A tourist in Sanya’s Haitang District ordered four Thai slipper lobsters priced at $756/kg, mistakenly believing it was RMB. After disputing alleged price fraud, market regulators invoked advance compensation to refund 1,815 RMB. Investigation confirmed the USD pricing was transparent and market-aligned.

Social Context

China’s Price Law requires dual-currency labeling for foreign tourists in key destinations. Sanya’s 2024 Tourism Price Transparency Ordinance mandates prominent USD/RMB displays and QR-code-linked exchange rate calculators at all seafood markets—reducing disputes by 72% year-on-year.

Safety Tip

Tourists should scan menu QR codes to verify real-time currency conversion; file complaints via the ‘12315 Tourism Price Dispute Fast-Track’ portal for same-day refunds if dual-currency labeling is absent.