Menu
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
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:…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha blessing scam in Myanmar
4 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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
Rickshaw scams in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Version 1: claiming that it is 500 kyat for a trip, only to change it to 5,000 kyat at the end. Version 2: boarding a bus telling…
Read more…
Temple flower offering scam in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Inside temples, touts will try to force you to take a flower to offer to Buddha, or to wear a flower bracelet. If you do, a fee…
Read more…
Taxi scams in Myanmar
1 1How it works: Version 1: taxis are un-metered and drivers can overcharge you with inflated fares. Version 2: at the Ayeyarwady River, as you disembark, “helpful” locals will grab your…
Read more…
Shoe guardian scams in Myanmar
2 0How it works: Situation: shoes have to be taken off at a temple. At some places, you can store them in free plastic bags. Version 1: kids will “distribute” these…
Read more…
Free friendship tour scam in Myanmar
2 1How it works: Opening: a local engages and asks about your life. He then says that he considers you a friend and wants to give you a free tour of…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…