Copies
China has had a reputation for producing copies and fakes of products and brands. While it's generally true, this has reduced significantly. Unless you shop at major high street or exclusive stores, you’re almost certain to come across copied goods at smaller shops. So, if you shop, be on your guard that it may not be what it appears. Like I said, at smaller shops and at markets.
More recently there has been a concerted effort to export only quality ‘Made in China’ goods which stand up to rigorous global quality standards and since China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation the country has sought to ensure better standards both in factories and with the goods they export around the world. In fact, Chinese products are now right up there with all other products. You just need to look at their electric car and mobile phone businesses to see that.
The changes and strides China has made has been remarkable. That said, add a bit of caution when shopping at small places or on platforms such as taobao.
Fake money
Like most countries, fake money is a problem in China and both the Government and people make efforts to stamp it out. However, it is now far, far less common than years ago, largely due to the advent of online (Wechat and Alipay) payment methods. But anyway, the common notes that may be forged are sometimes the 20RMB (RMB is the currency unit of China), the 50’s and frequently 100’s. If you’ve bought RMB from overseas this is likely to be fine, so study your notes well.
A simple way to determine if it’s a genuine note is to scratch the shoulder of Chairman Mao, found on all RMB (or ‘Yuan’) notes, with your thumbnail. If his shoulder feels grooved and scratchy, even only slightly, then it is good. Give it a quick scratch before putting it in your wallet or pocket at a shop. If in doubt, refuse to accept a potentially dodgy or simply old and battered note. They should give you another without hesitation. Many shops now use cash checking machines to ensure they’re genuine.
Unfortunately, most tourists experience receiving a fake 100RMB note in the course of their stay in China. In touristy sites they are very good at ‘switching’ good for bad notes if you buy a souvenir. But this has declined a lot recently due to online payments dominating every shop, stall and ticket machine. So this may not be an issue at all during your time is this wonderful country.
Or just use Wechat and Alipay. Easy.
