Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

All Topics about Abidjan All Cities in Côte d’Ivoire

1. Marché des Fleshes Market

A bustling market known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods. Be wary of overpricing or pickpocketing.

Vibrant Atmosphere: The lively environment can be both exciting and overwhelming, making it easier for scammers to blend in.
Wide Variety of Goods: The array of goods may tempt you to let your guard down, increasing the risk of overpricing or fake items.
Crowded Spaces: The crowded nature of the market can make it difficult to spot potential scammers.

A popular hangout spot offering stunning views of the city. Be careful when using ATMs or exchanging money.

Stunning Views: The breathtaking scenery can distract you, making it easier to miss potential scammers.
ATMs in Public Places: ATMs in public places are often targeted by thieves and card skimmers.
Money Exchange Shops: Unregulated money exchange shops may offer poor rates or exchange counterfeit currency.

A symbol of peace and unity in Abidjan. Be aware of people offering guided tours or selling souvenirs at inflated prices.

Symbolic Landmark: The historical significance of the landmark can attract scammers looking to capitalize on tourists' emotions.
Unregulated Guides: Many unlicensed guides may offer their services at the site, sometimes charging exorbitant prices.
Inflated Souvenir Prices: Sellers around popular landmarks often mark up souvenir prices significantly.

The largest market in West Africa. Be cautious when negotiating prices and dealing with unfamiliar currency.

Size of the Market: The vast size of the market can make it easy to get lost, increasing the risk of encountering scammers.
Negotiating Prices: Bargaining is common in the market, but some sellers may take advantage of unfamiliar tourists.
Unfamiliar Currency: The use of local currency can be confusing for visitors, making it easier to make errors or fall victim to scams.

A beautiful beach popular with locals and tourists. Be careful when renting equipment or using beach services.

Popular Beach Destination: The popularity of the beach attracts scammers looking to take advantage of visitors.
Renting Equipment: Equipment rentals may come with hidden charges or poor-quality items.
Beach Services: Services such as umbrella rentals or food vendors may charge inflated prices.

A nature reserve offering a glimpse into Côte d'Ivoire's wildlife. Be vigilant when hiking or camping.

Wildlife Encounters: Encountering wild animals can be exciting, but it also increases the risk of accidents or scams.
Hiking Trails: Hiking trails may have hidden dangers or be misleading, putting you at risk.
Camping Sites: Unregulated camping sites can attract scammers looking to take advantage of tourists.

A major thoroughfare in Abidjan with many shops and restaurants. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi or exchanging money.

Busy Commercial Street: The busy nature of the street can make it easy for scammers to blend in.
Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be unsecured, putting your data at risk.
Money Exchange Shops: Unregulated money exchange shops may offer poor rates or exchange counterfeit currency.

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Côte d'Ivoire. Be aware of people offering unofficial guided tours.

Historical Museum: The historical significance of the museum can attract scammers looking to capitalize on tourists' interest.
Unofficial Guided Tours: Many unlicensed guides may offer their services at the museum, sometimes charging exorbitant prices.
Pickpocketing: The museum's busy atmosphere can make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.

A dance center offering performances and classes. Be cautious when booking tickets or attending events.

Live Performances: The excitement of live performances can make it easy to overlook potential scams.
Ticket Scams: Tickets may be overpriced or counterfeit, so it's important to verify their authenticity.
Unregulated Classes: Many unlicensed dance classes may charge excessive fees or provide poor instruction.

A conference center hosting events and exhibitions. Be wary of ticket scams and pickpocketing.

Conference Events: The excitement of events can make it easy to overlook potential scams.
Ticket Scams: Tickets may be overpriced or counterfeit, so it's important to verify their authenticity.
Pickpocketing: The conference center's busy atmosphere can make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.

A cultural center offering events and exhibitions. Be cautious when booking tickets or attending events.

Cultural Events: The excitement of cultural events can make it easy to overlook potential scams.
Ticket Scams: Tickets may be overpriced or counterfeit, so it's important to verify their authenticity.
Unregulated Classes: Many unlicensed classes may charge excessive fees or provide poor instruction.

A popular park with a golf course and restaurant. Be cautious when using ATMs or exchanging money.

ATMs in Public Places: ATMs in public places are often targeted by thieves and card skimmers.
Money Exchange Shops: Unregulated money exchange shops may offer poor rates or exchange counterfeit currency.
Restaurant Prices: Restaurants near popular attractions may charge inflated prices.

An art center showcasing traditional and contemporary works. Be aware of people offering unofficial guided tours.

Art Exhibitions: The interest in art can make it easy to overlook potential scams.
Unofficial Guided Tours: Many unlicensed guides may offer their services at the center, sometimes charging exorbitant prices.
Pickpocketing: The art center's busy atmosphere can make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.

A cultural complex offering a variety of performances and exhibitions. Be wary of ticket scams and pickpocketing.

Cultural Events: The excitement of events can make it easy to overlook potential scams.
Ticket Scams: Tickets may be overpriced or counterfeit, so it's important to verify their authenticity.
Pickpocketing: The cultural complex's busy atmosphere can make it easy for pickpockets to blend in.

A large shopping center with a variety of stores. Be cautious when negotiating prices and dealing with unfamiliar currency.

Size of the Shopping Center: The vast size of the shopping center can make it easy to get lost, increasing the risk of encountering scammers.
Negotiating Prices: Bargaining is common in the shopping center, but some sellers may take advantage of unfamiliar tourists.
Unfamiliar Currency: The use of local currency can be confusing for visitors, making it easier to make errors or fall victim to scams.