Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Rangoon, Burma

1. Gold Street Scam Avoidance

Avoid fake jewelry stores selling overpriced or fake gold, by researching prices beforehand and only buying from reputable dealers.

Knowledge is Power: Understanding the average price range for gold items helps in spotting potential scams.
Reputable Dealers: Stick to established, well-known jewelry stores to minimize risk.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Scam shops often operate in less crowded or isolated areas.

Avoid exchanging money at street vendors; instead, use banks or authorized exchange centers for competitive rates.

Authorized Centers: Exchange centers with proper licensing and regulations are less likely to scam customers.
Check Exchange Rates: Research the current exchange rate before visiting any center to avoid being cheated.
Secure Environment: Choose secure locations, such as banks or malls, for currency exchanges.

Avoid taxis without meters; instead, use official taxi services or app-based ride-sharing services for fair pricing.

Official Taxis: Recognize officially branded taxis with clear markings and meters.
App-based Services: Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Grab to ensure fair pricing and driver safety ratings.
Avoid Roaming Taxis: Scam drivers often roam tourist areas looking for unwary travelers.

Avoid donation requests from 'monks' in temples; instead, donate directly to temple funds or monasteries.

Donate Directly: Look for official collection boxes or contact temple staff to make donations.
Avoid Unsolicited 'Monks': Scam artists may pose as monks to gain trust and then ask for money.
Educate Yourself: Research local customs regarding donations before visiting temples.

Avoid unofficial tour guides; instead, book tours through reputable travel agencies or hotels.

Reputable Agencies: Choose established, well-known tour companies with positive reviews.
Avoid Unsolicited Guides: Scam guides may approach you in tourist areas offering tours at reduced prices.
Check Tour Prices: Research average tour costs to avoid overpaying for poor quality services.

Avoid street food vendors with unhygienic conditions or unusual crowds; instead, opt for busy restaurants serving popular dishes.

Busy Restaurants: Choose restaurants where locals eat and the food turns over quickly.
Hygienic Conditions: Look for clean cooking areas, gloves, and covered dishes to ensure safety.
Avoid Overcrowded Vendors: Scam artists may serve undercooked or contaminated food at overly crowded vendors.

Avoid tuk-tuks without meters; instead, negotiate prices before starting the ride and agree on a fixed rate.

Fixed Rates: Negotiate prices before starting the ride to avoid surprise charges.
Avoid Tuk-Tuks Without Meters: Legitimate tuk-tuks will have meters to calculate fares accurately.
Stick to Main Roads: Scam drivers may take longer routes or stop at shops where they receive commissions.

Avoid using money transfer services in internet cafes; instead, use banks or reputable money transfer companies.

Reputable Companies: Choose well-known and licensed money transfer providers.
Secure Environment: Transfer money in secure locations such as banks or authorized money transfer centers.
Check Transfer Fees: Research the average transfer fees to avoid overpaying.

Avoid street vendors selling sim cards; instead, buy them from authorized mobile operator shops.

Authorized Shops: Look for official mobile operator stores to purchase sim cards.
Check Sim Card Prices: Research the current price range for sim cards before purchasing.
Avoid Unsolicited Salespeople: Scam artists may approach you offering cheap or fake sim cards.

Avoid using ATMs with card readers protruding from the machine; instead, use ATMs inside banks or busy locations.

Inside Banks or Busy Locations: Choose ATMs located in secure areas with good lighting and surveillance cameras.
Check Card Reader Conditions: Inspect the ATM for any unusual attachments or alterations.
Limit Daily Withdrawals: Withdraw smaller amounts of money at once to minimize potential loss in case of a scam.

Avoid participating in street lotteries or receiving unsolicited lottery tickets; they are likely scams.

Ignore Street Lotteries: Street lotteries are often rigged and can lead to loss of money.
Avoid Unsolicited Tickets: Scam artists may offer you lottery tickets or promise large winnings for a small fee.
Legitimate Lotteries: Participate in official, government-run lotteries only.

Avoid overpriced items by researching local market prices beforehand and negotiating with vendors.

Knowledge is Power: Research average prices for various goods to avoid being overcharged.
Negotiate Prices: Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when purchasing multiple items.
Avoid Isolated Shops: Scam artists may overcharge in isolated or less busy market areas.

Be wary of individuals posing as tourist police; instead, approach legitimate tourist assistance centers for help.

Tourist Assistance Centers: Locate official tourist information centers to seek help.
Check Uniforms and IDs: Legitimate tourist police officers will have proper uniforms, identification, and badges.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Scam artists may pose as tourist police in isolated areas to lure travelers into scams.

Avoid donating money or items to individuals claiming to be collecting for charity; instead, donate directly to recognized charities.

Recognized Charities: Research local charities and donate directly through their official channels.
Avoid Soliciting Individuals: Scam artists may pose as charity collectors to gain your trust and then ask for money or items.
Educate Yourself: Research local charitable organizations and their causes before traveling.

Avoid hotel representatives offering cheaper rooms outside the main hotel; instead, book directly through the hotel or reputable travel sites.

Book Directly: Book your accommodation through the hotel's official website or a trusted travel site.
Avoid Off-site Representatives: Scam artists may pose as hotel representatives to offer cheaper rooms outside the main hotel.
Check Room Prices: Research average room prices for your chosen hotel to avoid being scammed.