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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Shanghai, China: how to avoid them
Photo made by Peng LIU on Pexels.com
Shanghai is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime, but petty scams targeting visitors are common around major sights, the Bund, and transport hubs. The biggest watch-outs are unlicensed drivers, tea house and art gallery invitations, and overcharging in some restaurants. Use official taxi ranks and the metro for reliable pricing.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Shanghai, China and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed drivers at the airport
How it works: Drivers approach arriving tourists inside or just outside the terminal and offer rides at inflated flat rates with no meter. They may take longer routes or demand extra payment at the destination.
How to avoid it: Only use the official taxi rank outside arrivals and insist the meter runs. Book through Didi Chuxing app if you prefer a confirmed fare.
2. Tea house invitation scam
How it works: A friendly local invites you to a tea ceremony or art gallery, then a large bill arrives for tea or items you did not agree to buy, with pressure to pay in cash.
How to avoid it: Politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers near tourist spots. Walk away if the venue demands payment you did not agree to.
3. Menu without prices at tourist restaurants
How it works: Some restaurants near major sights present menus without prices or quote one price verbally, then present a much higher bill at the end, often with undisclosed charges.
How to avoid it: Ask to see a menu with prices before ordering. Confirm the total bill before paying and question any charge not shown.
4. Ticket touts at metro and tourist sites
How it works: Touts offer to sell metro tickets or attraction entry tickets at a markup, sometimes selling used or invalid passes. Official ticket windows and machines are nearby.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official machines, windows, or the official app. Ignore anyone offering tickets at a better or faster price.
5. Fortune teller and calligraphy tricks
How it works: A person performs calligraphy or fortune telling on the street, then aggressively demands payment far above what was implied. Crowds make it hard to walk away.
How to avoid it: Do not engage with street performers who approach you directly. If pressured, walk away firmly and do not hand over cash.
6. Counterfeit attraction tickets
How it works: Scalpers outside popular museums and shows sell tickets that are fake or already used. Entry is then refused at the gate and the money is gone.
How to avoid it: Book tickets only through the official ticketing platforms or the venue box office. Do not buy from individuals near the entrance.
Official tickets for the top sights in Shanghai, China
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): ¥150 - ¥250 (€20 - €33). Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, insist on the meter or the fixed published fare. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal or quote flat fees well above the metered rate.
Best alternative: Shanghai Metro Line 2 from Pudong Airport to the city centre; the Maglev train to Longyang Road then transfer to Metro Line 2. (¥50 (€6.66), about 60 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- ¥3 (€0.40) (Single-ride metro ticket, shortest distance fare; also rechargeable Shanghai Public Transportation Card available.)
- Validation rules
- Tap your card, ticket, or contactless payment at the entry gate before boarding. No separate validation needed on metro. On buses, tap when boarding. Keep receipts in case of spot checks.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- ¥500 (€66.61). Fine for travelling without a valid ticket on metro or buses, plus possible fare recovery. Applied on the spot by inspectors.
- Paying by card
- Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for metro and bus entry via QR codes. Contactless international bank cards work on metro gates at many stations but check your card issuer first.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Shanghai. A 10 percent service charge may appear automatically on bills at high-end restaurants and hotels. No tip expected for taxis or tours.
Cover and service charges: Some restaurants add a 10 percent service charge, especially higher-end places; it should be shown on the menu or bill. Rarely, a bill may list a table or tissue charge; ask to have it removed if it was not disclosed. Always check that prices are shown on the menu before ordering.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in CNY and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Some independent ATM kiosks in tourist areas charge high fees; use bank-branded machines. Cash is still needed for small vendors and some taxis.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Pudong Airport arrivals and Shanghai train stations: Keep bags secure and decline unlicensed ride offers from people approaching you in arrivals or outside station exits.
- Nanjing Road and the Bund at night: Keep phones and wallets secure in crowded pedestrian areas and decline unsolicited invitations from strangers.
Emergency number
110
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai, 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 September 2026.