Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ibadan, Nigeria

1. Bodija Market Scam

Avoid fake guides offering help in crowded Bodija market; agree on price before shopping.

Crowded Attraction: Scammers often target tourists in busy areas like Bodija Market.
Unfamiliarity with Prices: Know the market price range of common items to avoid overpricing by scammers.
Avoiding Unwanted Assistance: Decline offers for help from strangers, especially when shopping.

Avoid taxi drivers claiming broken meters; agree on fare before boarding.

Broken Meters: Some taxis in Oja'ba have non-functioning meters, leading to overcharging.
Bargaining Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get the best fare for your ride.
Knowledge of Local Routes: Be aware of common routes and fair prices to avoid being overcharged.

Ignore offers for quick visa processing or money transfer help; verify the legitimacy of any government office interactions.

Visa Processing: Only official government offices can handle visa-related issues.
Money Transfer Assistance: Be cautious of anyone offering help with your money transfers, especially without proper documentation.
Official Documentation: Ask for official ID and contact the office directly to confirm their legitimacy before sharing any sensitive information.

Watch for card skimmers on ATMs; use well-lit and busy locations to avoid scams.

Card Skimming: ATM card skimming is a common scam in Ibadan, especially around less busy ATMs.
Well-lit and Busy Locations: Choose ATMs in well-lit areas with lots of people to minimize the risk of skimming.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any suspicious transactions.

Be cautious of free drinks or gifts; never leave your drink unattended.

Free Drinks and Gifts: Some nightclubs may offer free drinks or gifts to overcharge later.
Unattended Drinks: Never leave your drink unattended, as it could be drugged or tampered with.
Stick with Trusted Friends: Always stay with trusted friends and keep an eye on each other to minimize the risk of scams.

Inspect hotel rooms for hidden cameras or locks; call the hotel directly if you suspect anything.

Hidden Cameras: Some hotels may have hidden cameras in rooms, posing a privacy risk.
Locked Rooms: Ensure that your room can be locked securely and that the locks are functioning properly.
Hotel Direct Contact: Contact the hotel directly if you suspect anything unusual about your room or service.

Only eat food from established vendors; avoid eating while walking in the streets.

Established Vendors: Street food from well-known vendors is usually safe to eat.
Avoid Eating While Walking: Never eat while walking in the streets, as it could lead to accidental consumption of contaminated food.
Sanitary Conditions: Check for clean and sanitary conditions before buying street food.

Avoid saving sensitive information on public computers; be cautious of strangers helping with your computer.

Public Computers: Public computers may contain keyloggers or malware that can steal your data.
Sensitive Information: Never save sensitive information like passwords on public computers.
Stranger Assistance: Be cautious of strangers helping with your computer, as they may have malicious intentions.

Use reputable exchange offices; avoid exchanging money on the street.

Reputable Exchange Offices: Exchange your money at a reputable office with good reviews and ratings.
Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street, as it may be counterfeit or overpriced.
Familiarize Yourself with Currency: Learn about Nigerian currency before you arrive to avoid being confused or taken advantage of.

Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; be aware of common transportation routes and prices.

Fare Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Knowledge of Transportation Routes: Be aware of common transportation routes and fair prices in Ibadan.
Avoid Unfamiliar Vehicles: Avoid getting into unfamiliar vehicles, as they may be overpriced or potentially dangerous.

Buy SIM cards at authorized retailers; avoid sharing your SIM card with others.

Authorized Retailers: Buy SIM cards only from authorized retailers to ensure proper registration.
SIM Card Sharing: Avoid sharing your SIM card with others, as it may lead to unauthorized usage or data theft.
Register Your SIM Card: Register your SIM card promptly to avoid any complications with local authorities.

Donate to reputable charities; be cautious of street beggars soliciting for money.

Reputable Charities: Research and donate to reputable charities in Ibadan.
Street Beggars: Be cautious of street beggars, as they may be part of a scam or organized crime group.
Alternatives to Cash Donations: Consider alternative donation methods like food or clothing instead of cash.

Hire a licensed tour guide; research the tour operator before booking.

Licensed Tour Guides: Ensure your tour guide is licensed and reputable by checking reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator Research: Research the tour operator before booking to ensure they are trustworthy.
Agree on Price Beforehand: Always agree on the price and itinerary with your tour guide before starting the tour.

Bargain aggressively; verify the authenticity of items.

Aggressive Bargaining: Always bargain aggressively to get a fair price at art markets.
Item Authenticity Verification: Verify the authenticity of items by checking with local experts or online resources.
Avoid Overpriced Items: Be cautious of overpriced items and always ask for a lower price.

Purchase tickets from authorized vendors; avoid buying tickets from strangers or unauthorized sources.

Authorized Vendors: Always purchase event tickets from authorized vendors to ensure validity.
Stranger and Unauthorized Sources: Avoid buying tickets from strangers or unauthorized sources, as they may be fake or overpriced.
Check Event Details: Always verify event details like date, time, and location before purchasing tickets.