Scam in MyanmarChanging money
Money changer swaps your banknotes in Myanmar
How it works
A changer uses quick hand movements to replace your good notes with damaged notes or notes of a lower value.
Warning signs
- Your notes are moved out of sight.
- The changer repeatedly handles or rearranges them.
How to avoid it
- Keep your notes in sight throughout the exchange.
- Check their value and condition before handing them over.
- Do not let anyone handle counted money again before completing the deal.
If it happens to you
Stop the exchange and check all notes before accepting or handing over anything else.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase anyone or argue with a threatening group.
- If a cash transaction is still underway, stop and check the agreed price, note values and total payout. Ask calmly for the mistake to be corrected.
- Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts. Use your bank's official app or contact details.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police. Ask for a written report or reference number if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate. Seek medical help promptly after injury or a suspect drink.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog2008The start of our second visit to MyanmarThe travellers report that a hotel exchanger took their euros out of sight and returned with torn notes that he falsely claimed were theirs.Read on Travel blog
- WebWikivoyageMyanmar – Travel guide at WikivoyageThe community-edited guide describes money changers substituting damaged or lower-denomination banknotes for customers' good notes.Read on Web
Questions
What is the money changer swaps your banknotes scam in Myanmar?
A changer uses quick hand movements to replace your good notes with damaged notes or notes of a lower value.
How can I spot it early?
Your notes are moved out of sight. The changer repeatedly handles or rearranges them.
How do I avoid money changer swaps your banknotes in Myanmar?
Keep your notes in sight throughout the exchange. Check their value and condition before handing them over. Do not let anyone handle counted money again before completing the deal.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop the exchange and check all notes before accepting or handing over anything else.
Where in Myanmar does this happen?
Money-changing transactions
How common is this scam in Myanmar?
Occasional. Tourists can face money-changing tricks, inflated transport prices and persistent sellers in Myanmar. Petty theft is also a concern, though the material describes reported crime levels as low. Check cash carefully and agree on prices before paying.
Are there similar scams in Myanmar?
Yes: damaged or unusable dollar notes given as change, money changer removes notes after counting, money changer does not give change.
Who can I report it to?
Local police: report theft, robbery or fraud at a police station. Bring any receipts, transaction records and a written account. Ask for a report or reference number if available. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app, website or the number on your card to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact channels if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the insurer's claims or assistance service. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss. Business or transport operator: raise a disputed payment, missing change or questionable ticket with the business or operator. Show the receipt and agreed terms, if you have them.
Reviewed by @snuck