Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Katako-Kombe, Congo (Kinshasa)

1. Currency Exchange Scam

Avoid exchanging money on the street or with strangers. Use licensed exchange offices for safe transactions.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides. Always book official city tours for reliable information.

Only use registered taxis or public transportation. Be cautious of unmarked vehicles offering rides.

Unregistered Vehicles: Unregistered vehicles can overcharge or take you to unfamiliar areas
Theft During Travel: Thieves may target unmarked vehicles for easy targets
Fraudulent Drivers: Some drivers might insist on round-trip fees or take longer routes

Book hotels through reputable booking platforms or agencies. Avoid accommodations offered by strangers on the street.

Poor Quality: Accommodations offered by strangers may not meet basic standards
Theft During Stay: Strangers can enter your room or steal from you during your stay
Fraudulent Pricing: Accommodations offered by strangers may charge higher prices

Purchase souvenirs from licensed shops or markets. Be wary of overpriced items and fake merchandise.

Fake Merchandise: Fake goods can be easily mistaken for genuine items
Overpriced Items: Items are often overpriced in unlicensed shops or by street vendors
Unfair Deals: Negotiating prices can be challenging with street vendors

Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Skimming Devices: ATMs with skimming devices can steal your card information
Card Retention: ATMs may retain your card after a transaction
Surveillance Cameras: Surveillance cameras can record you entering your PIN

Only donate to established charities or organizations. Be cautious of people asking for money on the street.

Fraudulent Charities: Fraudulent charities may keep your donation
False Appeal: People asking for money might not be affiliated with any charity
Manipulation: Some scammers use emotional manipulation to get your money

Avoid street food unless it is cooked in front of you. Choose restaurants with good reviews.

Unhygienic Preparation: Street food may not be prepared or stored safely
Poisons and Contaminants: Scammers might intentionally poison food to steal from you
Allergic Reactions: Unlabeled street foods can contain allergens that may cause reactions

Buy sim cards from authorized dealers or mobile carrier shops. Be wary of sim cards offered by strangers.

Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized dealers can access your personal information
Expensive Plans: Strangers may sell you overpriced sim cards or plans
Tapped Phones: Sim cards offered by strangers might be tapped for tracking and surveillance

Stay aware of your belongings in crowded places. Keep a close eye on your bags and wallets.

Pickpocketing: Crowded places can make it easy for pickpockets to steal from you
Distractions: Scammers might distract you with a friend or pet while picking your pocket
Theft in Transit: Public transportation can be a hotspot for theft, especially during rush hour

Check your hotel room for any missing items before settling in. Report any discrepancies to the hotel staff.

Missing Items: Hotel rooms might be missing items before your arrival
Planting Evidence: Scammers might plant evidence in your room to extort money from you
Bugged Rooms: Hotel rooms might be bugged for spying on guests

Ask for receipts and check prices before making a purchase. Negotiate if necessary.

Hidden Fees: Businesses may add hidden fees to your final bill
Price Marking Errors: Prices on items might be incorrect or misleading
Overzealous Bargaining: Vendors may insist on higher prices, pushing you to overpay

Ask for the fare before boarding public transportation. Be cautious of drivers who refuse to use a meter.

Meter Refusal: Drivers might refuse to use a meter, insisting on a higher fare
Fare Inflation: Drivers may charge more than the actual fare for the journey
Round-Trip Scam: Drivers might insist on a round-trip fee, even if you only need one-way service

Ask for identification and verify with local authorities before giving any information or money to someone claiming to be a police officer.

Impersonation: Criminals might impersonate police officers to extort money
Threats and Intimidation: Scammers might use threats or intimidation to get your money
Planting Evidence: Scammers might plant evidence on you or plant it in your vehicle

Purchase gold from reputable jewelers. Be wary of gold offered at unusually low prices.

Fake Gold: Scammers might sell fake or low-quality gold
Overpriced Gold: Gold is often overpriced by unlicensed dealers
Weight Discrepancies: The weight of the gold might be less than what you pay for