Myanmar Travel Scams

In markets like Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon or jade emporiums in Mandalay, vendors lure tourists with claims of 'rare' jade from Kachin State, offering pieces at inflated prices like 50,000-200,000 kyat for low-quality stones, then pressuring buyers with stories of cultural significance or limited availability, often switching items during transactions.

When paying for goods or services in busy areas like Yangon markets or street food stalls, vendors may give back counterfeit 1,000 or 5,000 kyat notes, claiming they received faulty money from you, exploiting the chaotic exchange environment where tourists handle cash frequently due to limited card acceptance.

In Yangon, especially around Shwedagon Pagoda or the city center, taxi drivers tamper with meters to run faster, charging tourists up to 10,000 kyat for a short ride from the airport to downtown, instead of the standard 5,000-7,000 kyat, by claiming traffic delays or using unmarked cabs.

Near Shwedagon Pagoda, individuals posing as official guides approach tourists, offering 'exclusive' access for 10,000-20,000 kyat, then leading them to overpriced souvenir shops or demanding extra tips, exploiting the site's cultural importance with fabricated historical stories.

In Mandalay's Zegyo Market, vendors start with inflated prices on textiles or handicrafts, like quoting 15,000 kyat for a scarf worth 5,000 kyat, then use aggressive bargaining to make tourists feel they've won a deal, only to add hidden fees for 'packaging' or 'authenticity certificates'.

At Mahamuni Buddha Temple, people dressed as monks or locals insist tourists donate 5,000-10,000 kyat for 'temple upkeep' or personal merit, then follow persistently if refused, leveraging Myanmar's Buddhist culture to guilt-trip visitors.

In Bagan's temple areas, rental shops charge tourists extra fees, like 20,000 kyat for alleged damages on e-bikes rented for 5,000 kyat per day, claiming scratches occurred during rides around sites like Ananda Temple, often withholding deposits until paid.

At Bagan's popular sunrise spots like Shwe-san-daw Pagoda, unofficial guides offer to hold spots or provide 'better views' for free, then demand 5,000-15,000 kyat tips, threatening to block access or create crowds if not paid.