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Few scams

Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Macau

Macau is relatively safe, but visitors should watch for pickpockets, taxi misconduct and touts offering cheap rides. A widespread lost-wallet scam targets people downtown, while scam messages have also been reported at Portas do Cerco.
  1. 1 On the streetCommonLost-wallet plea for food moneyA stranger claims to have lost their wallet and not eaten all day. They ask for money to buy food. The people involved are often neatly dressed. Police have warned visitors against giving them money.Mainly downtown Macau 1Read
  2. 2 TheftOccasionalGroup distraction pickpocketingPickpockets often work in groups. One person distracts you while another takes your valuables.Crowded tourist attractions and border stations 1Read
  3. 3 Buses and trainsOccasionalCheap ferry-terminal ride with forced shopping stopsA tout offers a cheap ride into town. The ride first takes you to shops that pay the tout commission. If you refuse to enter, you may be dropped somewhere other than your destination.The ferry terminal on arrival 1Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter refusal and refusal of carriageTaxi misconduct includes failing to use the meter or refusing to carry a passenger. A ride without the meter leaves you open to a fare dispute.Across Macau 3Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalUnlicensed taxi servicesUnlicensed drivers offer taxi services. Ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft and Grab are not available in Macau, and such services are illegal there.Across Macau 3Read
  6. 6 Other tricksOccasionalScam text messages at Portas do CercoFraudsters use equipment that imitates a mobile network to send scam messages. The messages try to get victims to reveal personal information.Portas do Cerco 2Read
  7. 7 On the streetOccasionalPersistent leaflet touts and hawkersTouts and hawkers may persistently approach visitors with leaflets. This is a harassment concern rather than a stated money scam. Some persistent distributors hand out Falun Gong material.Across the country 1Read
  8. 8 Changing moneyOccasionalCounterfeit HK$10 coinsNumerous forged HK$10 coins exist. Some businesses may refuse that coin because of the forgeries. This does not mean every refused coin is counterfeit.Across the country 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Downtown MacauThe lost-wallet plea for food money is widespread here.
  • Ferry terminalArriving visitors may be offered cheap rides that lead to commission-paying shops.
  • Portas do CercoFraudsters have reportedly sent scam messages here to obtain personal information.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Use proper taxis or public transport.
  • Check that the taxi meter is running.
  • Carry your destination written in Chinese, or ask hotel staff to explain it.
  • Tipping is usually not expected, though drivers sometimes round the fare up to the nearest pataca.

Money

  • Check which currency a price uses before paying.
  • Hong Kong dollars are widely accepted at a one-to-one rate with patacas. Check the currency of your change.
  • Paying directly in Chinese yuan can give you a poor exchange rate. Confirm the rate first.
  • Spend leftover patacas before leaving, as they are difficult to exchange outside Macau.
  • Compare prices before buying expensive watches, jewellery, Chinese medicine or pawnshop goods.

Your belongings

  • Keep valuables secure in crowds, especially at attractions and border stations.
  • Hold a closed bag in front of you in busy areas.
  • Stay aware of your belongings when someone distracts you.
  • Keep a separate record of card issuer contact details.

Cards and ATMs

  • Never give card details, passwords or verification codes in response to an unexpected message.
  • Ignore suspicious messages received at Portas do Cerco.
  • Contact your bank through its official app or a number you already trust if you shared financial information.

Nights out

  • Keep track of your belongings when out at night.
  • Avoid drinking so much that you cannot make safe decisions.
  • Check what a venue offers before entering. Hotel spas and businesses described as saunas may offer very different services.

What travellers say about Macau

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Is Macau a high-risk place for tourist scams?

Macau is relatively safe. The main concerns described here are distraction theft, lost-wallet pleas, cheap-ride touts, taxi misconduct and scam messages.

Should I give money to someone who says they lost their wallet?

Be cautious. A widespread downtown scam uses this story to ask for MOP$20–30 for food. Police have warned against giving money.

Where should I be most careful about pickpockets?

Be especially careful at crowded tourist attractions and border stations. Groups may use one person to distract you while another steals.

Are cheap rides offered at the ferry terminal safe to accept?

Use public transport or a proper taxi. Touts may take you to commission-paying shops first and drop you elsewhere if you refuse to shop.

What should I do if a taxi driver refuses to use the meter?

Avoid starting the ride without the meter. Record the taxi details if safe and report misconduct to the Public Security Police on +853-2837-4214, then press 1.

Can I use Uber, Lyft or Grab in Macau?

These services are not available in Macau, and such services are illegal there. Use a proper taxi or public transport. Report unlicensed taxis on +853-8866-6363.

What should I do with a suspicious text at Portas do Cerco?

Ignore it and do not share personal information. Scam messages have been reported there. Call +853-8800-7777 if you need to enquire about a suspicious call or message.

Is receiving patacas as change for Hong Kong dollars a scam?

Not by itself. Hong Kong dollars are widely accepted at a one-to-one rate, and businesses may give change in either currency. Check your change and spend leftover patacas before leaving.

Why might a shop refuse my HK$10 coin?

Some businesses refuse HK$10 coins because numerous forgeries exist. A refusal alone does not prove your coin is counterfeit. Use another payment method.

How should I deal with persistent leaflet distributors?

Decline briefly and keep moving. If you accept Falun Gong material, dispose of it before crossing into mainland China, where the organisation is illegal.

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