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Ambulance
999
Tourist Police
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Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
The Fake Charity Collector
Scammers approach tourists in busy areas, often carrying clipboards or wearing fake uniforms, soliciting cash donations for non-existent or fraudulent charities. They rely on the tourist's goodwill and lack of local knowledge.
Never donate cash to street collectors. Ask for official registration numbers and donate directly through official websites or known organizations.
The Inflated Souvenir Hustle (Deaf-mute Gang)
Individuals, often claiming to be deaf or mute using a card, pressure tourists to buy cheap, mass-produced items (like keychains or pens) for highly inflated prices as a 'donation.'
Politely but firmly refuse and walk away. Do not engage or take the item. Report aggressive behavior to nearby police or security.
The Phony Blessing (Fake Monks)
Scammers dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists, offer a 'blessing' or a small trinket (like a charm), and then aggressively demand a large 'donation' or 'alms' in return. Genuine monks do not aggressively solicit money.
Ignore anyone in religious garb who approaches you and asks for money. Genuine monks do not beg. Do not accept any item they offer.
The Nightlife Accessory Trap (LKF Headbands)
In nightlife districts, sellers may try to force cheap party accessories (like headbands) onto tourists, especially those who appear intoxicated, and then demand a highly inflated price for the item.
Be vigilant in nightlife areas like Lan Kwai Fong. Firmly refuse to take any item offered by street vendors. If an item is forced on you, immediately return it and walk away.
Taxi Overcharging and Long-Hauling
Taxi drivers may claim their meter is broken, refuse to use the meter, or take a deliberately long, circuitous route to inflate the fare, targeting tourists unfamiliar with the city's geography.
Always insist the driver uses the meter. Have a navigation app (like Google Maps) open to monitor the route. Note the taxi license plate and driver's name if a dispute arises. Avoid 'unofficial' taxis.
Counterfeit Goods and Antiques Scam
Vendors in markets and small shops sell fake luxury goods, electronics, or 'antiques' claiming they are genuine or of high value. The quality is often poor, and the price is significantly marked up.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it is. Only buy high-value items from reputable department stores or authorized dealers. Assume all goods in street markets are counterfeit and haggle aggressively.
Fake Concert and Event Tickets
Scammers sell fraudulent tickets for popular concerts, sporting events, or attractions online or on the street. The tickets are either fake, invalid, or non-existent, leaving the buyer with no entry.
Only purchase tickets directly from the official venue box office, the event organizer's website, or authorized, reputable ticketing agents. Never buy from street vendors or unverified online sellers.
Herbal Medicine and Pharmacy Overcharge
High-pressure sales tactics in small, independent pharmacies, particularly for Chinese herbal medicine or dried seafood. The price is quoted per unit (e.g., per mace or gram), but the customer is only informed of the total after the item is ground up or packaged, resulting in a massive, non-refundable bill.
Only buy from large, reputable chain pharmacies (e.g., Watsons, Mannings). Before agreeing to a purchase, confirm the total price in Hong Kong Dollars and the unit of measurement (e.g., per catty, not per mace). Do not allow the item to be processed until the price is agreed upon.
Dine-and-Dash/Nightlife Meal Scam
A scammer (often a woman) befriends a tourist in a bar or online, suggests moving to a specific restaurant or club, and orders expensive food and drinks. The scammer then leaves abruptly, sticking the tourist with an exorbitant bill.
Be cautious of strangers who are overly friendly and suggest moving to a specific, unknown venue. Insist on paying for your own drinks and food, and never let a stranger order for you. If you suspect a scam, call the police.
The Gold/Jewelry Switch Scam
A scammer convinces a tourist to buy 'gold' or 'jade' jewelry at a very low price, often claiming they need cash urgently. The item is a cheap fake, and the scammer may use a sleight-of-hand trick to switch a genuine sample with a fake one before the final sale.
Never buy jewelry or precious metals from street vendors or unverified small shops. Only purchase from established, reputable jewelers. If the price is too low, it is a fake.
Safe Attractions
Victoria Peak
A hill on the western half of Hong Kong Island.
Star Ferry
A passenger ferry service operator and tourist attraction.