Scam in MyanmarShopping
Persistent souvenir sellers and high asking prices in Myanmar
How it works
Hawkers, including children, surround visitors and push souvenirs. Asking prices may leave plenty of room for bargaining.
Warning signs
- Several sellers gather around you.
- A seller keeps pressing after you decline.
How to avoid it
- Bargain before agreeing to buy.
- Keep walking if you do not want anything.
- Avoid taking an item unless you want to discuss buying it.
If it happens to you
Decline calmly and move away. If you want to buy, agree on the total before handing over money.
- 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.
Questions
What is the persistent souvenir sellers and high asking prices scam in Myanmar?
Hawkers, including children, surround visitors and push souvenirs. Asking prices may leave plenty of room for bargaining.
How can I spot it early?
Several sellers gather around you. A seller keeps pressing after you decline.
How do I avoid persistent souvenir sellers and high asking prices in Myanmar?
Bargain before agreeing to buy. Keep walking if you do not want anything. Avoid taking an item unless you want to discuss buying it.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Decline calmly and move away. If you want to buy, agree on the total before handing over money.
Where in Myanmar does this happen?
Tourist attractions
How common is this scam in Myanmar?
Common. 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: jade sold at a poor-value price, higher prices and missing change when paying in baht.
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