Scam in LaosShopping
Tourist prices at Talat Sao Mall in Laos
How it works
Some vendors expect tourists to accept inflated prices. Sellers may also expect payment in baht despite signs encouraging payment in kip.
Warning signs
- The seller quotes only in baht.
- There is pressure to buy before comparing prices.
- The price changes when you ask to pay in kip.
How to avoid it
- Compare similar items at several stalls.
- Ask for the total in kip.
- Agree on the currency and price before handing over money.
- Bargain politely and walk away if the price is too high.
If it happens to you
Ask for a correction if the charge differs from the agreed price. A price you knowingly accepted may be difficult to reverse.
- 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.
- Redditr/laos2024Best place to buy Unitel sim in VientianeA commenter reports Talat Sao sellers quoting four times the SIM prices displayed on posters.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/laos2026Scams in VientianeA visitor reports paying twice the normal price for a Talat Sao phone-screen replacement that used an inferior display.Read on Reddit
- WebWikivoyageVientiane – Travel guide at WikivoyageContributors describe Talat Sao Mall vendors expecting tourists to accept inflated prices and pay in baht.Read on Web
Questions
What is the tourist prices at Talat Sao Mall scam in Laos?
Some vendors expect tourists to accept inflated prices. Sellers may also expect payment in baht despite signs encouraging payment in kip.
How can I spot it early?
The seller quotes only in baht. There is pressure to buy before comparing prices. The price changes when you ask to pay in kip.
How do I avoid tourist prices at Talat Sao Mall in Laos?
Compare similar items at several stalls. Ask for the total in kip. Agree on the currency and price before handing over money. Bargain politely and walk away if the price is too high.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a correction if the charge differs from the agreed price. A price you knowingly accepted may be difficult to reverse.
Where in Laos does this happen?
Talat Sao Mall It has been reported in Vientiane.
How common is this scam in Laos?
Common. 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.
Are there similar scams in Laos?
Yes: counterfeit electronics and branded goods, overpriced airport gift shops.
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