Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kigali, Rwanda
1. Taxi Moto Scams
Avoid overpriced taxi motorbike rides by agreeing on a price beforehand. Be wary of drivers offering to show you around in exchange for a ride.
- Pre-agreed Price: Agreeing on a price before the ride helps avoid overcharging.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of drivers who approach you unsolicited, as they may try to scam you.
- Know the Area: Familiarize yourself with fair prices and common routes in Kigali to avoid being overcharged.
2. Fake Guides Scams
Avoid 'unofficial' guides at tourist sites who may try to charge exorbitant fees or lead you to less-than-reputable businesses.
- Official Guides: Only hire official, registered tour guides for a hassle-free experience.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unofficial guides who approach you unsolicited, as they may try to scam you.
- Check Credentials: Always ask for credentials and verify them before hiring a guide.
3. Currency Exchange Scams
Be wary of unofficial currency exchangers who may give you counterfeit bills or offer an unfair exchange rate.
- Use Banks or Official Exchange Booths: Exchange your money at banks or official exchange booths for peace of mind.
- Check Bills Carefully: Carefully inspect bills to ensure they are genuine and in good condition.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of people who offer to exchange money for you, as they may try to scam you.
4. Fake Shop Scams
Avoid overpriced or counterfeit goods by shopping at reputable stores and comparing prices with other shops.
- Shop at Reputable Stores: Only shop at well-known, reputable stores to avoid scams.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices with other shops in the area before making a purchase.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of shop owners who approach you unsolicited, as they may try to scam you.
5. ATM Scams
Avoid using ATMs in secluded areas or at night. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
- Use Well-lit, Secure Areas: Always use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas and avoid using them at night.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
- Check Your Statements Regularly: Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
6. Beggar Scams
Avoid giving money to street beggars, as it may encourage further begging and potentially fund criminal activities.
- Donate to Reputable Organizations: Consider donating to reputable organizations that help the homeless and needy instead.
- Avoid Giving Cash: Instead of giving cash, consider buying food or small items for those in need.
- Be Aware of Your Belongings: Beware of people who may try to distract you while another pickpockets you.
7. Sim Card Scams
Avoid buying sim cards from unauthorized sellers. Check that the SIM card is properly registered before use.
- Buy from Authorized Retailers: Only buy sim cards from authorized retailers to avoid scams.
- Check Registration: Always check that the SIM card is properly registered before use.
- Avoid Buying Used Cards: Avoid buying used sim cards, as they may be stolen or unregistered.
8. Overpriced Accommodation Scams
Avoid overpriced hotels by booking in advance and comparing prices online. Be wary of accommodations that seem too good to be true.
- Book in Advance: Book your accommodation in advance to get a fair price.
- Compare Prices Online: Always compare prices online before booking an accommodation.
- Avoid Accommodations That Seem Too Good to be True: Be cautious of accommodations that seem too good to be true, as they may try to scam you.
9. Overpriced Food Scams
Avoid overpriced food by eating at local restaurants and markets. Be wary of restaurants near tourist areas that may charge exorbitant prices.
- Eat at Local Restaurants and Markets: Choose local restaurants and markets for a fair price.
- Avoid Restaurants Near Tourist Areas: Be cautious of restaurants near tourist areas, as they may charge exorbitant prices.
- Compare Prices: Always compare prices with other restaurants before ordering food.
10. Fake Tourist Attractions Scams
Avoid visiting fake tourist attractions by researching ahead of time and only going to official sites. Be wary of tour guides who suggest lesser-known attractions.
- Research Ahead of Time: Always do your research before visiting tourist attractions.
- Only Visit Official Sites: Only visit official tourist sites to avoid scams.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of tour guides who suggest lesser-known attractions, as they may try to scam you.
11. Car Rental Scams
Avoid car rental scams by renting from reputable companies and checking the vehicle for damage before driving off.
- Rent from Reputable Companies: Always rent cars from reputable, well-known car rental companies.
- Check Vehicle for Damage Before Driving Off: Always check the vehicle for damage before driving off to avoid being charged for existing damages.
- Avoid One-Day Rentals: Avoid one-day rentals, as they may be more expensive and potentially involve scams.
12. Friendship Scams
Be wary of overly friendly locals who may try to take advantage of you. Avoid discussing personal details or financial matters with strangers.
- Keep Personal Details Private: Never discuss personal details or financial matters with strangers.
- Avoid Being Alone with Strangers: Always be cautious when alone with strangers, as they may try to scam you.
- Stay in Groups or Public Places: Stay in groups or public places to avoid being targeted by scammers.
13. Fake Charity Scams
Be wary of charity collectors who may not be legitimate. Only donate to well-known charities and do your research beforehand.
- Donate to Well-known Charities: Always donate to reputable, well-known charities.
- Do Your Research Beforehand: Always do your research before making a donation.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of charity collectors who approach you unsolicited, as they may not be legitimate.
14. Fake Police Scams
Avoid fake police officers who may try to extort money or steal your belongings. Always ask for identification and contact your embassy if needed.
- Ask for Identification: Always ask for identification from police officers.
- Contact Your Embassy if Necessary: Contact your embassy if you have doubts about the legitimacy of a police officer.
- Stay Calm and Cautious: Stay calm and cautious when dealing with police officers. If something seems fishy, trust your instincts.
15. Fake Internet Café Scams
Avoid fake internet cafés where computers may be infected with malware. Only use reputable internet cafés and protect your devices.
- Use Reputable Internet Cafés: Only use well-known, reputable internet cafes to avoid scams.
- Protect Your Devices: Always protect your devices by using a VPN and not accessing sensitive information on public computers.
- Check for Malware Before Using Computers: Scan computers before use to avoid potential malware infections.