🚩 Local Scams · Hefei
Last verified 26 Jul 2025
1 Scam Spotlight Table
"Black-Taxi Flat Fare"
Hefei South Railway Station taxi rank & arrival hall
How it works: Driver at Hefei South HSR claims meter is broken, asks ¥200–¥300 for a ¥40 ride downtown.
🛡️ Avoid: Use the official "合肥出行" Taxi mini-program—white plates "皖A·T***" only; insist on meter + e-receipt.
Lord Bao "Temple Guide" Donation
Baohe Park east gate, Lord Bao Memorial halls
How it works: Badged "volunteer" escorts you through Bao Gong Temple, then demands ¥100 "incense donation".
🛡️ Avoid: Entry ticket already includes incense; reject any extra "donation".
Huizhou-Tea Free Tasting
Luzhou Lane Old-Town, pedestrian malls
How it works: Vendor offers tiny cups, then says you "bought the pot" for ¥500; threatens to call tourist police.
🛡️ Avoid: Real Anhui-tea shops post price/gram; walk if sampling cup isn't free.
Fake Huangshan Day-Trip Bus
Hefei Tourist Hub (Tunxi Rd)
How it works: Tout sells "direct" Huangshan ticket; bus detours to jade/tea outlets, reaches mountain after cableway closes.
🛡️ Avoid: Take official CRH train (1 h 40 m) to Huangshan North; book bus at station counter only.
E-Bike Deposit Trap
Swan-Lake boardwalk & University Town
How it works: Street rental asks ¥500 cash "deposit" then vanishes; QR on bike is dummy sticker.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan bikes only from Meituan/Hellobike apps; deposit auto-refunds in wallet.
QR-Code Phishing
USTC & Anhui Uni cafés, mall elevators
How it works: Sticker promises "¥1 latte" at campus café; opens fake WeChat Pay page that drains account.
🛡️ Avoid: Scan codes printed on cashier stands; verify payapp.qq.com domain before tap.
Anhui Museum "Priority Ticket"
Anhui Museum west gate, Yulan Square
How it works: Tout sells ¥80 "skip-the-line" pass; museum is free with real-name QR.
🛡️ Avoid: Reserve free slot in "安徽博物馆预约" mini-program; arrive 15 min window.
2 Why It Matters
Tech hub newcomers – Hefei's growing tech industry brings many new residents who don't know local pricing, making them easy targets for overcharging scams.
Huangshan gateway pressure – Many tourists use Hefei as a jumping-off point to Huangshan, creating time pressure that scammers exploit with "express" services.
University town trust – The academic atmosphere makes visitors more trusting of "student guides" and campus-area vendors who may not have legitimate credentials.
3 Pro Tips
1
Stick to official mini-programs – Anhui Museum, Swan Lake boats, "合肥出行" taxi app all have verified channels; any street QR is a red flag.
2
Know Hefei taxi rates – legit taxis start at ¥9 + ¥2/km; white plates "皖A·T***" only; anything higher or no meter = bail out.
3
Ask quán-jià ma? (全价吗) – locks tea-house or Huangshan tour into an all-in price before you commit.
4
Carry small notes – ¥10-¥20 bills limit loss if "QR offline" stories pop up at campus cafés or street vendors.
5
Hotlines – Police 110 · Hefei tourist line 12301—store both numbers before exploring the city.
✨ Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Keep Hefei about steamy duck-noodle breakfasts, Lord Bao legends and lake-front sunsets—No Tourist Traps. No BS.