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Zimbabwe
9 scams
Note: you may encounter blackouts due to the Kariba Dam drying up which has led to severe electricity shortage. Tropical Cyclone Idai in March 2019 has also caused parts of Eastern Zimbabwe to be impassable (e.g. floods, mudslides).
Besides the majestic Victoria Falls, there are also UNESCO World Heritage Sitesand the Big Five (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard) to see in Zimbabwe!
Zimbabwe also has one of the lowest crime rates in Africa. That said, there are some tourist targeted scams to be wary of.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies: 999
- Fire, ambulance: 993
- Police: 995
Sculpture shipping scam in Zimbabwe
4 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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Carjacking in Zimbabwe
3 0How it works: Version 1: throwing a hard object (e.g. stone) at your car to shock you and get you to come out. Once you step out, you will be…
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Unlicensed taxis in Zimbabwe
3 0How it works: There are many unlicensed taxis (usually as Toyota Vitz and Honda Fit) which drive recklessly and do not have insurance coverage. Further, you can be overcharged or…
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Money changer scam in Zimbabwe
2 2How it works: A street tout offers to exchange currency with you at a favourable rate. He will count the money out on the table, but then roll it up…
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Pickpockets in Zimbabwe
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 traffic police in Zimbabwe
1 0How it works: At a traffic checkpoint, you are accused of a traffic offence which you did not commit (e.g. speeding). A fine to be paid on the spot is…
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Credit card skimming in Zimbabwe
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Secret filming and selling in Zimbabwe
1 0How it works: It was reported that corrupt resort/lodge staff have installed hidden cameras to capture guests in intimate moments and then sell this footage. The masterminds of this scam…
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Snatch thefts in Zimbabwe
1 0How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Car/taxi: smashing your window and snatching your valuables at traffic lights or in crowded traffic. ATM: snatching…
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