Scam in ChinaTaxis
Taxi meter refusal and fare overcharging in China
How it works
A driver offers a fixed price instead of using the meter, fails to start it or takes advantage of a visitor's limited Chinese to charge too much. Most drivers are honest.
Warning signs
- The meter stays off after the ride begins.
- The driver pushes a fixed price you cannot compare with the metered fare.
- The driver avoids explaining the charge.
How to avoid it
- Check that the meter starts.
- In Chengdu, check that the dashboard sign is tilted to start the meter.
- Have your destination written in Chinese characters.
- Ask for a receipt and use a larger taxi company where possible.
If it happens to you
If seriously cheated on a trip to your hotel, ask the doorman or front desk for help. Photograph the driver's posted ID or number plate when safe, and report suspected fraud to police.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid threats, physical arguments or chasing a thief.
- Stop further payments. Freeze stolen cards and secure affected payment or phone accounts.
- Save evidence: receipts, messages, payment records, vehicle details and the place and time. Collect evidence only when safe.
- Report the scam or theft to police on 110. For a suspicious phone call, use 96110 for scam enquiries.
- Ask your hotel for help explaining the problem. Contact your card issuer about disputed payments and your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you are detained.
- Ask for a police report or reference number. Keep copies for your bank, insurer and any follow-up complaint.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/guangzhou2026Baiyun Taxi ScamA passenger reports suspected meter manipulation after boarding a taxi from the official rank at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travelchina2025Guangzhou airport taxi scam warningA tired arriving traveller reports paying 510 yuan for a regular taxi from Baiyun Airport to Yuexiu before discovering much cheaper ride-hailing alternatives.Read on Reddit
- News20262 Shanghai Taxi Drivers Fired Over Fare ScamShanghai Daily reports that two taxi drivers were dismissed following fare complaints involving meter refusal and that the passengers received refunds.Read on News
Questions
What is the taxi meter refusal and fare overcharging scam in China?
A driver offers a fixed price instead of using the meter, fails to start it or takes advantage of a visitor's limited Chinese to charge too much. Most drivers are honest.
How can I spot it early?
The meter stays off after the ride begins. The driver pushes a fixed price you cannot compare with the metered fare. The driver avoids explaining the charge.
How do I avoid taxi meter refusal and fare overcharging in China?
Check that the meter starts. In Chengdu, check that the dashboard sign is tilted to start the meter. Have your destination written in Chinese characters. Ask for a receipt and use a larger taxi company where possible.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If seriously cheated on a trip to your hotel, ask the doorman or front desk for help. Photograph the driver's posted ID or number plate when safe, and report suspected fraud to police.
Where in China does this happen?
Across China. Chengdu has a specific warning about fixed-price offers and drivers failing to start the meter.
How common is this scam in China?
Occasional. China is generally safe for visitors, and violent street crime is rare. Tourist scams and theft still happen, especially around busy sights, transport hubs and crowds. Watch for taxi overcharging, invitations that lead to expensive purchases, fake goods and pickpockets.
Are there similar scams in China?
Yes: unofficial taxi and queue-jumping touts, full-fare taxi sharing.
Who can I report it to?
Public security police: call 110 to report a scam or theft. Give your location, what happened and any evidence. Ask hotel staff for language help if needed. Scam enquiry service: call 96110 to enquire about suspicious phone calls. Police may also use this number with an area-code prefix to warn about possible scams. Consumer Protection: call 12315 about a consumer dispute, such as a misleading sale or disputed business charge. Keep the receipt and details of the business. Anti-corruption reporting service: call 12388 to report a bribe demand. Hotel doorman or front desk: ask for help if a taxi seriously overcharges you on the way to your hotel. Show the receipt, driver's ID or number plate details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or verified contact number to freeze a stolen card, report an unauthorised payment or ask about disputing a charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention. If detained, politely request consular access and a translator.
What number do I call in an emergency in China?
Police; report scams and theft: 110, Ambulance / EMS: 120, Fire Department: 119, Traffic Police; merged with 110 in some cities: 122, Scam enquiry: 96110.
Reviewed by @snuck