Street Scams in Yangon, Myanmar
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Yangon — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Yangon
How it works
People dressed in monk robes approach tourists at temples and insist on donations of 5,000–10,000 kyat for "temple upkeep." They are persistent and sometimes aggressive. Genuine monks do not solicit tourists for money.
How it works
Street vendors approach tourists claiming to have "authentic jade" or gemstones at unbeatable prices, often positioning themselves as locals helping tourists avoid "overpriced shops." They direct buyers to hidden gem shops where inflated prices are presented as "family business special rates." The gems are often fake or heavily overpriced.
See all scams in Yangon
10 total warnings across all categories