Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana

All Topics about Accra All Cities in Ghana

1. Taxi Meters Scam

Drivers may manipulate or refuse to use taxi meters. Avoid overpricing by agreeing on a fare beforehand.

Agreement Before Ride: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Legitimate Taxis: Choose reputable taxi services or those with operational meters.
Negotiating Skills: Bargain fairly and know the standard rates for your destination.

Exchange rates may be inflated or counterfeit money given. Use licensed forex bureaus for safe transactions.

Licensed Forex Bureaus: Always exchange currency at licensed forex bureaus.
Check Money Quality: Inspect the quality of received notes for authenticity.
Negotiate Beforehand: Negotiate exchange rates before initiating a transaction.

Unscrupulous vendors may sell fake SIM cards or overcharge for services. Buy SIM cards from authorized outlets.

Authorized Outlets: Always buy your SIM card from an official vendor.
Check Network Coverage: Ensure the purchased SIM card has adequate network coverage in your travel areas.
Activation Fees: Be aware of activation fees, top-up costs and other associated charges.

Restaurants may use expired food or poor hygiene practices. Eat at reputable eateries and avoid street food.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-known restaurants with good reviews and proper food handling.
Cooking Practices: Ensure cooked food is thoroughly heated and served hot.
Food Preservation: Avoid eating food that appears to have been left out for extended periods.

Hotels may overbook rooms and offer alternative lodging in substandard facilities. Book hotels with a reputable agency.

Reputable Agencies: Book your hotel through trusted agencies or websites.
Room Inspection: Inspect the room for cleanliness and safety before accepting it.
Hotel Ratings: Choose hotels with good ratings based on reviews from previous guests.

Guides may direct you to overpriced shops or mislead you about attractions. Research and choose reputable guides.

Reputable Guides: Choose guides with good reviews, licenses, and recommendations.
Tour Costs: Negotiate tour costs beforehand and be wary of excessive prices.
Attractions Research: Research the attractions you want to visit and ask guides about them during selection.

Shopping malls may offer counterfeit goods or overpriced items. Stick to known, reputable shopping centers.

Reputable Malls: Avoid small, obscure shopping centers and opt for larger, well-known ones.
Item Quality: Inspect items for quality before purchasing, and haggle for lower prices if necessary.
Brand Authenticity: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or branded goods with poor quality.

Skimming devices may be installed on ATMs, capturing your card data. Use ATMs in secure locations and monitor your account regularly.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located inside banks or well-trafficked areas.
Cover your Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Hotel staff may steal valuables from guest rooms. Use hotel safes or keep valuables on your person.

Hotel Safes: Use the provided hotel safe for valuable items.
Keep Valuables Close: Carry important items on your person, such as passports or credit cards.
Lock your Room: Always lock your room when leaving and at night.

Thieves may target travelers on public transportation. Avoid showing valuables, keep a close watch on bags, and use express bus services.

Express Buses: Use express bus services with limited stops to reduce exposure.
Hidden Wallets: Store wallets in front pockets or use a pickpocket-proof bag.
Awareness and Vigilance: Remain aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Street performers may demand payment after a performance. Politely decline if you're not interested.

Avoid eye contact: Ignore street performers to avoid being targeted.
Offer politely: If you choose to contribute, offer a small amount politely and without expectation of performance.
Move quickly: Walk away if the performer becomes aggressive or confrontational.

Rental cars may have hidden damage or inflated prices. Thoroughly inspect the car and negotiate prices.

Inspection Before Use: Inspect the rental car before using it, taking photos for proof.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices and terms upfront, including any additional fees or insurance costs.
Reputable Rental Companies: Choose reputable car rental companies with good reviews.

Fake beggars may target tourists for donations. Ignore them or provide small change when appropriate.

Small Change: Give only small change if you choose to help.
Ignore Indirectly: Avoid eye contact and ignore beggars to avoid encouragement.
Safety First: Stay safe by not getting too close or engaging in confrontations with beggars.

Counterfeit or overpriced gold may be sold at markets. Only buy from licensed dealers and verify gold purity.

Licensed Dealers: Purchase gold only from licensed dealers with proper credentials.
Gold Purity Verification: Verify the gold purity using a testing kit or a reputable jeweler's assistance.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices based on current market rates and quality of gold.

Sellers may offer low-quality items or demand excessive prices during bartering. Research item values and set fair prices.

Research Item Values: Research the value of items you want to buy or sell beforehand.
Set Fair Prices: Be aware of fair market prices and set realistic trade values.
Reputable Market Vendors: Choose reputable vendors with good reviews for better trading experiences.