General
Pyongyang
Kaesong
Samjiyon
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Guided Tour Pressures

Forced Souvenir Purchases

common

Tour groups organized by state agencies like Koryo Tours often include mandatory stops at government-run shops in Pyongyang or en route, where guides pressure tourists to buy overpriced items such as propaganda posters or local crafts; for example, a simple Kim Il-sung pin might be sold for 10 EUR (equivalent to about 9,000 KPW) despite its production cost being much lower, with guides earning commissions that inflate prices.

How to Avoid This Scam
  • Confirm tour itineraries in advance to identify shopping stops and opt for no-shopping options if available
  • Use only foreign currency like EUR or USD as required, and negotiate politely while noting that bartering is rarely effective due to state control
  • Keep a budget for expected extras, as refusing purchases might lead to subtle tour delays, and always request receipts in KPW for record-keeping

Unfavorable Currency Exchange

occasional

At hotels or exchange points in major cities, tourists are coerced into exchanging money at rates worse than official ones, such as receiving only 850 KPW per USD instead of the black market rate of around 8,000 KPW per USD, often justified as 'tourist rates' to fund state programs.

How to Avoid This Scam
  • Exchange minimal currency upon arrival and rely on credit cards where possible, though ATMs are scarce
  • Avoid on-the-spot exchanges by pre-arranging with your tour operator, and be aware that carrying foreign currency is mandatory for most transactions
  • Report discrepancies to your guide, as escalating to tour agencies can sometimes resolve issues, though options are limited