Counterfeit or expired food and cigarettes in Nepal: how to avoid it

How it works

Local shops may sell counterfeit food or cigarettes, or products past their use-by date. Familiar packaging does not guarantee a genuine or fresh product.

Warning signs

The use-by date has passed.
The date is missing or unreadable.
Packaging looks damaged or has been altered.

How to avoid it

Check use-by dates before paying.
Inspect packaging and seals.
Leave products with unclear dates or damaged packaging.

If it happens to you

Stop using the product. Keep the packaging and receipt, and ask for a refund. Get medical help if you become ill.

Move to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
Stop further payments. Freeze missing cards and tell your card issuer about any unauthorised transaction.
Save receipts, bills, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
If it is safe, ask the business to correct the bill or refund a misrepresented purchase.
Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or a copy for insurance.
Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

Questions

What is the counterfeit or expired food and cigarettes scam in Nepal?

Local shops may sell counterfeit food or cigarettes, or products past their use-by date. Familiar packaging does not guarantee a genuine or fresh product.

How can I spot it early?

The use-by date has passed. The date is missing or unreadable. Packaging looks damaged or has been altered.

How do I avoid counterfeit or expired food and cigarettes in Nepal?

Check use-by dates before paying. Inspect packaging and seals. Leave products with unclear dates or damaged packaging.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop using the product. Keep the packaging and receipt, and ask for a refund. Get medical help if you become ill.

Where in Nepal does this happen?

Local shops in Kathmandu. It has been reported in Kathmandu.

How common is this scam in Nepal?

Very common. Nepal has several scam and overcharging risks for visitors, especially when shopping, arranging transport or going out. Watch for fake goods, pickpockets, unclear fares and street offers to visit dance bars; some poor-value deals are ordinary charges rather than fraud.

Are there similar scams in Nepal?

Yes: counterfeit trekking equipment, fake pashmina, fake cultural objects and false materials.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud at a police station. Bring available receipts, payment records and a short account of what happened. Ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number. Freeze missing cards and report payments you did not authorise. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Business or venue management: if safe, show the agreed price and receipt. Ask for a corrected bill or refund, and keep a record of the response. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police paperwork, receipts and evidence of the loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.

What number do I call in an emergency in Nepal?

Flood-response toll-free emergency line in Nepali, announced in August 2026: 1234, Dedicated flood-response hotline accessible within Nepal, announced in August 2026: 1144.