Safety & Awareness

Be Mindful of Your Belongings

Keep a close eye on your wallet, phone, and passport, especially in these crowded areas:

• The Metro system and major train stations.
• Busy pedestrian streets like Beijing Road (北京路) and Shangxiajiu (上下九).
• Crowded markets and tourist attractions.

Best Practices: Use a bag that zips securely and carry it in front of you. Avoid placing your phone or wallet in your back pocket.

Common Scams to Avoid

The "Tea Ceremony" or "Art Student" Scam

Overly friendly strangers, often claiming to be students, may invite you to a private tea ceremony or an art exhibition. You may then be pressured into paying an exorbitant bill.
✔️ Action: Politely decline any unsolicited invitations from strangers. A simple "No, thank you" (不用了, 谢谢 - Búyòngle, xièxiè) and walking away is sufficient.

Fake Monks & Fortune Tellers

Individuals dressed as monks might approach you, offering a trinket or a blessing in exchange for a "donation."
✔️ Action: Real monks do not solicit money this way. Ignore them and walk on.

Black Taxis

Unlicensed "black taxis" may approach you at airport or train station exits, often overcharging significantly.
✔️ Action: Always use official, licensed taxis (they have a meter and a rooftop sign) or a reliable ride-hailing app (like DiDi). Queue at the official taxi stand.

Food and Water Safety

• Drink only bottled or boiled water. Do not drink water directly from the tap.
• Street food is a must-try in Guangzhou! Just use common sense: choose popular stalls that are busy with locals. High turnover means fresh food.