Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

1. Street Vendors

Avoid overpriced or counterfeit goods by bargaining and verifying authenticity.

Price Negotiation: Prices are often inflated, so negotiate for a lower price.
Authenticity Check: Check the quality and authenticity of goods before purchase.
Safety Measures: Avoid dark, empty areas when dealing with street vendors.

Ensure safe and fair taxi rides by only using reputable companies.

Avoid skimming scams by using ATMs located in well-lit, public areas.

Location: Choose ATMs in well-lit, busy areas.
Security Measures: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Card Safety: Retrieve your card immediately after the transaction.

Avoid overcharging by checking menus and prices before ordering.

Menu Check: Check restaurant menus for prices before ordering.
Payment Method: Pay with cards or traveler's checks to avoid issues with local currency.
Food Quality: Check the food quality and ask for recommendations before ordering.

Avoid weight and switch scams by carefully weighing items yourself.

Weight Verification: Weigh the items yourself using a scale before leaving the market.
Price Confirmation: Confirm prices with multiple vendors for comparison.
Trustworthy Sellers: Build a relationship with trustworthy, reliable sellers.

Avoid overpriced or substandard accommodations by booking through reputable sources.

Booking Reputation: Book accommodations through trusted travel agencies or websites.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with multiple sources before booking.
Location: Choose accommodations in safe and central areas.

Avoid unfair exchange rates by comparing prices among multiple offices.

Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from several exchange offices for comparison.
Location: Choose offices located in busy, safe areas.
Currency Authenticity: Check the authenticity of received currency before leaving the office.

Avoid overcharging or misinformation by verifying ticket prices and bus schedules.

Price Verification: Verify ticket prices with multiple sources.
Schedule Confirmation: Confirm bus schedules and arrival times before purchasing tickets.
Safety Measures: Avoid deserted areas when using bus stations.

Avoid overpriced or poor-quality tours by researching and booking in advance.

Avoid giving money to organized beggar groups by offering food instead.

Food Offerings: Offer food instead of money to those in need.
Group Recognition: Recognize organized beggar groups and avoid giving money.
Safety Measures: Avoid isolated areas when encountering beggars.

Avoid overpriced or misleading information by verifying sources.

Avoid pickpocketing by keeping personal belongings secure.

Avoid parking scams by only using reputable parking services.

Avoid identity theft by using secure and reliable internet cafes.

Security Measures: Check if the café has secure internet connections.
Reliability: Choose well-established, reputable cafes.
Personal Data Protection: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts while using public internet.

Avoid ticket scams by purchasing tickets from official sources.

Official Sources: Purchase tickets from official event organizers or trusted vendors.
Price Verification: Verify ticket prices with multiple sources before purchase.
Location: Attend events in safe, central areas of Bulawayo.