Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
1. Chinggis Khaan International Airport Taxi Scam
Be wary of unofficial taxi drivers at the airport who may overcharge or take a longer route. Use only licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
- Licensed Taxis: Official taxis are easily identified by their logo and license plate.
- Fare Agreement: Avoid any disagreements over fare later by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.
- Longer Routes: Some unofficial taxi drivers may take a longer route to inflate the fare.
2. Square Market Counterfeit Goods Scam
Beware of counterfeit goods being sold at the Square market. Check for authenticity and always negotiate prices.
- Authenticity: Look for branded products with holograms, serial numbers, or other security features.
- Negotiation Prices: Prices in the Square Market are often negotiable. Don't be afraid to haggle and walk away if needed.
- Avoid Unfamiliar Items: Avoid purchasing unfamiliar or unusual items that seem too good to be true.
3. Tour Guide Commission Scam
Be cautious when booking tours as some tour operators may ask for commission from local shops or services. Choose reputable tour companies and research beforehand.
- Reputable Tour Companies: Look for recommendations or reviews from other travelers.
- Research Beforehand: Check the tour company's website, social media, and customer feedback before booking.
- Commission Requests: Avoid guides or tour companies who ask for commissions from local businesses during your trip.
4. ATM Card Skimming Scam
Be cautious when using ATMs. Cover the keypad with your other hand and avoid using ATMs in isolated areas or at night.
- Isolated Areas: ATMs located in well-lit, public areas are generally safer.
- Cover Keypad: Prevent keyloggers and cameras from capturing your PIN by covering the keypad while entering it.
- Avoid ATMs at Night: If possible, avoid using ATMs after dark as they can be targeted more easily.
5. Street Food Poisoning Scam
Avoid eating street food that doesn't look fresh or is being prepared in unsanitary conditions. Stick to established restaurants for dining.
- Fresh Appearance: Look for street food vendors with fresh ingredients and a high turnover of customers.
- Unsanitary Conditions: Avoid vendors who don't wash their hands or use gloves, and whose workspace isn't clean.
- Established Restaurants: For peace of mind, opt for established restaurants that follow food safety regulations.
6. Friendly Scammers in the City
Be wary of overly friendly locals who offer help and then ask for money. Limit interactions with strangers and keep your personal belongings safe.
- Overly Friendly Locals: Friendly locals who offer help out of the blue can often be scammers.
- Personal Belongings: Keep your personal belongings safe and close to you at all times.
- Limit Interactions: Avoid interacting with strangers excessively, especially in secluded areas.
7. Coin Exchange Scam
Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial exchange offices. Use banks or authorized exchange offices for the best rates and security.
- Banks: Exchange your currency at a reputable bank with good reviews.
- Authorized Exchange Offices: Look for exchange offices that are members of financial institutions or have a license to operate.
- Unofficial Exchanges: Avoid unofficial money exchangers as they may offer lower rates or try to scam you.
8. Bogus Police Officer Scam
Be cautious when approached by 'police officers' who demand bribes or ask for your belongings. Always ask to see their ID and contact the embassy if necessary.
- Embassy Contact: Keep your embassy's contact information handy in case of an emergency.
- ID Check: Ask to see the officer's ID and check for signs of authenticity, such as a badge number or police department logo.
- Bribes: Police officers in Mongolia do not accept bribes.
9. Fake Museum Entrance Fee Scam
Be aware of fake museum staff who claim the museum is closed or ask for additional fees. Always pay at the official ticket booth.
- Official Ticket Booth: Pay your entrance fee only at the museum's official ticket booth.
- Closed Museum Scam: If a museum staff member claims the museum is closed, insist on speaking with a supervisor.
- Additional Fees: Additional fees for special exhibits or photography are usually clearly stated and must be paid at the official ticket booth.
10. Shops Overcharging Tourists Scam
Be aware of shops that overcharge tourists for goods. Research prices beforehand and negotiate if necessary.
- Research Prices: Look up the average price of popular items online or ask locals to get an idea of fair pricing.
- Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying multiple items.
- Avoid Isolated Shops: Shops located in tourist areas may overcharge. Try finding shops in local neighborhoods for fairer pricing.
11. Overpriced Accommodations Scam
Be aware of accommodations that overcharge tourists. Research prices beforehand and look for deals or discounts.
- Research Prices: Look up the average price of accommodation online or ask locals to get an idea of fair pricing.
- Deals and Discounts: Book your accommodation during off-peak seasons or look for discount codes online.
- Avoid Tourist Areas: Accommodations in tourist areas may be overpriced. Try finding accommodations in local neighborhoods for fairer pricing.
12. Transportation Ticket Scam
Be aware of transportation ticket scams where passengers are sold fake or overpriced tickets. Buy your tickets at authorized booths or from the driver directly.
- Authorized Booths: Buy your transportation tickets at official booths with clear signage.
- Driver Directly: If buying from the driver directly, ensure they are authorized to sell tickets.
- Overpriced Tickets: Be aware that fake or overpriced tickets may be sold by unauthorized vendors.
13. Fraudulent Tour Bookings Scam
Be cautious when booking tours online as some sites may not deliver on their promises. Research the tour company and read reviews before booking.
- Research Company: Look up the tour company's reputation online and check for reviews from other travelers.
- Official Website Bookings: Book your tours directly through the official website or a reputable travel agency.
- Fraudulent Websites: Be wary of websites that offer significantly lower prices than their competitors.
14. Unlicensed Massage Parlors Scam
Avoid unlicensed massage parlors as they may engage in illegal activities. Look for licensed massage centers and read reviews before booking.
- Licensed Massage Centers: Check if the massage center has a license and is registered with the appropriate authorities.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other customers to ensure a positive experience.
- Avoid Secluded Locations: Stay away from unlicensed massage parlors located in secluded areas or buildings without proper signage.
15. Counterfeit Souvenirs Scam
Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs as some may be counterfeit. Look for quality and research popular items beforehand.
- Quality: Check the details of the item, such as texture, weight, and packaging, to ensure it's genuine.
- Research Popular Items: Look up popular souvenir items online or ask locals for recommendations.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit goods. Opt for established shops or market stalls instead.