Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Likasi, Haut-Katanga, Congo (Kinshasa)

All Topics about Likasi All Cities in Congo (Kinshasa)

1. Taxi Scam at the Airport

Some taxi drivers at Likasi Airport may overcharge or direct you to non-existent destinations. Always agree on a price before getting in.

Prepaid Taxis: Pre-book prepaid taxis at the airport counter to avoid overcharging.
Local Rates: Know the local taxi rates to negotiate a fair price before your journey.
Avoid Strangers: Never accept offers for transport from strangers outside the airport.

Unfavorable exchange rates or hidden fees at unofficial exchange booths can drain your money. Always use authorized exchange offices.

Authorized Offices: Look for authorized banks or exchange kiosks to avoid scams.
Rates Check: Compare rates among different authorized offices before exchanging your money.
Avoid Street Transactions: Avoid street exchange transactions to minimize the risk of being scammed.

Some individuals may offer guiding services at tourist sites without proper accreditation. Always ask for official guides.

Official Accreditation: Ask to see the guide's accreditation badge or ID card.
Pre-Booked Tours: Pre-book tours through reputable travel agencies to avoid encountering unofficial guides.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Decline offers from strangers offering guiding services on the street.

Selling counterfeit goods is common at certain markets in Likasi. Be cautious when shopping for branded items.

Authentic Shops: Buy goods from authorized stores or shops with a good reputation.
Check for Quality: Inspect items carefully before purchasing to spot poor quality and potential counterfeits.
Avoid Suspicious Areas: Avoid markets with a reputation for selling counterfeit goods or areas known for shady transactions.

Some accommodations may not deliver the services advertised. Always research and book from reputable sources.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book your accommodation through trusted online travel agencies.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before making a booking to ensure a good reputation.
Ask for References: Ask for references from friends or locals if available.

Some souvenir shops in Likasi may overcharge tourists. Bargain for a fair price.

Negotiation Skills: Develop negotiation skills to ensure you get a fair price.
Avoid Market Tours: Avoid tours that include market stops if possible, as they often involve overpriced goods.
Bargain Confidently: Bargain confidently and know your price limit to avoid overspending.

Some individuals may pose as police officers to extort money or rob tourists. Always ask for identification and verify with local authorities.

Official Identification: Request to see the officer's identification badge and call the local police station to confirm.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid isolated locations to minimize encounters with potential scammers.
Travel with Trusted Companions: Travel with trusted friends or companions for safety.

Some money transfer services may charge exorbitant fees or not complete transfers. Use reputable and well-known services.

Reputable Money Transfer Providers: Choose well-known and reputable money transfer providers.
Check Transfer Rates: Compare transfer rates among different services to ensure the best deal.
Secure Transactions: Ensure your transactions are secure by using encrypted websites or apps.

Some beggars may be part of organized scam networks. Don't feel obligated to give money.

Avoid Giving Money: Avoid giving money directly to beggars to minimize the risk of supporting a scam.
Support Local Charities: Donate to local charities or organizations instead of individual beggars.
Stay Alert: Stay alert and avoid areas known for scams, especially during late hours.

Some ATMs may be tampered with to steal your card information. Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable businesses.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in secure areas such as banks, hotels, or reputable stores.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Monitor Transactions: Monitor transactions closely and report any unusual activities to your bank immediately.

Some bus drivers in Likasi may overcharge or skip stops. Always agree on a price before boarding.

Prepaid Tickets: Purchase prepaid tickets from authorized vendors to avoid overcharges.
Fixed Routes: Understand the bus routes and inform the driver of your destination before boarding.
Avoid Strangers: Decline offers for help from strangers on the bus who may try to scam you.

Some hotels in Likasi may provide substandard rooms or charge extra fees. Research and book from reputable sources.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book your hotel room through trusted online travel agencies.
Read Reviews: Read reviews and ratings before making a booking to ensure a good reputation.
Ask for References: Ask for references from friends or locals if available.

Some charities may be fake or exploit tourists. Research charities before donating.

Research Reputable Charities: Research local charities and their reputations before donating.
Check for Registration: Ensure the charity is registered with the government.
Ask for Transparency: Ask for transparency about how donations are used and visit their projects if possible.

Some bars in Likasi may overcharge drinks or serve watered-down alcohol. Choose establishments with a good reputation.

Reputable Bars: Choose reputable bars and restaurants recommended by locals.
Check Prices: Check prices of drinks before ordering to avoid overcharges.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on the best bars and restaurants in the area.

Some taxi drivers may take longer routes or overcharge at night. Use prepaid taxis or arrange transportation in advance.

Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis from authorized vendors to avoid overcharges.
Avoid Night Travel Alone: Travel in groups or with a trusted companion at night.
Arrange Transportation Ahead: Arrange transportation ahead of time to avoid having to hail taxis on the street.