Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma
1. Gold Shop Scams
Avoid overpriced or fake gold jewelry sold by unofficial shops. Stick to authorized stores with Burma Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association membership.
- Official Store: Buy from authorized shops only.
- Price Checking: Always compare prices with other authorized stores.
- Avoid Unofficial Shops: Never purchase from unlicensed vendors.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Taxis may overcharge tourists by exploiting unfamiliarity with local rates. Use official taxis or apps like Oway.
- Official Taxis: Choose authorized taxis only.
- Price Comparison: Always compare taxi prices with other passengers or apps.
- Use Apps: Opt for taxi services from trusted apps like Oway.
3. Currency Exchange Scams
Beware of unfavorable exchange rates at unofficial money changers. Stick to banks or authorized shops.
- Bank Exchange: Exchange currency at authorized banks.
- Avoid Unofficial Changers: Never use unlicensed money changers.
- Compare Rates: Always compare exchange rates at different banks or authorized shops.
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Some tour guides may lead you to overpriced stores or misguide you. Research and choose trustworthy guides from reliable sources.
- Reliable Source: Choose a guide from a reputable agency.
- Read Reviews: Always read reviews before hiring a tour guide.
- Avoid Street Guides: Never accept offers from street guides or unlicensed vendors.
5. Fake Temples and Pagodas
Some temples may charge exorbitant fees for entry. Research the actual entrance fee for popular pagodas like Shwedagon Pagoda.
- Research Entrance Fees: Always know the standard entrance fee before visiting a temple or pagoda.
- Avoid Unofficial Temples: Never visit unauthorized temples or pagodas.
- Beware of Overpriced Offers: Reject any offers for additional fees inside the temple or pagoda.
6. Scams at Local Markets
Local markets may offer cheap but low-quality items or overpriced goods. Research popular markets and haggle for better prices.
- Research Popular Markets: Always visit well-known markets.
- Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices with vendors for better deals.
- Check Quality: Always inspect items before purchasing.
7. Sim Card Scams
Some mobile operators may provide poor service or overcharge for sim cards. Stick to reputable providers like MPT.
- Reputable Provider: Choose a well-known and trusted mobile operator.
- Compare Prices: Always compare sim card prices with other providers.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Never buy a sim card from street vendors or unlicensed shops.
8. Restaurant Overcharging
Restaurants may overcharge tourists by serving small portions or using low-quality ingredients. Research popular restaurants and ask for recommendations.
- Research Popular Restaurants: Always read reviews before dining at a restaurant.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals or your hotel staff.
- Check Portions and Quality: Inspect your meal before consuming to ensure you are not overcharged.
9. Fake Local Friends Scams
Be wary of locals offering friendship or help, who later ask for money. Keep interactions professional and don't share personal details.
- Keep Interactions Professional: Limit personal information shared with strangers.
- Avoid Financial Requests: Refuse any requests for money from locals you recently met.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be cautious and aware when interacting with strangers.
10. Fraudulent Money Transfers
Watch out for fake money transfer services offering high exchange rates. Use banks or reputable transfer services like Western Union.
- Reputable Transfer Service: Use well-known and trusted money transfer services.
- Compare Exchange Rates: Always compare exchange rates with other transfer services or banks.
- Avoid Street Transfer Services: Never use unlicensed money transfer services or street vendors.
11. Bogus Tour Packages
Tour packages may include visits to overpriced attractions. Research and book through reliable tour operators.
- Reliable Tour Operator: Choose a reputable and trustworthy tour operator.
- Research Inclusions: Always know what is included in the tour package before booking.
- Avoid Street Offers: Never accept tour offers from street vendors or unlicensed operators.
12. Counterfeit Merchandise
Avoid purchasing counterfeit items at markets or shops. Look for official shops or licensed vendors.
- Official Shops: Buy from authorized and legitimate shops.
- Check for Quality: Inspect the items before purchase to ensure they are genuine.
- Avoid Unlicensed Vendors: Never buy from unauthorized or unlicensed vendors.
13. ATM Card Skimming
Some ATMs may be equipped with skimmers to steal card information. Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit and busy areas.
- Inside Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located within bank premises.
- Well-Lit Areas: Always choose an ATM in a well-lit and busy location.
- Check for Skimmers: Inspect the ATM for any suspicious devices before using it.
14. Hotel Overbooking Scams
Some hotels may overbook rooms and offer lower-quality alternatives. Book through reputable sources like hotel websites or reliable travel agencies.
- Reputable Source: Always book your hotel room from a trusted source.
- Read Reviews: Always read reviews before booking a hotel room.
- Check Hotel Policies: Ensure the hotel has clear cancellation policies and understands overbooking issues.
15. Street Food Contamination
Street food may be contaminated or undercooked. Choose popular and busy street food stalls with good hygiene practices.
- Popular Street Food Stalls: Always choose well-known and crowded street food vendors.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Look for street food stalls with good hygiene practices, such as clean utensils and gloves.
- Avoid Unattended Stalls: Never purchase food from unattended or suspicious-looking street food vendors.