Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Boosaaso, Bari, Somalia

All Topics about Boosaaso All Cities in Somalia

1. Boosaaso Beach Scam

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering guides or souvenirs on the beach, some may charge exorbitant prices.

Unexpected Costs: Always agree on the price before accepting services.
Police Assistance: Ask for help from local police if you feel intimidated or pressured.
Negotiation Skills: Bargain confidently and set a fair price before engaging in transactions.

Some vendors at the Boosaaso Market may sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.

Avoiding Fake Items: Shop from reputable stores or ask for recommendations.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying for fake items.
Returns and Warranties: Purchase items with a return policy or warranty when possible.

Taxis in Boosaaso may try to overcharge tourists. Use pre-paid taxis or negotiate prices before getting in.

Pre-paid Taxis: Use pre-paid taxi services at hotels, airports, and tourist spots.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate a price before getting into the taxi to avoid overcharging.
Avoiding Unofficial Taxis: Only use licensed and official taxis for your safety.

Some currency exchange outlets in Boosaaso may give less than the agreed-upon rate.

Reputable Exchange Outlets: Use reputable and official exchange outlets or banks.
Check the Rates: Compare the exchange rates with others before making a transaction.
Exchange Small Amounts: Exchange small amounts at a time to minimize losses due to errors or scams.

Unscrupulous tour guides may lead you to overpriced shops and restaurants.

Reputable Tour Operators: Book tours through reputable tour operators.
Avoiding Recommendations: Avoid guides who aggressively recommend specific shops or restaurants.
Research and Planning: Research tourist spots beforehand to have a clear idea of where you want to go.

Some accommodations in Boosaaso may charge more than advertised or provide substandard service.

Reputable Accommodations: Book from reputable hotels, hostels, or lodges.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews before making a booking to avoid poor quality accommodations.
Prepayment and Confirmation: Make prepayments only after receiving confirmation of your reservation.

Street food in Boosaaso may pose health risks. Stick to reputable street vendors or cook it yourself.

Reputable Vendors: Choose street food vendors that have a clean and busy stall.
Cooked on the Spot: Opt for food that is cooked in front of you to ensure freshness.
Avoid Raw Foods: Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled or cooked.

Some ATMs in Boosaaso may have skimmers or cameras installed to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or other secure locations.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Account Statements: Regularly monitor your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Ferries in Boosaaso may overcharge tourists. Book tickets in advance or negotiate prices before boarding.

Booking Tickets Online: Book ferry tickets online if possible to avoid overcharges.
Price Negotiation: Negotiate a price before boarding the ferry to avoid overcharging.
Travel during Off-Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours when tickets may be cheaper.

Bargaining in Boosaaso's bazaars can be aggressive. Be firm but fair when negotiating prices.

Know the Market Price: Research the market price for items before bargaining.
Start Low: Start your offer lower than you're willing to pay to allow room for negotiation.
Walk Away if Necessary: Be prepared to walk away if the seller is not willing to meet a reasonable price.

Some shops may sell you an expensive or faulty SIM card. Buy from reputable phone shops.

Reputable Shops: Buy your SIM card from a reputable mobile operator's shop.
Check the SIM Card: Inspect the SIM card to ensure it works before leaving the shop.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors or unofficial sellers.

Souvenir shops in Boosaaso may overcharge tourists. Compare prices before buying.

Compare Prices: Compare prices of the same item at different shops to find a good deal.
Bargain Confidently: Confidently negotiate the price, but be reasonable with your offers.
Avoid Pushy Salespeople: Avoid shops with pushy salespeople who insist on you buying an item immediately.

Internet cafés in Boosaaso may have malware or keyloggers. Use trusted VPN services.

Secure VPN Services: Use a secure and reputable VPN service while using the internet.
Secure Devices: Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing sensitive data, such as passwords or financial information, online.

Hotels in Boosaaso may have a higher risk of burglary. Keep your valuables safe.

Use Safe Deposit Boxes: Use the hotel's safe deposit box or safe for your valuable belongings.
Keep Valuables Concealed: Keep your valuables hidden and not easily visible in the room.
Avoid Displaying Wealth: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics to minimize attracting attention.

Street food in Boosaaso may not adhere to proper sanitation standards. Be cautious.

Cleanliness of the Vendor: Choose clean and orderly street food vendors.
Cooked on the Spot: Opt for food that is cooked in front of you to ensure freshness.
Avoid Raw Foods: Avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled or cooked.