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Dalian, China

Common scams in Dalian

10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Dalian, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

Last updated 2026-08-09

Xinghai Square, Dalian
Photo: texttheater · CC BY 2.0 · source

Pictured: Xinghai Square, Dalian.

high1. Menu / bill switching

Seafood restaurants pricing by weight and presenting bills well above the rate quoted at the display tank.

medium2. Fake tickets

Touts selling scenic-area and cable-car tickets at markups outside official counters.

medium3. Other

Unlicensed guides at coastal scenic areas charging for access to free public paths.

medium4. Distraction theft

Pickpocketing on crowded trams and at station concourses during commuter peaks.

medium5. Counterfeit goods

Counterfeit branded goods in the shopping districts sold with claims of authenticity.

medium6. Other

Beach and coastal-park operators charging undisclosed entry or equipment fees not mentioned at the point of sale.

medium7. Currency shortchange

Counterfeit notes given as change by market and street vendors.

medium8. Taxi meter fraud

Unlicensed cars touting at the railway station and airport with fixed fares above metered rates.

low9. Rental overbooking

Summer-season apartment lets not honoured on arrival, with guests moved to lesser properties.

low10. Other

Photography services on the promenades quoting per-photo and charging per-print at a much higher rate.

Every entry above describes a pattern reported in an area of Dalian, not an accusation against a specific business. Sources are labelled on each entry.

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