Trip Scam

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Zhuhai, China

Common scams in Zhuhai

10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Zhuhai, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

Last updated 2026-08-09

Lovers' Road, Zhuhai
Photo: logatfer · CC BY SA 2.0 · source

Pictured: Lovers' Road, Zhuhai.

high1. Counterfeit goods

Underground shopping malls at the border selling counterfeit branded goods and electronics as genuine to day visitors.

high2. Taxi meter fraud

Unlicensed cars touting at the border crossings quoting fixed fares several times the metered rate.

high3. Currency shortchange

Unlicensed money changers at the border crossings offering strong rates then shortchanging during a rapid count, or passing counterfeit notes.

medium4. Other

Unlicensed dental and cosmetic clinics advertising to cross-border visitors with prices that change after treatment begins.

medium5. Dating app invite scam

Online contacts steering visitors to venues where inflated bills are produced and departure obstructed.

medium6. Menu / bill switching

Restaurants near the crossing adding undisclosed service charges and unordered items to bills.

medium7. Distraction theft

Pickpocketing in the border-crossing queues at peak crossing hours.

medium8. Other

Massage and spa packages sold at the border quoting one price with compulsory extras applied at the venue.

low9. Rental overbooking

Hotel bookings downgraded on arrival with the original rate charged.

low10. Fake tickets

Ferry and attraction tickets sold by touts at markups over published fares.

Every entry above describes a pattern reported in an area of Zhuhai, not an accusation against a specific business. Sources are labelled on each entry.

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