Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pyongyang, P’yŏngyang, Korea, North

All Topics about Pyongyang All Cities in Korea, North

1. Currency Exchange Scam

Watch out for overvalued currency exchange offers at unofficial marketplaces. Always use authorized banks or bureaus.

Unauthorized Exchanges: Exchanges not licensed by the government often give less than the official rate
Unauthorized Locations: Exchanging currency in unofficial locations can lead to trouble with authorities
Lack of Insurance: Money exchanged at unauthorized places is not insured by the government

Avoid 'freelance' guides outside authorized tour groups. Always book through reputable agencies.

Unlicensed Guides: Freelance guides may not have proper knowledge or permission to show certain sites
Potential Fines: Guiding without a license can result in fines for both the guide and the tourist
Language Barrier: Official guides are more likely to have better English language skills

Be wary of cheap, overpriced souvenirs sold at street markets. Buy from official souvenir shops or licensed vendors.

Poor Quality: Counterfeit items are often poor quality and may not last
Lack of Authenticity: Counterfeit items do not come with any official proof of authenticity
Supporting Illicit Markets: Buying counterfeits supports the illegal market, which can harm local artisans

Always insist on using taxis with meters. If a driver refuses, find another one.

Overcharging: Drivers without meters can overcharge tourists
Unfamiliarity with Locations: Taxis without meters may try to take unfamiliar routes for personal gain
Safety Concerns: Taxis without meters can be unregulated and potentially unsafe

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who offer help. They might try to lead you into a scam or extortion situation.

Intentionally Misleading: Friends offering help may intentionally lead you to scams or unsafe areas
Personal Information Theft: Scammers might try to steal your personal information under the guise of friendship
Extortion: Friends can extort money by creating a situation that requires immediate payment

Be wary of shops offering discounted goods. They might be counterfeit or overpriced.

Counterfeit Goods: Discounted goods could be fake and of poor quality
Overpricing: Stores offering discounts might still charge higher prices than regular stores
Lack of Warranty or Returns: Discounted goods often come without a warranty or return policy

Avoid eating street food from unlicensed vendors. Stick to official food stalls and restaurants.

Foodborne Illnesses: Unregulated food can lead to foodborne illnesses
Counterfeit Ingredients: Street vendors might use counterfeit or low-quality ingredients
Poor Hygiene: Unlicensed food vendors may not follow proper hygiene standards

Always book your hotel room through a reputable agency or official channels. Be wary of overpriced offers.

Overcharging: Hotels offering rooms at unusually low prices might be scams
Lack of Amenities: Scam hotels may not have the amenities advertised or promised
Poor Service: Hotels offering low prices might provide poor service and accommodations

Buy your SIM card at an official government store or authorized retailer. Avoid street vendors.

Counterfeit Cards: Street vendors may sell counterfeit or unregistered SIM cards
Personal Information Theft: Purchasing a SIM card from an unauthorized vendor can lead to personal information theft
Lack of Coverage: Unregistered SIM cards may not have proper coverage or service quality

Use ATMs inside banks or at well-known retailers. Avoid isolated or poorly lit machines.

Skimming Devices: Isolated ATMs may have skimming devices installed to steal card information
Card Retention: ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas can retain your card for fraudulent activity
Incorrect Cash Dispensal: ATMs may dispense less cash than indicated on the screen

Avoid buying fish at Fisherman's Street. The fish might be overpriced or of poor quality.

Overpricing: Fish at Fisherman's Street can be overpriced due to tourism
Quality of Fish: The quality of fish might not meet expectations, especially for tourists
Lack of Transparency: Fishmongers at Fisherman's Street may not provide information about the origin and freshness of the fish

Always use official public transportation. Be wary of unmarked or private vehicles.

Theft and Robbery: Unofficial transport can lead to theft, robbery, or other dangerous situations
Overcharging: Private vehicles may charge higher prices than official public transportation
Lack of Safety Measures: Unofficial transport often lacks safety measures, such as seatbelts and emergency exits

Avoid playing games at unlicensed arcades. They might be rigged or overpriced.

Rigged Games: Unlicensed arcades can manipulate games to favor the house
Overpricing: Games at unlicensed arcades may cost more than in official venues
Lack of Customer Support: Unlicensed arcades may not provide customer support or handle disputes fairly

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. They might be unsafe for sensitive data.

Data Theft: Public Wi-Fi networks can intercept and steal your data
Virus Infection: Public Wi-Fi networks can infect your device with viruses or malware
Unencrypted Connections: Public Wi-Fi connections are often unencrypted, making them vulnerable to interception

Always book lodging through a reputable agency or official channels. Avoid door-to-door salespeople offering rooms.

Overcharging: Lodgings offered by door-to-door salespeople may be overpriced
Lack of Amenities: Scam lodgings may not have the amenities advertised or promised
Safety Concerns: Lodgings offered by door-to-door salespeople can be unregulated and potentially unsafe