Question 1

What is the "Gem Store Referral Commission Scam" scam in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Taxi drivers and hotel staff refer tourists to gem and pashmina shops, claiming they are the best or most authentic in Kathmandu. The referral earns a large commission, and tourists pay inflated prices. Pashminas sold as 100% cashmere often contain a large percentage of synthetic fibre. Test pashminas with a burn test — genuine cashmere smells like burning hair and leaves a crushable ash, while synthetic fibres smell like burning plastic. Buy from shops with third-party fabric certification. Decline any recommendation from a driver or hotel that earns a referral fee.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Monastery Donation Collection" scam in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

In Thamel and near Boudhanath, individuals approach tourists claiming to represent a monastery or orphanage and request donations for building repairs, education, or disaster recovery. The organisations are fictitious and funds go entirely to the collector. Do not donate to individuals collecting on the street for institutions, no matter how legitimate the paperwork looks. If you want to support a Nepali monastery or school, research registered charities independently and donate directly through verifiable bank channels.

Question 3

What is the "Free Map with Obligatory Shop Visit" scam in Kathmandu?

Accepted Answer

Shopkeepers in Thamel offer tourists a free city map or give unsolicited directions, then walk alongside them to their trekking shop for an obligatory visit. Once inside, tourists face heavy pressure to buy equipment and feel socially obligated given the apparent kindness. Download offline maps on Maps.me or Google Maps before exploring Thamel. Decline to follow anyone who offers to show you to a shop after a small act of assistance. You can always thank them and walk away independently.

Street Scams in Kathmandu

Gem Store Referral Commission Scam

Fake Monastery Donation Collection

Free Map with Obligatory Shop Visit

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