Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Asmara, Eritrea

All Topics about Asmara All Cities in Eritrea

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or non-existent taxi services by using reputable companies or negotiating prices upfront.

Know the Fair Price: Research average taxi fares before traveling to avoid being overcharged.
Registered Taxis Only: Only use registered taxis with visible identification for safety and legitimacy.
Avoid Street Hail: Avoid hailing taxis from the street to minimize potential scams.

Exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange centers to avoid being ripped off by street vendors.

Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates between different banks and authorized centers before deciding.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are conducted in a secure environment to prevent theft or fraud.
Official Receipt: Insist on receiving an official receipt for the exchange transaction.

Bargain for souvenirs at markets or shops to avoid overpaying. Be aware of inflated prices near tourist attractions.

Know the Market Price: Research the typical price of souvenirs before visiting the market.
Negotiate Wisely: Master the art of bargaining to get the best possible price.
Shop Around: Visit multiple shops and compare prices before making a purchase.

Hire a licensed guide or use online resources to explore Asmara independently. Be cautious of unsolicited offers for guided tours.

Check Credentials: Ask for a tour guide's license and registration number to verify their legitimacy.
Research Beforehand: Plan your itinerary using reliable travel resources to avoid being guided to scam locations.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Decline unsolicited offers for guided tours and opt for a pre-planned, self-guided exploration.

Choose popular restaurants with good reviews or ask locals for recommendations to avoid poor service or overpriced meals.

Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of restaurants before dining out to ensure a positive experience.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals about popular and safe dining options.
Pay Attention to Prices: Examine the menu prices carefully before ordering to avoid hidden charges or overpriced items.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or agencies to avoid subpar rooms or scams.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of accommodations online before booking to ensure a pleasant stay.
Verify Contact Information: Contact the accommodation provider using their listed information to verify their identity.
Pay Securely: Use secure payment methods when booking accommodations online.

Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers or official kiosks to avoid fraudulent activities.

Official Retailer: Buy sim cards only from recognized telecom providers' official outlets.
Check Coverage Area: Ensure the purchased sim card has coverage in your intended travel areas to avoid connectivity issues.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling sim cards to minimize potential scams.

Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of skimming or theft.

Secure Environment: Choose ATMs situated in safe and secure locations to minimize the likelihood of theft.
Monitor Your Card: Keep your card in sight during transactions to prevent skimming or tampering.
Limit Cash Withdrawals: Withdraw smaller amounts of cash at a time to reduce the amount of cash on hand.

Research legitimate charities before donating and avoid street solicitations to ensure your contributions are used effectively.

Verified Charities: Donate only to registered, recognized charities with a proven track record.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Decline unsolicited requests for donations and opt to donate online instead.
Confirm Use of Funds: Ensure that your donation will be used for the intended purpose before contributing.

Avoid purchasing cultural artifacts without verifying their authenticity and legal status to prevent supporting illegal activities.

Authenticity Verification: Ensure that the artifact is genuinely old, rare, or valuable before purchasing.
Legal Status Confirmation: Check if the artifact can be legally exported from Eritrea to avoid legal issues.
Support Local Artisans: Purchase artifacts directly from local artisans or authorized dealers to support the local economy.

Buy transportation tickets only at authorized ticket booths or stations to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

Official Ticket Booths: Purchase tickets only from designated, official ticket booths or stations.
Check for Holograms: Inspect the ticket for holograms and other security features to verify its authenticity.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling transportation tickets to minimize potential scams.

Book tours through reputable agencies or use online resources to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Check Credentials: Ask for the tour operator's license and registration number to verify their legitimacy.
Research Beforehand: Plan your itinerary using reliable travel resources to avoid being guided to scam locations.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Decline unsolicited offers for tours and opt for a pre-planned, self-guided exploration.

Rent cars only from reputable agencies or check online reviews to avoid damaged vehicles, hidden charges, or fraudulent activities.

Check Reviews: Read online reviews of rental car companies before renting a vehicle.
Verify Condition of the Car: Thoroughly inspect the rental car for damages before driving away to avoid responsibility for pre-existing issues.
Avoid Street Rentals: Rent cars only from recognized agencies to minimize potential scams.

Be cautious of organized begging groups or individuals who may be part of a scam. Opt for donating to legitimate charities instead.

Recognize Common Scams: Learn about common beggar scams in Asmara to avoid falling victim.
Avoid Giving Cash: Avoid giving cash directly to beggars and opt for donating to legitimate charities instead.
Support Local Economy: Consider purchasing goods or services from local businesses as an alternative to giving cash.

Choose trustworthy internet cafes with good reviews or ask locals for recommendations to avoid data theft and poor service.

Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of internet cafes before visiting to ensure a positive experience.
Ask for Recommendations: Seek advice from locals about popular and safe internet cafes in the area.
Secure Connections: Ensure that the internet cafe provides secure, password-protected connections to protect your data.