Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

1. Golden Market Scam Prevention

Avoid overpriced or counterfeit goods by negotiating prices and checking quality before purchasing.

Price Awareness: Know the standard prices for common items in Ouagadougou's market to avoid overpaying.
Quality Inspection: Inspect goods thoroughly before purchasing to ensure they meet your expectations.
Reputable Shops: Shop at reputable stores or with trusted vendors to minimize the risk of scams.

Avoid overcharging by agreeing on a price before starting your journey and ensuring the taxi uses a meter.

Price Negotiation: Negotiate a fair price for your taxi ride based on the distance and current rates.
Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to avoid overcharging, or agree on a fixed price before starting the journey.
Trusted Taxi Services: Use trusted taxi services with good reputations to minimize the risk of scams.

Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Official Exchanges: Use official exchange booths, banks, or authorized exchange offices to minimize the risk of scams.
Check Denominations: Carefully check received bills for any signs of counterfeit money.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when exchanging currency, and keep it as proof of the transaction.

Inspect bills carefully for signs of counterfeit money, such as poor printing quality and inconsistencies.

Print Quality Check: Check the print quality of the bill, as counterfeit money often has uneven or blurry edges.
Watermark Inspection: Inspect the watermark and security thread for authenticity, which are features not found on counterfeit bills.
Security Features Recognition: Recognize and check other security features of Burkinabe currency to avoid receiving counterfeit money.

Avoid unofficial guides by asking for a badge or accreditation from authorized tourist organizations.

Badge or Accreditation Check: Ask your guide to show proof of their accreditation from an official tourist organization.
Official Tourist Organizations: Work with official tourist organizations to ensure you have a licensed and reputable guide.
Price Comparison: Compare prices for tours offered by different guides to avoid overpaying or being scammed.

Avoid booking tours with unlicensed operators and read reviews before making a decision.

Licensed Operator Check: Ensure your tour operator is licensed by the appropriate authorities.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations to choose a reputable tour operator.
Payment Protection: Use payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, when booking tours with operators.

Choose busy and popular street food vendors to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Busy Vendors: Choose street food vendors that are always busy, as this indicates popular food.
Food Hygiene: Look for good food hygiene practices, such as clean preparation areas and gloves.
Cooked Food Only: Avoid vendors offering pre-cooked food that has been left out for a long time.

Use ATMs located at banks or in well-lit and populated areas to avoid theft.

Bank ATMs: Choose ATMs located at banks for increased security.
Safe Locations: Use ATMs in well-lit and populated areas to minimize the risk of theft.
Cover Your Keypad: Cover your keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.

Avoid giving money to beggars, as this can encourage more begging and potential scams.

Charity Organizations: Donate to reputable charity organizations instead of giving directly to beggars.
Caution and Awareness: Stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with high concentrations of beggars.
Gift Giving Over Money: Consider giving small gifts instead of money to help those in need.

Avoid drinking unsealed drinks and stick to reputable bars with good reviews.

Sealed Drinks: Request drinks with sealed bottles or cans, or ensure your drink is not left unattended.
Reputable Bars: Choose reputable bars with good reviews and a positive atmosphere.
Avoid Drinking Alone: Never drink alone, especially in unfamiliar locations, to minimize the risk of scams or accidents.

Research hotels online and read reviews before booking to avoid poor-quality or fraudulent accommodations.

Online Research: Research hotels online, including reading reviews from previous guests.
Reputable Hotel Chains: Choose well-known and reputable hotel chains for peace of mind.
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods when booking your hotel accommodation.

Buy a SIM card from authorized vendors and ensure the service works properly before leaving the store.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase your SIM card from an authorized vendor, such as a mobile operator's retail store.
Proper Functionality Check: Ensure the SIM card works properly before leaving the store and has adequate coverage in the areas you plan to visit.
Data Packages: Choose data packages that suit your needs, considering factors such as cost, speed, and duration.

Appreciate street performers by tipping them fairly while avoiding potential scams.

Fair Tipping: Tip performers a fair amount based on the quality and duration of their performance.
Attention and Appreciation: Show your appreciation by giving attention to the performer and enjoying their act.
Safe Locations: Perform transactions in well-lit and populated areas to minimize the risk of scams or theft.

Be cautious when meeting friendly locals, as they may try to scam you.

Caution and Awareness: Stay cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when interacting with strangers.
Avoid Giving Personal Information: Avoid giving personal information to strangers, such as your hotel address or travel plans.
Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and if something feels off, it probably is. Avoid situations that make you uncomfortable.

Master the art of bargaining to get a fair price for goods and services.

Knowledgeable Negotiation: Research the standard prices for common items before bargaining to know what's fair.
Politeness and Patience: Be polite and patient during negotiations, as this can lead to better outcomes.
Walk Away Option: Be prepared to walk away from a negotiation if the seller refuses to meet your price.