Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cacuaco, Angola

1. Marketplace Money Exchange Scams

Beware of unofficial money exchangers in the bustling Cacuaco market. They may give you less than agreed or hand over counterfeit notes.

Official Exchange Points: Use authorized banks and exchange offices to avoid counterfeit bills.
Ask Around: Get recommendations from locals or your hotel for reliable money exchangers.
Be Aware of Rush: Be wary if the exchange is done in a hurry. Scammers often try to rush transactions to avoid detection.

Some tour guides may overcharge or lead you to unauthorized shops for commission. Ensure you agree on prices beforehand.

Fixed Prices: Ask for a fixed price for the tour before starting and avoid negotiations during the tour.
Research: Research average tour prices online to have an idea of reasonable costs.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask your hotel or fellow travelers for recommendations on trustworthy guides.

Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or overcharge. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Metered Taxis: Use metered taxis to avoid negotiating prices and ensure fair fare.
Negotiate Beforehand: Always agree on the price before starting your journey, and make sure the driver understands it.
Avoid Late-night Travel: Travel during daylight hours to minimize the risk of encountering scammers who prey on tourists at night.

Some shops in Cacuaco may sell counterfeit goods. Be cautious when purchasing items like branded clothing or electronics.

Authorized Shops: Buy from authorized dealers or shops to avoid buying counterfeits.
Quality Check: Check for signs of poor quality or irregularities that may indicate a fake product.
Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and walk away if uncertain.

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors to take advantage of your generosity. Confirm the legitimacy of charities before donating.

Official Charity Organizations: Donate only to recognized and official charity organizations.
Check for Permits: Ask to see the collector's permit, if applicable. Legitimate collectors will have it.
Research Beforehand: Research local charities online before donating to ensure they are legitimate.

Some individuals may pose as police officers to extort money or rob you. Always verify the officer's identity if stopped.

Police Identification: Ask for identification and contact your embassy or hotel if in doubt.
Never Show Valuables: Do not show any valuables, and avoid discussing your travel plans or hotel details.
Stay Safe: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid deserted areas, especially at night.

Some vendors may try to overcharge or haggle unfairly. Research the prices of items before bargaining.

Research Prices: Research average prices for items online to have an idea of reasonable costs.
Be Firm but Fair: Start your bargaining at a lower price, but be willing to pay a fair price for the item.
Walk Away if Necessary: If you can't agree on a price, walk away and come back later. Some vendors may lower their prices to make a sale.

Some tour operators may offer tours that do not deliver on promises or charge more than agreed. Research the operator before booking a tour.

Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of tour operators to gauge their reliability.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask your hotel or fellow travelers for recommendations on trustworthy tour operators.
Book in Advance: Book tours in advance to ensure availability and avoid scammers who may try to lure you into untrustworthy tours.

Some ATMs in Cacuaco may skim your card or charge excessive fees. Use only well-lit and clearly marked ATMs.

Well-lit ATMs: Choose ATMs that are located in well-lit areas, preferably inside a bank or shopping mall.
Check for Skimming Devices: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices before using it. If anything looks suspicious, do not use the machine.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account to detect any unauthorized transactions.

Some scammers may stage accidents to get money from unsuspecting tourists. Ignore such situations and report them to the police.

Ignore Staged Accidents: Do not engage in any interaction or offer help when witnessing a staged accident.
Report Suspicious Incidents: Inform the police if you suspect an incident is staged or suspicious.
Stay Aware: Be cautious and stay alert in crowded areas to avoid such scams.

Some car rental agencies may charge excessive prices or provide unreliable vehicles. Research the rates and conditions before renting a car.

Compare Rates: Compare prices from different car rental agencies to get a fair deal.
Check Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle before renting it to ensure it is in good condition.
Read the Contract: Thoroughly read the contract and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Some locals may try to befriend you to take advantage of you. Be cautious when forming friendships with strangers.

Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be wary of individuals who seem overly friendly or insistent.
Share Personal Details Carefully: Avoid sharing personal details like your hotel room number, credit card information, or travel plans with strangers.
Stay in Touch with Home: Keep in touch with family and friends back home to let them know about your activities and whereabouts.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers or spyware on computers to steal your personal information. Use only reputable and secure internet cafes.

Secure Internet Cafes: Choose internet cafes that have a good reputation and use password-protected computers.
Use Secure Websites: Only access secure websites (those with 'https' in the URL) when logging into sensitive accounts.
Don't Save Passwords: Do not save passwords or other personal information on internet cafe computers.

Some ticket sellers may sell fake tickets for events. Purchase tickets only from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from official event organizers or authorized ticket retailers.
Check Ticket Quality: Inspect the quality of the ticket and ensure it has all required details like the venue, date, time, and seat number.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask your hotel or fellow travelers for recommendations on trustworthy ticket vendors.

Some hotels and guesthouses in Cacuaco may overcharge for rooms. Research prices before booking your accommodation.

Compare Prices: Compare prices from different accommodation providers to get a fair deal.
Check Amenities: Ensure the hotel offers the amenities you require before booking.
Read Reviews: Read online reviews of hotels to gauge their reliability and quality.