Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Huambo, Huambo, Angola

All Topics about Huambo All Cities in Angola

1. Feira da Luta - Scammer Gathering Spot

Public market where scammers may prey on unsuspecting tourists. Be wary of fake goods and overpriced items.

High Foot Traffic: Many people come here daily, making it an attractive spot for scammers.
Unregulated Goods: Vendors often sell counterfeit goods, potentially leading to disputes or legal issues.
Aggressive Sales Tactics: Some vendors may use aggressive sales tactics to pressure tourists into buying.

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take tourists on longer routes to their destination.

Lack of Regulation: Airport taxis operate without set rates, making it easy for drivers to overcharge.
Confusing Routes: Some taxi drivers may take longer routes to inflate fares.
Unlicensed Drivers: Some unlicensed drivers pose as official airport taxis, increasing the risk of scams.

Dishonest currency exchange providers may offer poor rates or try to cheat tourists.

Inconsistent Rates: Rates can vary significantly between different exchange providers.
Counterfeit Money: Scammers may try to pass counterfeit money during transactions.
Unfavorable Exchange Rates: Some exchange providers offer unfavorable rates, aiming to take advantage of tourists.

Unlicensed guides may offer services at the Monument to Heroes of the Liberation Struggle, providing inaccurate or misleading information.

Lack of Regulation: There is no official regulation for guides at this monument, allowing unlicensed guides to operate.
Inaccurate Information: Some guides may provide inaccurate or misleading information about the historical significance of the monument.
Excessive Fees: Unlicensed guides often charge excessive fees for their services.

Local individuals may offer friendship with the intent of asking for money or leading you into scams.

Friendship Bait: Scammers use friendship as a means to gain your trust before asking for favors or money.
Requesting Money: After establishing friendship, the scammer may ask for money under various pretexts.
Leading to Scams: The scammer may lead you into other scams, such as fake currency exchange or taxi scams.

Vendors at the market may sell counterfeit goods, including electronics, clothing, and souvenirs.

High Counterfeit Rates: A significant number of items sold in the market are counterfeit.
Lower Prices: Counterfeit goods are often sold at lower prices than genuine products, attracting unsuspecting buyers.
Legal Consequences: Buying counterfeit goods may lead to legal issues, as it supports illegal activity.

Fraudulent police officers may stop tourists and demand bribes or ask for personal belongings.

Police Uniforms: Scammers wear police uniforms to impersonate officers.
Requesting Bribes: The scammer may demand a bribe for an alleged offense, such as not having the correct documents.
Safety Concerns: These encounters can be dangerous, as tourists may feel threatened or intimidated.

Fraudulent ATMs may skim card details or require a PIN for cashback transactions.

Skimming Devices: ATMs may have skimming devices installed to capture card details.
Cashback Requests: Some ATMs may ask for a PIN when withdrawing cashback, allowing scammers to access your account.
Limited Availability: ATMs in less touristy areas may not be regulated or maintained, increasing the risk of fraud.

Some hotels and hostels in Huambo may overcharge tourists for accommodations.

Inflated Rates: Accommodations may be priced significantly higher than their actual value.
Lack of Transparency: Some accommodations do not clearly display prices or have hidden fees.
Booking Online Scams: Some online booking platforms may charge extra fees or provide misleading information about the accommodation.

Restaurants in Huambo may inflate bills or charge for items not ordered.

Inflated Bills: Bills may be significantly higher than the actual cost of food and drinks.
Unordered Items: Restaurants may charge for items not ordered or consumed.
Lack of Receipts: Some restaurants do not provide receipts, making it difficult to dispute any discrepancies.

Bars in Huambo may sell counterfeit or watered-down local alcohol.

Lower Quality: Counterfeit or watered-down alcohol is lower quality than the genuine product.
Cheaper Prices: Counterfeit alcohol may be sold at lower prices, making it attractive to tourists.
Health Risks: Consumption of counterfeit or watered-down alcohol can lead to health issues.

Tour operators may offer tours or activities that do not deliver on their promises.

Lack of Quality: The quality of the tour or activity may be poorer than advertised.
Missing Attractions: Tours may skip attractions or not include promised activities.
Unlicensed Operators: Some operators are unlicensed and may not adhere to safety standards.

Street performers may demand tips under the pretense of a performance, when no performance is given.

No Performance: The 'performer' may not actually perform any service or skill.
Aggressive Solicitation: Performers may aggressively solicit tips, causing discomfort to tourists.
No Obligation to Tip: Tourists are not obligated to tip for services not rendered or performances not given.

Souvenirs at local markets may be overpriced or of poor quality.

Overpricing: Prices for souvenirs are significantly higher than their actual value.
Poor Quality: Souvenirs may be of poor quality, not representative of local craftsmanship.
Lack of Transparency: Vendors may try to hide the true cost or condition of souvenirs.

Renting a car in Huambo may lead to hidden fees, damaged vehicles, or theft.

Hidden Fees: Rental companies may charge additional fees not included in the initial quote.
Damaged Vehicles: Car rental companies may try to charge for existing damages.
Theft: Cars may be stolen or damaged during the rental period, with the company holding the renter responsible.