Beware of Beijing Travel Scams

If you're bound for Beijing and the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, take note: Equator HD plans to dedicate an episode of their series "Ultimate Travel Scams" to China's Capital. According to a news release, the show will be available online beginning July 29th. Among the common scams they'll report is the "Souvenir Shop Scam" in which tourists are falsely accused of passing counterfeit high-denomination bills. The scam results in your legitimate currency being switched out for a fake. There's also a "Tea Ceremony" that begins with menus that don't have prices included, and ends with an outrageous bill. Watch the show to find out how these things are accomplished, then read up on more general travel scams right here at About Budget Travel.