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Top travel scams in Africa
Tanzanite imitations in Tanzania
5 0How it works: Tanzanite is only mined in Tanzania, and like gold, jewelry and other gemstones, you will probably come across imitations on the streets. Places to beware: Arusha What…
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Ferry ticket scams in Tanzania
5 1How it works: Version 1: touts push you to buy tickets for overcrowded ferries and boats at inflated prices. Version 2: fake night ferry tickets from Dar es Salaam to Stone…
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Sculpture shipping scam in Zimbabwe
5 0How it works: This was perpetuated by an infamous gallery owner Tapiwa Chiadzwa near Victoria Falls who has since been arrested. There are tourists who buy sculptures in the area,…
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Unofficial guide and guard scams in Egypt
5 5How it works: Version 1: unofficial guides will ask to check your ticket, not return it and then proclaim themselves as your guide. You will be brought on a low…
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Helpful guide scam in Morocco
5 9How it works: Situation: due to Morocco’s low minimum wage (100 DH or ~10 USD for 8 hours), many resort to offering unsolicited help and then demanding an inflated tip…
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Pickpockets in Morocco
5 2How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Unofficial guides robbery in South Africa
5 0How it works: Unofficial guides at tourist attractions are a dime a dozen around the world. However, in South Africa, some of these you find at national parks are actually…
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Cheap tours with hidden fees in Egypt
5 2How it works: Opening: advertising cheap tours with hidden fees is a common scam. Set-up: fees could include separate payment for food and drinks or transport at inflated prices. Places…
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Henna women scam in Morocco
5 1How it works: Version 1: henna women apply henna ink onto tourists sneakily. When you realize, they will apologize and offer to do a full henna tattoo. If you agree…
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Black henna tattoos in Tunisia
5 0How it works: Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but…
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Snatch thefts in Tanzania
5 3How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Beach: stealing unattended bags/valuables from tourists who…
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Papyrus scroll museum scam in Egypt
5 0How it works: Opening: your driver recommends and brings you here, or a street tout claiming to be an Egyptologist/head of a Papyrus institute offers to show you how papyrus…
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Animal, costume photo scam in Morocco
5 1How it works: Version 1: at certain squares, you will see locals carrying animals such as snakes, monkeys or baby goats. Once you walk pass, they place the animal on…
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Camel handlers photo scam in Egypt
5 1How it works: Version 1: pushy camel handlers will pressure you to take a photo of them with their camels. A fee is then demanded. Version 2: these camel handlers…
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Bezness romance scam in Tunisia
5 0How it works: Situation: like in Jamaica and Dominican Republic, Tunisia has a reputation as a destination for women looking to find a partner. Opening: many local men want to…
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