Scam in LaosOn the street
Persistent street selling and drug offers in Laos
How it works
Some craft sellers also offer opium or cannabis and may follow travellers around town. This is persistent selling; the account does not establish that every craft sale is fraudulent.
Warning signs
- A seller keeps following after you decline.
- A craft pitch turns into a drug offer.
- You are pressured to keep talking or buy something.
How to avoid it
- Decline briefly and keep moving.
- Do not buy or handle drugs.
- Step into a staffed business if the attention continues.
If it happens to you
Avoid arguing. Move to a public, staffed place and ask for help if you feel unsafe.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
- If you are injured or feel unwell after suspect alcohol, seek urgent medical help.
- Freeze stolen or affected cards. Contact your card issuer about unauthorised charges or an ATM debit without cash.
- Save receipts, tickets, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
- Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written report, especially if you need an insurance claim. Your accommodation may help with language.
- Contact your insurer and, for a stolen passport, detention or serious trouble, your embassy or consulate. Ask the seller or booking provider for a refund where appropriate.
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 street selling and drug offers scam in Laos?
Some craft sellers also offer opium or cannabis and may follow travellers around town. This is persistent selling; the account does not establish that every craft sale is fraudulent.
How can I spot it early?
A seller keeps following after you decline. A craft pitch turns into a drug offer. You are pressured to keep talking or buy something.
How do I avoid persistent street selling and drug offers in Laos?
Decline briefly and keep moving. Do not buy or handle drugs. Step into a staffed business if the attention continues.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid arguing. Move to a public, staffed place and ask for help if you feel unsafe.
Where in Laos does this happen?
Around town It has been reported in Luang Namtha.
How common is this scam in Laos?
Occasional. Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty theft and tourist overcharging remain concerns. Watch for inflated transport fares, misleading ticket sellers, money-exchange tricks and counterfeit goods. Prices below are examples from different years, so check the full amount before paying.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud in person when safe. Ask for a written record. Assistance may be limited, and language barriers can make reporting harder. Nearby police boxes in Vientiane: after a bag snatch, shout immediately to attract attention and alert nearby police. Card issuer and ATM bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a card or dispute a transaction. For missing ATM cash, provide the location, time, amount and receipt. Hotel, transport operator or booking provider: present the receipt and booking details. Explain the difference between what was promised and delivered, and request a correction or refund. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service for a stolen passport, detention or serious difficulties. Use contact details from its official website. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report.
What number do I call in an emergency in Laos?
Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, open 24/7: +85671254027.
Reviewed by @snuck