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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Nanjing, China: how to avoid them
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Nanjing is a generally safe city for tourists with low violent crime, but like other large Chinese cities it has its share of taxi overcharging, ticket-seller tricks, and fake-brand goods. The main things to watch are unlicensed airport drivers, unvalidated metro tickets, and tours or shops pushing inflated prices on foreigners. Paying with Chinese mobile apps is standard, and cash is increasingly uncommon.
Updated October 2026
Common scams in Nanjing, China and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport drivers
How it works: Drivers approach travelers inside and outside the arrivals hall offering fixed high prices or claiming the meter is broken. They may take longer routes or quote double the fair fare.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank, insist on the meter, or book through Didi or Alipay Taxi where the price is shown upfront.
2. Meter refusal or inflated fare
How it works: Some drivers refuse to run the meter for foreign travelers and demand a flat high rate, especially on short trips where tourists are unfamiliar with distance.
How to avoid it: Ask the driver to start the meter before getting in, or use a ride-hailing app for a transparent price.
3. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange booths and money changers near tourist areas offer rates well below the official bank rate and may add hidden fees or commissions.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs or official bank counters for currency exchange. Always compare the rate against the official rate.
4. Fake museum or attraction tickets
How it works: Sellers outside major attractions offer tickets at a discount or a premium for skipping the line, but the tickets can be fake or invalid at the gate.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only at official ticket windows or through the attraction's official app or website.
5. Fake brand goods
How it works: Vendors in tourist markets sell counterfeit luxury goods, watches, and electronics at seemingly low prices, often with poor quality or no warranty.
How to avoid it: Do not buy branded goods from street stalls or night markets. Purchase from official stores if you need branded items.
6. Inflated menu prices for foreigners
How it works: Some small restaurants in tourist areas quote higher prices verbally to foreign customers, especially when there is no written menu or the menu is only in Chinese.
How to avoid it: Ask for the written menu and confirm the total price in writing before ordering.
Official tickets for the top sights in Nanjing, China
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): ¥150 - ¥200 (€20 - €27). Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and insist the meter runs. Unlicensed drivers approach travelers inside and near the terminal; refuse them. Didi and other apps also show the fair price upfront.
Best alternative: Airport Line S1 of the Nanjing Metro to Nanjing South Railway Station, then connect to the city metro network. (¥7 (€0.93), about 70 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- ¥2 (€0.27) (Single metro ride within the city center starts around 2 CNY; price scales with distance.)
- Validation rules
- Buy a token or use a transit card or Alipay QR code at the turnstile gates. Tap in and out at the gates; buses require one tap on boarding. Do not enter a metro gate without paying.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- ¥50 (€6.66). Traveling without a valid ticket is fined on the spot by metro staff at the exit.
- Paying by card
- Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes work on Nanjing Metro and buses. Contactless bank cards are not widely accepted on transit.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis, or tours and may be refused or cause confusion.
Cover and service charges: No cover or service charge is standard. Menus usually show prices, but some tourist-area restaurants may quote inflated prices to foreigners; ask to see the menu price in writing before ordering.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in CNY and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Use ATMs attached to major banks. Many transactions in China are now cardless, so carry cash as backup and note that some independent ATMs charge high fees.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Nanjing Railway Station area: Keep bags closed and watch belongings in the crowded station and plaza, especially late at night, as pickpocketing has been reported.
- Confucius Temple night market: Be alert to aggressive street vendors and crowded walkways during peak evening hours; keep wallets and phones secured.
Emergency number
110
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nanjing, China
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated October 2026.