Tourist scams to avoid
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Common Tourist Scams in Botswana
Common Tourist Scams in Malawi
Common Tourist Scams in Morocco
Common Tourist Scams in Nigeria
Common Tourist Scams in Namibia
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Common Tourist Scams in South Africa
Common Tourist Scams in Zambia
5 Common Tourist Scams in Zimbabwe
As one of the premier safari and adventure destinations in Africa, a trip to Zimbabwe is not to be missed. Besides marvelling at Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world, you also have other UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mana Pool, Khami Ruins, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Matobo hills!
What’s more, there are gushing rivers, lush mountains, laid-back towns and the Big Five (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard) at the national parks!
However, due to years of economic mismanagement, crime is rife here. Although not targeted at tourists, it still pays to be careful in avoiding the hotspots and dangers of the place.
Read on to find out more!
1. Sculpture shipping scam
How 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, and who have Tapiwa’s company (Southern Africa Gallery) to ship these back to their country.
Obviously, Tapiwa did not do so. Worryingly, there have been reports of some other scam companies following in the same footsteps such as: MEBS Global Logistix Zimbabwe (PTY) LTD; Ship A Lot Freight.
What to do:
If you really want to get some sculptures, check with your hotel / hostel staff on legitimate places to shop at.
2. Aggressive street sellers/beggars
How it works:
Just like anywhere around the world (e.g. Egypt, France, India), around tourist areas such as Victoria Falls, you will find yourself hounded and hassled by many street touts of overpriced, low quality items.
What to do:
Avoid buying, but if you want to, haggle hard.
3. Unofficial Taxis
How it works:
What to do:
4.Pirate taxis
How it works:
In Bulawayo, the police have not been away to sweep the streets clean of unofficial taxis (usually Japanese vehicles such as Toyota Vitz; Honda Fit).
These taxis are usually driven recklessly and have no insurance coverage, and so you may be at risk of injury.
The more malicious ones may simply drive you somewhere secluded and then rob you.
What to do:
Avoid taking these. Instead, use official radio taxis such as Rixi Taxi or taxi booking apps such as GTAXI.
5. Currency exchange scam
How it works:
Similar to the scam in the Czech Republic, if you are approached by someone on the street who wants to change currency with you at a rate more favourable than the bank rate, this is an obvious scam in waiting.
They will count the money out on the table, but will then roll it up under the table as they claim that they do not want the police to see.
What happens of course, is that they will take some notes out of the pile.
What to do:
Only change at official money exchanges, the airport, the bank, or with your hotel reception.
Common Tourist Scams in Cambodia
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Common Tourist Scams in Myanmar
Common Tourist Scams in Malaysia
Common Tourist Scams in Maldives
Common Tourist Scams in Philippines
Common Tourist Scams in Sri Lanka
Common Tourist Scams in Singapore
Common Tourist Scams in South Korea
Common Tourist Scams in Taiwan
Common Tourist Scams in Thailand
Common Tourist Scams in United Arab Emirates
Common Tourist Scams in Vietnam
Common Tourist Scams in Belize
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Common Tourist Scams in El Salvador
Common Tourist Scams in Ecuador
Common Tourist Scams in Guatemala
Common Tourist Scams in Honduras
Common Tourist Scams in Nicaragua
Common Tourist Scams in Panama
Common Tourist Scams in san Andres
Common Tourist Scams in Budapest
Common Tourist Scams in Croatia
Common Tourist Scams in Denmark
Common Tourist Scams in France
Common Tourist Scams in Germany
Common Tourist Scams in Greece
Common Tourist Scams in Ireland
Common Tourist Scams in Iceland
Common Tourist Scams in Portugal
Common Tourist Scams in Poland
Common Tourist Scams in Russia
Common Tourist Scams in Turkey
Common Tourist Scams in United Kingdom
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Common Tourist Scams in Israel
Common Tourist Scams in Mexico
Common Tourist Scams in United States
Common Tourist Scams in Australia
Common Tourist Scams in New Zealand
Common Tourist Scams in Argentina
Common Tourist Scams in Brazil
Common Tourist Scams in Bolivia
Common Tourist Scams in Colombia
Common Tourist Scams in French Guyana
Common Tourist Scams in Guyana
Common Tourist Scams in Paraguay
Common Tourist Scams in Suriname
Ruth’s Lonely Planet 