Taxi & Transport Scams in Guangzhou, China
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Guangzhou — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
2
Taxi & Transport Scams
9
Total in Guangzhou
How it works
Guangzhou South Station and Guangzhou East Station have persistent unlicensed cab touts who approach passengers with offers of rides to city hotels or attractions. These drivers charge three to five times the going rate and may drive circuitous routes. Some vehicles are unmarked private cars with no meters or insurance coverage.
How it works
Unlicensed taxi drivers solicit passengers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport before they reach the official taxi rank, offering fixed prices that are two to four times the metered fare to the city center. Even licensed drivers occasionally tamper with meters or claim the meter is broken, using the confusion of arrival to extract inflated fares.
See all scams in Guangzhou
9 total warnings across all categories