What is the "Teahouse / tea-ceremony overcharge" scam in Suzhou?

Question

Accepted Answer

Friendly young 'students' wanting to practice English, or asking you to take their photo, suggest tea at a nearby teahouse with no English prices. After tasting several teas you are handed a bill that can run into hundreds of dollars, and the UK government warns these tea (and bar/massage) invitations can escalate to threats, violence or credit-card fraud. The companions vanish once the bill lands. Decline tea invitations from strangers who approach you on the street. Only enter teahouses you chose yourself and where prices are clearly posted; confirm the per-cup and per-person cost in writing before drinking anything.

Restaurant Scams in Suzhou

Teahouse / tea-ceremony overcharge

Experienced a scam here?