Question 1

What is the "Fake Souvenir Police Inspection" scam in Astana?

Accepted Answer

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists near Bayterek Tower or Mega Silk Way Mall, claiming to conduct a routine inspection of currency or purchased goods for counterfeiting. During the inspection they briefly handle wallets or bags and either pocket cash directly or distract the tourist while an accomplice picks their pockets. Genuine Kazakhstani police officers do not conduct unannounced street currency checks. Ask to see official police identification and insist on walking to the nearest uniformed officer or police station before complying with any inspection request. Real police will not object to this.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Soviet and Kazakhstani Memorabilia" scam in Astana?

Accepted Answer

Street vendors and informal stalls near Bayterek Tower and the National Museum sell Soviet-era pins, medals, and Kazakhstani handicrafts represented as authentic collectibles or antiques. Most items are modern reproductions mass-manufactured in China with artificial aging applied. Prices are quoted in USD and positioned as rare historical pieces to justify markups of five to ten times production cost. Buy souvenirs only from the official gift shops inside Khan Shatyr or the National Museum of Kazakhstan. If purchasing collectibles, ask for a written receipt stating the item is authentic — genuine dealers provide this under Kazakhstani consumer law.

Street Scams in Astana

Fake Souvenir Police Inspection

Counterfeit Soviet and Kazakhstani Memorabilia

Experienced a scam here?