One of the four Chinese tourists shows all the U.S. dollars he possesses in Dubai. [Photo: cztv.com]

The Chinese Consulate in Dubai has asked the local police to consider all possibilities and prudently mete out the punishment against four Chinese tourists who are suspected of using counterfeit currencies in the United Arab Emirates.

Four Chinese tourists were detained at the Dubai International Airport over their suspected use of fake US banknotes with a face value of 2,800 dollars on December 28 last year.

The four Chinese were released on bail on December 29 with the help of Chinese consular officials, and a domestic tour operator in Dubai had helped arrange their accommodation and transportation.

On January 19, the banknotes they used were confirmed as counterfeit, and the police in Dubai thus registered the case against the four individuals.

The four people said they had obtained the banknotes after currency exchanges at different banks in China, noting that there were times that the money was out of their sight while they were in Dubai.

Further investigation is still underway, and the four tourists are required to stay in the UAE for the time being.

The receipt given to one of the four Chinese tourists by a bank in China showing an exchange of 2,000 U.S. dollars. [Photo: cztv.com]

The Chinese Consulate in Dubai has also reminded Chinese tourists who are traveling to the UAE to learn more about local laws and regulations, in addition to respecting the local religious customs.

Ma Xuliang, Deputy General Consul of the Chinese Consulate in Dubai, said on Monday that since the UAE began granting visas on arrival to Chinese visitors last year, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country has significantly increased.

Ma added that it is anticipated that there will be more Chinese traveling to the UAE during the Chinese New Year holiday.

Ma said he hopes Chinese travelers would abide by local laws and respect local customs, in addition to taking care of their personal belongings.