Is Guangzhou Safe? 5 Common Tourist Scams to Avoid
First, the good news: Guangzhou is incredibly safe. Violent crime against foreigners is virtually unheard of. You can walk alone at night in most districts without worry.
However, like any major tourist hub, opportunistic scammers exist. They target unsuspecting visitors who don't know the local rules. Here are the 5 most common traps to watch out for.
1. The "Tea House" Scam (Classic)
You are walking in a popular tourist area (like Beijing Road or Tianhe). An overly friendly "student" or couple approaches you, speaking excellent English. They want to practice their English or show you a "traditional tea ceremony."
The Trap: You are taken to a private room in a tea house. You drink some tea. Then the bill arrives: 2,000 RMB ($300 USD) or more.
How to Avoid: Never follow strangers to a location they suggest. If you want to chat, say "Let's go to that Starbucks right there." If they refuse, walk away.
2. Counterfeit Money Switch
This is less common now thanks to WeChat Pay, but still happens if you use cash. You hand a taxi driver or vendor a 100 RMB note. They secretly swap it for a fake one, hand it back to you claiming "it's torn" or "fake," and ask for another one.
The Trap: You end up giving them a second real 100 RMB note, and you keep the fake one they swapped.
How to Avoid: Use Alipay/WeChat Pay whenever possible. If using cash, memorize the last 3 digits of the serial number before handing it over.
3. The "Black Taxi" & Meter Scam
A driver tells you the meter is broken, or refuses to use it, quoting a flat price of 100 RMB for a trip that should cost 20 RMB.
How to Avoid: Only take official taxis (usually branded yellow, blue, or green). Insist on "Da Biao" (Meter). If they refuse, get out.
4. The "Art Student" Gallery
Similar to the Tea House scam. A friendly student claims there is an art exhibition nearby. They take you to a gallery selling cheap prints for thousands of dollars, pressuring you to support their "education."
How to Avoid: Politely decline all invitations from strangers on the street.
5. Cheap Electronics (The "Switch")
At electronics markets, you buy a branded USB drive or memory card for a very cheap price. It looks real in the packaging.
The Trap: It has been hacked to show high capacity (e.g., 512GB) but actually holds only 8GB. Once you fill it, your data corrupts.
How to Avoid: Buy electronics only from reputable stores (like JD.com or official brand stores).
Emergency Numbers
In the unlikely event you need help, here are the numbers. Operators in major cities often have English support, but it's not guaranteed.
Stay safe and sleep soundly
The best way to stay safe is to stick to reputable areas and established businesses.
Stick to legitimate places listed in our Hotel Guide.
See Recommended Hotels