Safety, etiquette & common scams in Shenzhen
Shenzhen is generally safe. Mind belongings in crowded areas, use licensed taxis or verified apps, and learn simple etiquette. Planning your days? See the Shenzhen itinerary (3-day / 5-day).
Street-smart basics
Plan this trip faster with our free online itinerary maker. Get a personalized day-by-day plan in minutes.
- Keep phones/wallets cross-body in busy areas (markets, popular stations).
- Use official taxis/rideshare; verify plate and driver in-app before boarding.
- Stick to well-lit thoroughfares at night; walk with purpose and map ahead.
Etiquette quick guide
- Queue at metro doors; let riders exit first.
- Keep voices low indoors; avoid blocking escalators (stand right).
- Cashiers may pass change on a tray; two-hand items in polite exchanges.
Common scams & annoyances
- Overpriced taxis: Insist on the meter; if refused, take another taxi or rideshare.
- Tea ceremony/invite scams: Politely decline unsolicited invitations from strangers.
- Counterfeit goods: Expect variable quality in markets; inspect items carefully.
- ATM skimming: Use ATMs inside banks/malls; shield PIN.
Documents, health & connectivity
- Carry ID (passport copy) per local rules; keep originals safe at your hotel.
- Travel insurance recommended; know emergency numbers (110 police, 120 ambulance).
- Have offline maps and key addresses in Chinese; store hotel card for taxi drivers.
Late-night do’s and don’ts
- Confirm first/last trains; switch to rideshare after 23:00 if needed.
- Choose main-road pickup spots with lighting and CCTV.
- Avoid isolated shortcuts; take longer, lit routes.
FAQ
Is Shenzhen safe at night?
Generally yes in busy districts; stick to lit areas, travel in pairs when possible, and use rideshare after last trains.
How do I avoid taxi issues?
Use official taxi queues, insist on meters, or default to rideshare. Keep your hotel address in Chinese for drivers.
What should I do if I lose my phone?
Use device-finder tools from another device; contact your carrier to lock SIM; report at the nearest police station (110) if needed.