Guilin is a picturesque tourist city for both domestic and international travelers, with many things going for it. There are several tourist scams that visitors should be aware of. Always be careful with what you do and with whom you can trust during your Guilin Tour.
“Black” Taxis Scams
“Black” taxis don’t mean that the colors of the taxis are black, but refer to the illegal taxis or cars that can be found all over China. Guilin is not an exception. You may encounter them almost somewhere you need a taxi, including the airport, the city center, or around scenic spots.
The drivers will approach you and asking “where are you going”. They will not only overcharge you but there have been reports of tourists taken out into the middle of nowhere where several of the black taxi drivers friend showed up and took all of the tourists belongings. Don’t even talk to the drivers approach you.
Super-cheap Tours Scams
There are always many cheap tours offer to you when you arriving at Guilin. For example, tour to Li River. They will take you to shopping places and force you to buy a lot of things which you don’ want to buy, and you may spend more time at these places than at the places that you intended to visit.
What’s more, the services are not very good: dirty bus, bad lunch, for example. You should find a standard tour agency to start your tour in China.
Black Tour Guide near the Dock
You can find “Black” Tour Guide at some attraction sites, especially near the dock of Li River. They may sell tickets, or ask you to live in their hotel. Most of them are very talkative.
At first, they will offer you a very high price for the hotel. If you aren’t interested in it, they will offer you a very low price. After you give them money, they may run away. Just remember, there is no free lunch in the world, so leave them far away from you.
Shopping in Small Stores
Most of the small stores in Guilin are not cheaper than large and famous stores. What’s more, some things in the small stores are fake.
If you want to buy some souvenirs in Guilin, you can go to the large stores. Don’t let your good humour taking a beating because of a expensive souvenir.
Child Beggars
Like other tourist cities in China, you will have the chance to see some children begging for money in Guilin, sometimes even grabbing onto your legs until you pay them some money.
There are reports that these children may have been kidnapped from other places specifically to be used for begging purposes. Just avoid those child beggars. If you give money to child beggars, you may have the risk of getting a swarm of them.
Pickpockets
Pickpockets always can be found in the major tourist sites of China, Guilin is also not an exception. Always keep your eyes on your bags, and carry your wallets in a front pocket or a pocket inside your coat when you are walking on the street or taking the bus.
Beware of these young men and also of the ladies in whose interests they ply their trade. If you are stolen, or you find other being stolen, or you have pickpocket clues, you are encouraged to call the anti-pickpocket hotline 110.
Tip: Hassle-free Guilin Guided Tours
If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for organized tours to Guilin:
Guilin Tour
Guilin Private Tour
Guilin Group Tour
Guilin Layover Tour
Beijing Guilin Tour
Hong Kong Guilin Tour
Guilin Car Rental with Driver
Guilin Customized Tour
Further Readings
Guilin Tour – Top 10 Things to do in Guilin
Best time to visit Guilin
Where to stay in Guilin
Top 10 Guilin Luxury Hotels
Top 10 Guilin Boutique Hotels
Top 10 Guilin Budget Hotels
Guilin Tourist Scams, Tourist Traps in Guilin
Guilin Taxi
How to Visit Elephant Trunk Hill
Folded Brocade Hill (Diecai Hill)
Jingjiang Princes’s City to be Skipped
Stroll around Shan Lake and Rong Lake in Guilin
Yangshuo Taxi: Yangshuo Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Li River Cruise
How to Visit Xingping
Impression Liu Sanjie Mega Performance in Yangshuo
Shili Scenery Gallery in Yangshuo
Yangshuo West Street
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River in Yangshuo
How to Visit Longji Terraced Rice Fields
Visit Huangyao Ancient Town from Yangshuo or Guilin
Daxu Ancient Town
How to Visit Chengyang Wind & Rain Bridge
Any questions, just drop a line.
