Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kandahār, Kandahār, Afghanistan

All Topics about Kandahār All Cities in Afghanistan

1. Taxi Scams

Watch for drivers who claim the airport is closed or charge excessively. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.

Agreement in Advance: Prevent unexpected high prices
Avoid Closed Airport Scam: Ensure you're not being taken to a non-operational airport
Know Fare Rates: Understand normal taxi rates in Kandahar to avoid overcharging

Be wary of unfavorable exchange rates or being given counterfeit money. Use reputable exchange centers or banks.

Use Reputable Services: Ensure you're getting a fair exchange rate
Check Bills Carefully: Prevent being given counterfeit money
Know Local Exchange Rates: Understand normal exchange rates to avoid getting cheated

Some shops may overprice souvenirs for tourists. Bargain and compare prices in multiple shops.

Bargain: Negotiate a fair price for souvenirs
Shop Around: Compare prices to ensure you're not overpaying
Know Local Prices: Understand the typical price range for souvenirs in Kandahar

Some hotels may overcharge or have poor conditions. Research and book your hotel in advance.

Some 'guides' may offer their services but lead you to shops where they receive commissions. Hire a guide through a reputable source.

Hire Through Reputable Source: Ensure your guide is trustworthy
Avoid Commission Shops: Prevent being taken to shops where your guide receives commissions
Know Local Guide Rates: Understand normal guide rates in Kandahar

Talcum powder may be given to you by a local as a gift but is actually worthless or contaminated. Accept gifts carefully.

Be Careful with Gifts: Prevent receiving talcum powder that's worthless or contaminated
Know the Value of Gifts: Understand the real value of gifts being offered to you
Accept Gifts Wisely: Decide whether a gift is worth accepting based on its true value

Some individuals may pose as police officers to extort money. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and only cooperate with uniformed officers.

Carry Identification: Ensure you can prove your identity
Recognize Uniformed Officers: Understand what a real police officer looks like in Kandahar
Cooperate with Real Officers: Comply with lawful requests from real officers

Children may follow you and ask for money. Don't give them money, as it may support begging or crime.

Don't Support Begging: Prevent encouraging begging behavior
Understand Local Customs: Recognize that giving money may not be appreciated in Kandahar
Avoid Dangerous Situations: Prevent putting yourself or the children at risk

Roadside assistance may offer help but then demand money. Only accept help from uniformed or clearly marked vehicles.

Avoid Unmarked Vehicles: Prevent being assisted by unauthorized individuals
Only Accept Help from Uniformed Staff: Ensure you're getting help from authorized personnel
Know Emergency Numbers: Understand how to contact local emergency services in Kandahar

Accidents may be staged to extort money. Be cautious when driving and avoid stopping in suspicious situations.

Drive Carefully: Prevent accidents from happening in the first place
Avoid Stopping in Suspicious Situations: Prevent being extorted after a staged accident
Know Local Traffic Laws: Understand how to react in traffic situations in Kandahar

Some individuals may pretend to be interested in a relationship but only want money. Be cautious and don't share personal information.

Be Cautious: Prevent being scammed by someone pretending to be interested in you
Don't Share Personal Information: Protect your identity and financial information
Meet in Public Places: Ensure your safety by meeting in public places

Someone may find an item and offer it back to you for a fee. Do not pay for items that are not yours.

Don't Pay for Stray Items: Prevent being scammed by someone offering items that aren't yours
Report Lost Items to Authorities: Ensure lost items are reported and properly handled
Know Local Laws: Understand how to report lost or found items in Kandahar

Some individuals may claim to represent a charity but are actually scammers. Research charities before donating.

Research Charities: Ensure you're donating to a legitimate organization
Avoid Donating on the Street: Prevent being scammed by individuals asking for money in the street
Know Local Charities: Understand which charities are reputable in Kandahar

Some healthcare providers may overcharge or offer fake treatments. Seek recommendations for reputable doctors and clinics.

Seek Recommendations: Ensure you're getting care from a trustworthy provider
Avoid Overcharging: Prevent being overcharged for medical treatments
Know Local Healthcare Costs: Understand the typical cost of healthcare services in Kandahar

Scammers may call you posing as a bank or government representative. Do not share personal information over the phone.

Don't Share Personal Info over the Phone: Prevent identity theft and financial loss
Hang up on Unsolicited Calls: Avoid engaging with potential scammers
Know Local Scam Tactics: Understand how scammers may try to deceive you in Kandahar