Warning: Be Cautious with Currency Exchange at Street Vendors in China
Hello Everyone,
I want to share a recent experience I had in Guangzhou to warn others and help prevent similar situations. I learned the hard way at one of the side road vendors. I exchanged $200 after agreeing on an exchange rate. The vendor handed me the yuan, then took it back to mark the notes with a marker before returning them to me. I didn’t count the money right away and put it in my bag.
About an hour later, when I finally counted the notes, I realized I was short by three 100-yuan notes. I am sure I didn’t lose or use them. The vendor must have scammed me by quickly and skillfully taking the money back or distracting me. Unfortunately, I didn't recount the money after he marked it.
Has this happened to anyone else? If not, consider this a warning to be more careful and vigilant. I will never exchange money at these dodgy street walk shops again.
Many shop owners later warned me to avoid exchanging dollars at these places because there's a risk of receiving fake notes as well. Please be careful and more observant.
Thank you.
Mehmood Hansa
