Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sunch’ŏn, P’yŏngnam, Korea, North
1. Taxi Scams
Some taxis in Sunch'ŏn may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid this by using registered taxi services and agreeing on the fare before starting the journey.
- Registered Taxi Services: Official taxis can be identified by their logo and registration number
- Agreeing on Fare Beforehand: Avoid misunderstandings about charges by setting the fare before starting your journey
- Staying Aware of Long Routes: Certain taxis may take longer routes to increase fares; always check the shortest route on a map beforehand.
2. Counterfeit Currency
Be cautious when receiving change as some counterfeit currency circulates in Sunch'ŏn. Examine bills carefully and only exchange money at trusted locations.
- Trusted Exchange Locations: Banks, hotels, and reputable exchange centers are safer for exchanging currency
- Examining Bills Carefully: Counterfeit bills may have imperfections; check the security features carefully.
- Knowledge of Local Currency: Familiarize yourself with the appearance and security features of North Korean won.
3. Overpriced Souvenirs
Some souvenir shops in Sunch'ŏn may charge tourists excessively. Look for local shops or compare prices at multiple stores.
- Local Shops: Local shops often offer more affordable prices than tourist-targeted establishments
- Comparison Shopping: Don't buy souvenirs without comparing prices at several stores.
- Haggling Skills: Negotiating prices can help you find a fair deal; be polite and persistent.
4. Tour Guide Scams
Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services in Sunch'ŏn. Only use registered and licensed tour guides for a safe and reliable experience.
- Registered Tour Guides: Ask your hotel or local tourist office to recommend a licensed guide.
- Checking Credentials: Legitimate tour guides will have a government-issued license and identification.
- Researching Tour Routes: Inspect tour routes beforehand to ensure they cover your points of interest.
5. Fraudulent Accommodation Offers
Some accommodations in Sunch'ŏn may offer subpar services or not exist at all. Book your stay with reputable hotels or guest houses.
- Reputable Hotels and Guest Houses: Research accommodation options online and check reviews to find safe and reliable places to stay.
- Avoiding Private Rentals: Private rentals may be fraudulent or subpar; opt for established accommodations instead.
- Booking in Advance: Ensure you have a confirmed reservation before arriving to avoid any surprises.
6. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors in Sunch'ŏn may use expired or contaminated ingredients. Only eat from clean and busy vendors.
- Clean Vendors: Avoid street food vendors with poor hygiene practices; look for a clean workspace.
- Busy Vendors: Popular street food vendors are usually reliable as they have regular customers.
- Avoiding Unusual Offers: Be wary of street foods that seem too good to be true or offer exotic, unfamiliar items.
7. Unfair Bargaining
Some vendors in Sunch'ŏn may try to overcharge tourists. Negotiate prices confidently and know the market value of items.
- Market Value Knowledge: Research the average prices for common items before your trip.
- Negotiating Skills: Be firm but polite when negotiating prices to avoid being overcharged.
- Avoiding Pushy Salespeople: If a vendor is being pushy or aggressive, consider walking away to find another seller.
8. Credit Card Fraud
Using credit cards in Sunch'ŏn may put you at risk for fraud. Use cash or traveler's checks whenever possible.
- Cash and Traveler's Checks: These payment methods are less likely to be targeted by scammers.
- Secure Transactions: If using a credit card, ensure the transaction is secure and don't share your PIN or card details.
- Emergency Contacts: Inform your bank about your travel plans to ease any potential issues with fraudulent transactions.
9. ATM Scams
Some ATMs in Sunch'ŏn may be tampered with or skim data from your card. Use only secure and well-maintained machines.
- Secure Machines: ATMs inside banks or hotels are generally safer.
- Covering the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect your information.
- Monitoring Your Account: Regularly check your account transactions for any unusual activity.
10. Exchange Rate Rip-offs
Some currency exchange outlets in Sunch'ŏn may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Research the market rate and negotiate with multiple vendors.
- Market Exchange Rate Knowledge: Know the average exchange rate for your currency.
- Comparison Shopping: Don't accept the first offer; compare rates at multiple exchange outlets.
- Security Precautions: Exchange money only in secure locations and avoid exchanging large amounts at once.
11. Ticket Scams
Some ticket sellers in Sunch'ŏn may offer fake or overpriced tickets. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors only.
- Authorized Vendors: Look for authorized ticket vendors at venues or online through reliable sources.
- Avoiding Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell fake or overpriced tickets; avoid buying from them.
- Checking Ticket Validity: Inspect your ticket for any signs of tampering before using it.
12. Fake Charity Collectors
Some people in Sunch'ŏn may pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers. Donate only to reputable charities.
- Reputable Charities: Research local charities before donating; ask your hotel or embassy for recommendations.
- Avoiding Street Collectors: Street collectors may be fraudulent; consider donating through official channels instead.
- Checking Authenticity: Look for identification or documentation from the charity to verify their authenticity.
13. Misleading Maps and Directions
Some maps or directions in Sunch'ŏn may lead you to areas with scams. Use reliable sources for navigation.
- Reliable Navigation Sources: Official tourist maps, GPS devices, and online mapping services are trustworthy.
- Avoiding Strangers Offering Directions: Strangers may lead you astray; rely on your navigation tools instead.
- Staying Alert and Aware: Trust your instincts and remain vigilant for any suspicious activity or directions.
14. Internet Café Scams
Some internet cafés in Sunch'ŏn may install keyloggers or spyware on computers. Use trusted, secure Wi-Fi connections instead.
- Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Use hotels, cafes, or reputable internet providers for Wi-Fi.
- Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software on your devices to protect against potential threats.
- Avoiding Suspicious Activity: Avoid accessing sensitive information or financial transactions on public computers.
15. Telephone Scams
Some telephone calls in Sunch'ŏn may be scam artists seeking personal or financial information. Hang up immediately and do not engage.
- Ignoring Unsolicited Calls: Do not answer calls from unknown numbers or provide any information.
- Secure Communication Channels: Use encrypted messaging apps or secure email services for sensitive conversations.
- Reporting Scams: Report any suspicious calls to your embassy or local authorities.