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Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Myanmar

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.
  1. 1 ShoppingCommonPersistent souvenir sellers and high asking pricesHawkers, including children, surround visitors and push souvenirs. Asking prices may leave plenty of room for bargaining.Tourist attractions 1Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonHigh taxi quotes for foreignersDrivers quote foreigners high prices, even for short journeys. Fares need to be negotiated.Naypyidaw 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonTaxi drivers pressuring arrivals as a groupDrivers gather around arriving passengers, offer the same inflated price and pressure them to accept.Mandalay 2Read
  4. 4 Changing moneyOccasionalDamaged or unusable dollar notes given as changeA guesthouse or trader gives you damaged or otherwise hard-to-exchange foreign notes as change. You may later struggle to spend or exchange them.Guesthouses and traders 1Read
  5. 5 Changing moneyOccasionalMoney changer swaps your banknotesA changer uses quick hand movements to replace your good notes with damaged notes or notes of a lower value.Money-changing transactions 2Read
  6. 6 Changing moneyOccasionalMoney changer removes notes after countingThe changer counts stacks of kyat, then removes some notes while handling or recounting them. The amount you receive is less than the amount shown.Money-changing transactions 2Read
  7. 7 Changing moneyOccasionalMoney changer does not give changeA changer may not return change when you use a larger foreign note. This can leave you paying more than intended.Money changers 1Read
  8. 8 Buses and trainsOccasionalFalse claim that Bago has no main bus stationA ticket seller claims there is no main bus station and that you must buy your onward ticket from him. The ticket can cost twice the normal price.Bago 1Read
  9. 9 Buses and trainsOccasionalRickshaw driver falsely says the bus cannot enter central BagoA rickshaw driver boards a stopped bus and says it cannot stop in the centre. The aim is to get you off early so you need a paid ride.Bago 1Read
  10. 10 ShoppingOccasionalJade sold at a poor-value priceVisitors who do not understand jade quality and prices risk paying far more than an item is worth. The material does not identify a specific fake-jade method.MandalayRead
  11. 11 ShoppingOccasionalHigher prices and missing change when paying in bahtBaht is widely accepted, but prices can be slightly higher and businesses may not have change. This is a payment trap rather than proof of deliberate fraud.KawthaungRead
  12. 12 On the streetOccasionalPersistent begging around drinkersBeggars repeatedly approach and harass people having drinks. Possible cooperation with the owners is suggested, but not established.Mandalay 1Read
  13. 13 TheftOccasionalPetty theftSmall belongings or cash may be stolen. Petty theft is described as the main crime visitors should watch for, but no specific stealing method is given.Across the country 3Read
  14. 14 TheftOccasionalStreet robberyStreet robberies are mentioned in both cities, although the reported level is very low. No particular robbery method is described.Yangon, Mandalay 1Read
  15. 15 Food and drinkOccasionalSuspected opiate mixture sold as alcoholSome drinks served as alcohol are suspected to contain an opiate mixture rather than a fermented drink. The contents are not confirmed.Far northern states 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Bus stop near San Francisco Hotel, BagoAn onward-ticket seller may falsely claim there is no main bus station and charge twice the normal price.
  • Southern approach to Bago, about 4 km outside the cityA rickshaw driver may board a bus and falsely say it cannot stop in the centre.
  • Highway Bus Station / Chan Mya Shwe Pyi / Kywe Se Kan, MandalayTaxi drivers may surround arrivals and press for inflated fares.
  • Jade Market, 87th St, MandalayVisitors who cannot assess jade risk paying too much.
  • Nylon Ice Cream Bar, corner of 83rd and 25th Streets, MandalayPersistent begging and harassment of drinkers are described.

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • Inspect foreign notes for marks, tears, repairs and wear before accepting them.
  • Keep all cash visible during an exchange. Count the payout yourself.
  • If anyone touches counted money, count it again.
  • Carry a mix of note values and confirm any change before paying.
  • Compare exchange rates and the exact payout before agreeing.

Taxis

  • Agree on the total fare before boarding.
  • Check whether a price is per person or for the whole vehicle.
  • Ask your accommodation to help arrange transport when taxis are hard to find.
  • In Mandalay, compare options outside the Highway Bus Station if drivers pressure you.
  • In Bago, check claims about bus stops with the bus staff.

Cards and ATMs

  • Ask your bank before travel whether it will process withdrawals in Myanmar.
  • Carry backup cash in a separate secure place.
  • If an ATM fails, try another rather than relying on one machine.
  • Cover your PIN and check your account after withdrawals.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables within reach.
  • Avoid leaving a phone or wallet unattended on a table.
  • Separate daily spending money from backup cash.
  • Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals.

Where you stay

  • Check every foreign note received as change from a guesthouse.
  • Ask for damaged or hard-to-exchange notes to be replaced before leaving.
  • Use accommodation staff to help arrange transport and check unclear fares.

Nights out

  • Avoid drinks with unknown contents, especially the suspect drinks described in the far northern states.
  • Choose sealed, clearly labelled drinks when you cannot establish what is being served.
  • Keep your drink and belongings with you.
  • Leave a venue if repeated demands for money make you uncomfortable.

What travellers say about Myanmar

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Myanmar?

Money-changing tricks, high transport quotes and persistent souvenir sellers are described. Petty theft is the main crime concern mentioned for visitors, though reported crime levels are described as low. This scam guide does not assess wider travel safety.

How can I avoid being short-changed when exchanging money?

Agree on the exact payout, keep your notes in sight and count the kyat yourself. If anyone handles counted money again, recount it before completing the exchange.

Why should I check dollar notes given as change?

Guesthouses or traders may pass on damaged or hard-to-exchange notes. Check for marks, tears, repairs and wear. Ask for a replacement immediately.

How do I avoid taxi overcharging?

Agree on the total before boarding and check whether it is per person or per car. High opening quotes are described in Naypyidaw. At Mandalay's Highway Bus Station, drivers may pressure arrivals as a group.

What bus tricks should I watch for in Bago?

A seller near San Francisco Hotel may falsely say there is no main bus station and charge twice the normal ticket price. A rickshaw driver may also claim your bus cannot reach the centre. Check with bus staff and stay aboard if you want to continue to the centre.

Can I use baht in Kawthaung without paying extra?

Baht is widely accepted in the town area, but prices can be slightly higher and change may be unavailable. Confirm the total and available change before paying.

Is buying jade in Mandalay risky?

You risk paying too much if you cannot judge jade quality and value. Research first, compare stalls and avoid costly purchases you cannot assess.

What should I do about persistent sellers or beggars?

Decline calmly and keep moving if you do not want to engage. Bargain before buying souvenirs. Leave a venue if repeated requests for money make you uncomfortable.

Are ATM fees or failed withdrawals signs of a scam?

Not by themselves. A 5,000 kyat processing fee and a usual withdrawal limit of 300,000 kyat are listed, but these are not verified current amounts. Your bank may also refuse transactions with some banks in Myanmar. Check with it before travel and carry backup cash.

Are there drinks I should avoid?

Avoid drinks with unclear ingredients. Some drinks served as alcohol in the far northern states are suspected to contain an opiate mixture. If you feel unusually sleepy, confused or unwell after drinking, seek urgent medical help.

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