What's the fake Apple Store scam in Sanlitun?

A man approaches near the genuine Taikoo Li Apple Store claiming to 'work for Apple' or know 'a tax-free affiliated electronics shop nearby.' The 'affiliated' shop sells counterfeit electronics at inflated prices. Apple operates no affiliated tax-free shops in Beijing; the genuine store posts standard pricing. The rule: refuse all such approaches and only buy electronics at the actual Apple Store inside Taikoo Li North. If you want a tax-free shopping experience, it requires departing through Beijing Capital Airport with departure-VAT-refund paperwork, not a private Beijing shop.

Common Tourist Scams in Sanlitun, Beijing (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-29 · Part of the Sanlitun, Beijing safety guide

Tout avoidance — fake Apple, counterfeit goods, Bar Street

The fake-Apple-Store scam: a man approaches near Taikoo Li Apple Store claiming to "work for Apple" or to know "a tax-free affiliated electronics shop nearby." The shop sells counterfeit electronics at inflated prices. Apple has no affiliated tax-free shops; the real store posts standard pricing.
The Bar Street counterfeit touts: repeated approaches with "watches, bags, DVDs, you want?" on the remaining stretch of Bar Street. Annoying but not threatening; "no thank you" and walk on works.
The bar-girl tout pattern: at the remaining Bar Street venues after 23:00, women may approach foreign men inviting them to a "private room" or "VIP table"; bills inflate. Catch-bar-equivalent of the Chinese context. Stay at posted-price venues (Janes & Hooch, Migas, Brewdog).
The "art gallery" or "tea house" approach: the same Shanghai-style scam exists at lower density. Refuse all unsolicited stranger invitations.
The black-taxi inflation: post-01:00 unlicensed taxis at the Bar Street curb quote ¥150-300 for short hops (real metered rate ¥30-50). Use Didi app instead; pickup at any hotel lobby.
The rule: never accept invitations from approaching strangers; use Didi rather than curb taxis after 23:00; stay at posted-price venues.

FAQ

What's the fake Apple Store scam in Sanlitun?: A man approaches near the genuine Taikoo Li Apple Store claiming to 'work for Apple' or know 'a tax-free affiliated electronics shop nearby.' The 'affiliated' shop sells counterfeit electronics at inflated prices. Apple operates no affiliated tax-free shops in Beijing; the genuine store posts standard pricing. The rule: refuse all such approaches and only buy electronics at the actual Apple Store inside Taikoo Li North. If you want a tax-free shopping experience, it requires departing through Beijing Capital Airport with departure-VAT-refund paperwork, not a private Beijing shop.

Read the full Sanlitun, Beijing safety guide — score breakdown, every neighbourhood, all 4 sources →

Live Sanlitun, Beijing safety score (updates daily) →

Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.