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Tunisia
19 scams
Despite being the smallest country in Africa, Tunisia has much to offer – white sands, azure seas, teeming bazaars, desert landscapes and ancient cities to explore!
However, there are some tourist targeted scams (with some lasting more than 20 years!) to watch out for here.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 197
- Ambulance: 190
- Fire: 198
- National guard (when in rural areas): 193
Travel resources
Horse carriage ride scam in Tunisia
4 0How it works: Initially, a “special” price is offered. At the end however, the driver tells you that the special price is only for you, while there is another inflated…
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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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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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Familiar face scam in Tunisia
5 0How it works: Opening (one of the oldest scams in Tunisia): Scammers will approach taxis which drop off passengers to ask the driver from which hotel he picked you up…
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Beach fruit seller scam in Tunisia
4 0How it works: A fruit seller approaches you uninvited, sits beside you, starts peeling fruits (e.g. bananas) and then forces them into your hands. Even if you were to decline,…
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Unofficial guides in Tunisia
2 0How it works: Opening: as you walk near tourist attractions or near medinas, a local will latch on to you and try to give you directions (claiming a path is…
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Unofficial baggage porter in Tunisia
1 0How it works: While at the airport, an official looking porter grabs your bags and helps you carry it over a short distance. An inflated tip is then demanded. Places…
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The lizard beach photo scam in Tunisia
1 0How it works: At Yasmin Hammemet, you may see a guy carrying a lizard on his head or shoulder. He will use the lizard as a bait to target your…
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Corrupt traffic police in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Unfortunately, you may encounter corrupt traffic police officers here. For instance, the video below shows a Tunisian Police Officer threatening to confiscate the victims’ vehicle if they…
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Restaurant, bar scams in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: serving items…
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Street money exchange scam in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Opening: a local approaches claiming that another tourist gave him a one Euro tip. However, as it is too small, he can’t change it with the money…
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Fake beggars, sob story scammers in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Version 1: kids will tell you they need money to go to school. Version 2: at markets/squares/medinas, there will be all kinds of fake beggars, even fake…
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Forgot my key scam in Tunisia
1 0How it works: If you live in an apartment, be wary of local men who ring your doorbell claiming that they have accidentally locked themselves out. They then ask you…
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Snatch thefts in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, medina, market, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or…
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Free flower scam in Tunisia
1 0How it works: Version 1: a tout offers you flowers, seemingly for free, but if you accept it, a fee will be demanded. Version 2: besides flowers, it could be…
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