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Tanzania
23 scams
Many travel to Tanzania to enjoy some of the most beautiful safari reserves in the world, such as the Serengeti national park and the Mount Kilimanjaro national park.
Unfortunately, crime is an issue here, along with a number of tourist targeted scams around tours, shopping and transport.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency: 112
- Traffic Police in Dar es Salaam: +255 22 2111747
Fraudulent tour operators in Tanzania
6 0How it works: Situation: According to the Tanzania Revenue Authority, only 517 formal firm out of 1,401 tour companies complied with the law in 2018. This means there’s a 63%…
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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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Unofficial guides in Tanzania
5 0How it works: Opening: a friendly local offers to show you around or just starts to follow you and points out places of interest along the way. Set-up: even though…
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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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Mbeya Lilongwe fake bus scam in Tanzania
4 0How it works: There is a fake bus scam for those travelling out of Mbeya to Lilongwe in Malawi. At the main bus station in Mbeya, brochure flashing touts will…
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Pickpockets in Tanzania
1 0How 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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Corrupt customs officers in Tanzania
1 0How it works: Version 1: while waiting in line, an immigration officer asks that you put the $100 visa fee in your passport and he will pass it to the…
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Corrupt traffic police in Tanzania
1 0How it works: A corrupt traffic police officer stops you, accuses you of a traffic offence you did not commit (e.g speeding) and demands you pay a fine on the…
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Unlicensed money changers in Tanzania
1 0How it works: Opening: unlicensed money changers and street touts will advertise very favourable rates, but will rip you off via: Version 1: sleight of hand tricks. Version 2: passing…
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