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Myanmar
26 scams
Now that Myanmar is open to the world, many travel here to enjoy the spectacular temples of Bagan and beautiful pagodas of Mandalay.
However, the country remains one of the less affluent in the region and this brings with it tourist targeted scams as tourism picks up.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 199
- Fire service: 191
- Ambulance: 192
- Tourist police: Yangon: +95 1 379 991; Mandalay: +95 267 382
Travel resources
Pagoda scams in Myanmar
5 2How it works: Scam 1: unofficial guides will latch on to you, provide unsolicited advice and then demand a “tour guide” fee at the end. They may also try to…
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Bagan ticket scam in Myanmar
4 0How it works: At the Bagan Archeological Zone, scammers at a small wooden desk in a temple will stop and ask you to pay an inflated entrance fee to see…
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Fake rubies, silver, textiles in Myanmar
5 0How it works: Situation: Myanmar is famous for gemstones just like Thailand and Sri Lanka, but this also means that “fakes” (synthetic, or heat treated rubies with glass filling) are rife. Set-up:…
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Inle Lake fake fishermen scam in Myanmar
4 0How it works: Opening: at Inle Lake, you may see fake fishermen wearing the traditional orange flared trousers carrying dead fish. Set-up: they will grab your boat, egg you to…
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Dala Island scams in Myanmar
4 0How it works: Opening: at the Pansodan Jetty or in Yangon (e.g. Sule Pagoda), a local offers to show you his village and treat you to a local meal on…
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Anisakan Fall unofficial guides in Myanmar
4 0How it works: While descending to the waterfalls, touts will offer to bring you through a shortcut. It’s faster by a bit but not recommended as it’s a steep muddy…
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Chaukhtatgyi Buddha blessing scam in Myanmar
3 0How it works: Opening: if you enter by the back entrance, an elderly man will offer to bring you around. However, he claims that you have to be blessed by…
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Restaurant, food stall scams in Myanmar
3 0How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: some restaurants…
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Price quote scams in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Version 1: as many stalls do not list prices, they can overcharge tourists with inflated price quotes. Version 2: they may offer a cheap price to tempt…
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Home gambling scam in Myanmar
2 1How it works: Opening: a stranger chats you up, asks where you are from, then claims to have a relative/family member heading there soon! Regardless of what country or city…
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Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda donation scams in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Version 1: a young man offers to bring you to see his “uncle”, a 91 year old monk at a nearby temple. The “monk” will do some…
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Counterfeit currency in Myanmar
2 0How it works: In late 2018, there was a spate of cases involving counterfeit 10,000 kyat notes resulting in some retailers refusing to accept the bill. Places to beware: Anywhere…
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Bagan Viewing Tower fee scam in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Entry costs $5, but you may be intercepted by an official claiming to be a Tourism Commission Official who asks you to pay $30. Places to beware:…
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Foreign currency collector in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Step 1: a local claims to be a collector of foreign currency and asks where you come from. He then offers to exchange kyats with notes/coins from…
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Bird release scam in Myanmar
2 0How it works: At temples/pagodas, you can pay to release a bird from its cage for good luck. These birds are trained to fly back after they are released. Places…
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