another place because this may be where he or she will execute the scam (e.g. pressure you to buy overpriced items, rob you, etc.). If you want to continue the conversation, insist that you go to a public place like a café, tea house, or bar, and make sure you have a friend or your guide with you to look after you.
Happened to a friend of mine, He was lured into a coffee shop with two nice female "english students" that just wanted to practice some english conversation.
He ended up paying 70usd for a platter of fruit and some tea (and that's after bargaining!)