Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bujumbura, Burundi

1. Taxi Scam at the Airport

Overcharging or taking a longer route. Avoid by agreeing on price beforehand and using only registered taxis.

Price Negotiation: It's common to haggle prices to get a fair deal.
Registered Taxis: Registered taxis can be identified by their logo and license plate.
Avoiding Sidewalk Hustlers: Sidewalk hustlers might offer cheaper prices but could lead to scams.

Receiving fake Burundian Francs in change. Check your money carefully and only exchange at reliable locations.

Reliable Exchange Locations: Banks and hotels often provide reliable exchange services.
Check Your Change: Always check your change carefully before leaving a store or restaurant.
Counterfeit Detection: Learn how to detect counterfeit money to avoid falling victim to this scam.

Overcharging or leading to tourist traps. Use reputable tour operators and research beforehand.

Reputable Tour Operators: Check reviews online and ask for recommendations from locals.
Research Beforehand: Know the average costs of tours and attractions to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Sidewalk Approaches: Guides who approach you on the street may not be reliable.

Hotels or hostels overcharging for rooms. Research prices beforehand and negotiate.

Research Prices: Use online resources to compare prices of different accommodations.
Negotiate Beforehand: Don't be afraid to negotiate the price before checking in.
Check for Hidden Fees: Some accommodations may charge additional fees, so ask about them beforehand.

Being sold an inactive or overpriced sim card. Buy from authorized dealers.

Authorized Dealers: Buy sim cards from telecom company stores or authorized dealers.
Check Activation: Make sure the sim card is active before leaving the store.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell inactive or overpriced sim cards.

Being offered free drinks and then being asked for money. Stick to established places and pay your own bill.

Established Places: Choose bars and restaurants with good reviews.
Pay Your Own Bill: Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, especially if they insist on paying.
Be Wary of Overly Friendly Locals: Some locals might try to take advantage of your kindness.

Being overcharged for goods at markets. Research prices and negotiate.

Research Prices: Know the average prices of common items before visiting the market.
Negotiate Prices: Don't be afraid to negotiate and haggle for better prices.
Avoid Sidewalk Vendors: Sidewalk vendors may overcharge or sell lower-quality goods.

People asking for donations for charity but keeping the money. Donate only to well-known organizations.

Well-Known Organizations: Research local charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
Avoid Street Approaches: Don't give money to people who approach you on the street asking for charity.
Inquire About Use of Donations: Ask where your donation will go and ensure it will be used effectively.

Skimmers installed on ATMs to steal your card information. Use ATMs in well-lit and busy areas.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: ATMs in banks or shopping centers are less likely to be tampered with.
Cover Your Hand: Place your hand over the keypad when entering your PIN for added security.
Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.

Buying gold that is not pure or overpriced. Research gold dealers and check purity.

Reputable Gold Dealers: Find gold dealers with good reviews and a long-standing reputation.
Check Purity: Gold should be stamped with its purity level and karat value.
Negotiate Prices: Don't accept the first price offered. Bargain for a better deal.

Being overcharged for car rentals. Compare prices and read reviews beforehand.

Compare Prices: Find out the average cost of renting a car in Bujumbura.
Read Reviews: Check reviews from previous customers to ensure quality service.
Inspect the Car: Thoroughly inspect the car before leaving the rental agency.

Being overcharged or boarding an unlicensed ferry. Check for official ferries and negotiate prices.

Official Ferry Services: Look for licensed and reputable ferry services.
Negotiate Prices: Don't accept the first price offered. Bargain for a better deal.
Avoid Unlicensed Ferry Operators: Unlicensed operators may charge more or provide unsafe service.

Being overcharged for souvenirs. Research prices beforehand and negotiate.

Research Prices: Know the average prices of common souvenirs.
Negotiate Prices: Don't accept the first price offered. Bargain for a better deal.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may overcharge or sell lower-quality goods.

Being overcharged for fishing trips. Research prices beforehand and negotiate.

Research Prices: Find out the average cost of a fishing trip on Lake Tanganyika.
Negotiate Prices: Don't accept the first price offered. Bargain for a better deal.
Avoid Unlicensed Operators: Unlicensed operators may charge more or provide unsafe service.

Park rangers asking for additional fees or guides overcharging. Research park regulations and negotiate prices.

Research Park Regulations: Know the official entry fee and rules of the Rusizi National Park.
Negotiate Prices: Don't accept the first price offered. Bargain for a better deal.
Avoid Unofficial Guides: Unofficial guides may not have the necessary knowledge or be authorized to guide in the park.