Destinations › Macau › Macau › Scams
Macau, Macau
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Macau, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Taxis refusing short trips, demanding fixed off-meter fares, or taking extended routes between the casino districts.
Unlicensed currency exchange near the casinos offering favourable rates and shortchanging during a fast count, or passing counterfeit notes.
Unlicensed money lending around the casino floors, with aggressive collection practices and terms that are not disclosed in writing.
Contacts arranged online steering visitors to venues where an inflated bill is produced.
Bars and clubs adding undisclosed table and service charges to bills.
Counterfeit branded goods sold in shops near the historic centre as genuine to day visitors.
Pickpocketing in the crush at the ferry terminals and on shuttle buses between casinos.
Casino 'guides' and hosts offering to arrange better rates or comps in exchange for an upfront fee that buys nothing.
Hotel bookings downgraded on arrival during peak weekends with the original rate charged.
Show and event tickets sold by touts outside venues at markups or that are invalid.
