Tag: Zanzibar
Pickpockets in Tanzania
0 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….
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…
Express kidnappings in Tanzania
3 0How it works: Organized gangs working with unlicensed taxi drivers drive you to ATMs to withdraw cash. You may be held for more than a day if your account has…
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…
Unlicensed taxis in Tanzania
1 0How it works: Version 1: offering a cheap fare first only to demand an inflated fare in the middle (while in a secluded place) or at the end of a…
Taxi scams in Tanzania
2 0How it works: Taxis here do not use meters, hence, they can overcharge you with inflated flat fares. Places to beware: Dar es Salaam Zanzibar What to do: Avoid: taxis…
Overcharging in Tanzania
1 2How it works: Version 1 (overcharging): this can happen in a number of ways and there is no one common scenario. Please refer to the user stories as shared below…
Unofficial luggage porter in Tanzania
2 0How it works: Version 1: at bus stations, unsolicited unofficial luggage porters will grab your luggage/bag, move it a short distance and then ask for an inflated tip. Version 2:…
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…
Shopping scams in Tanzania
1 1How it works: Version 1: product swap – where after paying, different/fewer items or items of inferior quality are wrapped up and given to you instead of the one you…
Fake visa agents in Tanzania
1 0How it works: There are online and offline agents who offer to help you secure a visa extension or a volunteer visa. After you pay however, they disappear. Places to…
Food stall scams in Tanzania
2 0How it works: Scam 1: not labeling or revealing prices, only to quote you an inflated fee at the end. Scam 2: serving less than ordered but charging for the…