Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kismaayo, Somalia

1. Beach Tax Scam

Avoid paying unofficial 'entrance fees' at beaches. Only pay official fees at designated booths.

Official Booths: Look for clearly marked, official booths to pay any beach fees.
Unofficial Vendors: Avoid vendors who claim to be officials but have no identification or badge.
Local Police Stations: Verify with local police stations about the correct beach fees and collection points.

Beware of unofficial currency exchanges that offer a better rate but provide less money. Use authorized exchange offices or banks.

Authorized Exchange Offices: Look for licensed and regulated currency exchange offices.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple authorized locations to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors who may offer exchanges but could give less than agreed upon or even counterfeit money.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides. Negotiate prices before getting in the vehicle.

Registered Taxis: Use registered and licensed taxis for your safety and to avoid scams.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate the price before entering a taxi to ensure you're not overcharged.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Avoid using unmarked or unlicensed taxis as they may not follow fair pricing practices.

Be wary of unsolicited tour guides. Only hire licensed and reputable guides through recommended agencies.

Licensed Guides: Confirm that your guide is licensed by the local tourist board or travel agency.
Recommended Agencies: Book tours through reputable agencies with good reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers.
Ask for Credentials: Insist on seeing your guide's credentials, such as a valid tour guide license or identification.

Avoid overpriced restaurants and street food vendors. Look for popular, local eateries.

Local Eateries: Find eateries that are popular among locals to ensure authentic and affordable meals.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Stay away from restaurants located near tourist attractions, which may overcharge.
Check Reviews: Read reviews online or ask locals about good and affordable eateries in the area.

Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close and secure.

Secure Bags: Use bags with zippers or ones that are difficult to open quickly.
Crowded Areas: Avoid carrying valuable items in crowded areas and keep a low profile to reduce the risk of being targeted.
Traveler's Insurance: Consider purchasing traveler's insurance to cover any lost or stolen items.

Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors. Buy them from authorized stores.

Authorized Stores: Find the official store of the telecom company to buy your SIM card.
Check Registration: Ensure the SIM card is properly registered and activated before use.
Avoid Unmarked Stalls: Stay away from unofficial, unmarked stalls selling SIM cards as they may provide fake or non-working ones.

Avoid overpriced hotels and guesthouses. Research and book accommodations in advance.

Booking in Advance: Make reservations at reputable hotels or guesthouses before arriving.
Check Reviews: Read reviews online to find out if the accommodation offers fair prices and good service.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not rely on street vendors offering accommodations as they may overcharge or provide subpar options.

Avoid buying gold or jewelry from unlicensed dealers. Only purchase from authorized stores.

Authorized Dealers: Find licensed and regulated dealers to buy your gold or jewelry.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of gold or jewelry before purchasing, and have it appraised if necessary.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors who may sell fake or low-quality gold or jewelry.

Be wary of beggars who may follow and harass you. Do not give money to strangers.

Avoid Giving Money: Do not give money to strangers, as it encourages more begging.
Donate to Reputable Organizations: If you wish to help, donate to reputable organizations that provide aid in Kismaayo.
Stay Alert: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid being targeted by beggars or other scammers.

Avoid overpriced or fake souvenirs. Buy from reputable shops.

Reputable Shops: Find shops that specialize in selling authentic local souvenirs.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of souvenirs before purchasing, and be wary of items that look too perfect or cheap.
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors who may sell fake or low-quality souvenirs.

Be cautious when someone finds and returns your lost item. It may have been set aside to be claimed later.

Report Lost Items: Report any lost items to the local police station or a trusted individual immediately.
Avoid Giving Money: Do not give money to someone who returns your lost item, as it could be a scam.
Check the Item: Thoroughly inspect the returned item to make sure it is your own and in good condition.

Use ATMs inside banks or secured areas. Be cautious of unattended machines.

Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within a bank's lobby for increased security.
Secure Areas: Choose ATMs in well-lit and secure areas to reduce the risk of theft or card skimming.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN to protect it from being observed by others.

Be wary of overly friendly strangers who may try to gain your trust and lead you into a scam. Maintain personal boundaries.

Personal Boundaries: Maintain personal space and do not share too much personal information with strangers.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your intuition and be cautious if someone seems overly friendly or pushy.
Stay Informed: Remain informed about common scams in Kismaayo to avoid falling victim to them.

Be wary of overly aggressive bartering. Agree on a fair price for goods or services.

Fair Price: Avoid agreeing to an unfair deal by researching the average prices of goods and services in Kismaayo.
Trust Your Instincts: Use your instincts to determine if a seller is trying to scam you with an unfair deal.
Avoid Agreeing too Quickly: Take your time when bartering and do not agree to a price too quickly, as you may miss out on better deals.