Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Maputo, Mozambique
1. Taxi Scams
Be wary of unofficial taxis or drivers offering inflated fares. Use registered taxi ranks for safe and fair travel.
- Registered Ranks: Offer safer and more reliable rides
- Fare Agreements: Avoid unexpected high costs with agreed fare upfront
- Licensed Drivers: Ensure drivers have valid identification and licenses
2. Currency Exchange Scams
Stick to authorized exchange bureaus or banks for currency transactions. Be cautious of street vendors offering unfavorable rates.
- Authorized Bureaus: Offer fair and legal exchange services
- Avoid Street Vendors: Prevent potential fraud or counterfeit money issues
- Check Exchange Rates: Ensure the rate provided is close to the current market rates
3. Overcharging in Restaurants
Be aware of potential price hikes for tourists. Double-check menus and prices before ordering or negotiate upfront.
- Check Menus Thoroughly: Prevent unexpected high costs
- Negotiate Prices: Secure fair and reasonable pricing
- Ask for Local Prices: Ensure you are not being overcharged as a tourist
4. False Guide Services
Be cautious of individuals offering guide services. Only use licensed and reputable tour companies for guided trips.
- Licensed Tour Companies: Offer knowledgeable, safe, and reliable guides
- Check Reviews: Ensure the tour company has positive feedback from previous clients
- Avoid Street Guides: Prevent potential scams or fraudulent activities
5. Fake Souvenirs
Buy souvenirs from reputable shops or markets. Be cautious of counterfeit goods sold by street vendors.
- Reputable Shops: Offer high-quality and authentic souvenirs
- Check for Certificates of Authenticity: Ensure the souvenir is genuine and not a counterfeit
- Avoid Street Vendors Selling Expensive Items: Prevent potential fraud or selling of counterfeit goods
6. Theft on the Beach
Secure your belongings at all times while visiting the beach. Be cautious of individuals offering help or taking pictures.
- Keep Personal Belongings Secured: Prevent theft and ensure valuables remain safe
- Avoid Suspicious Individuals Offering Help or Taking Pictures: Prevent potential theft or distraction scams
- Use Beach Security Services: Ensure your belongings are safe while enjoying the beach
7. Fraudulent Accommodation Offers
Only book accommodations through reputable channels. Be cautious of individuals offering accommodation deals that seem too good to be true.
- Book through Reputable Channels: Ensure a safe, clean, and reliable accommodation
- Check Reviews: Ensure the property has positive feedback from previous clients
- Avoid Individuals Offering Accommodation Deals: Prevent potential scams or fraudulent activities
8. Sim Swapping Scams
Be cautious of individuals attempting to access your phone number by posing as a network representative. Secure your SIM card and personal information.
- Secure Your SIM Card: Prevent potential identity theft or unauthorized account access
- Avoid Giving Personal Information: Prevent potential fraud or scams related to your personal information
- Check for Official Identification: Ensure the individual is a legitimate network representative before providing any information
9. Fishing Scams
Avoid fishing in restricted areas or without proper permits. Be cautious of individuals offering to help fish or sell fish illegally.
- Check for Fishing Regulations: Ensure compliance with local laws and avoid fines
- Avoid Individuals Offering to Help Fish or Sell Fish Illegally: Prevent potential scams or fraudulent activities related to fishing
- Obtain Fishing Permits: Ensure legal and safe fishing practices
10. Street Performer Scams
Be cautious of street performers who may attempt to distract you while their associates pickpocket. Maintain awareness of your belongings.
- Maintain Awareness of Belongings: Prevent potential theft or distraction scams
- Avoid Distractions: Ensure your focus remains on your surroundings and belongings
- Give Generously but Wisely: Support local artists while ensuring you do not fall victim to scams or distractions
11. Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls requesting personal information. Do not click on suspicious links or provide sensitive data.
- Do Not Provide Sensitive Information: Prevent potential identity theft or unauthorized account access
- Check for Legitimate Communication Channels: Ensure the communication is legitimate before providing any information
- Report Suspicious Emails, Texts, or Calls: Prevent potential scams and protect yourself and others from fraudulent activities
12. Charity Scams
Be cautious of individuals soliciting for charity. Research the organization before donating to ensure it is legitimate.
- Research Charities Thoroughly: Ensure your donation is going to a legitimate and trustworthy organization
- Ask for Documentation: Ensure the charity is registered and complies with local regulations
- Give Directly to Established Charities: Prevent potential scams or fraudulent activities related to charity donations
13. Counterfeit Products
Buy products from reputable shops or markets. Be cautious of counterfeit goods sold by street vendors.
- Reputable Shops: Offer high-quality and authentic products
- Check for Certificates of Authenticity: Ensure the product is genuine and not a counterfeit
- Avoid Street Vendors Selling Expensive Items: Prevent potential fraud or selling of counterfeit goods
14. Cybercafe Scams
Be cautious when using public computers at cybercafes. Avoid saving personal information or entering sensitive data on unsecured devices.
- Avoid Saving Personal Information: Prevent potential identity theft or unauthorized account access
- Use a VPN: Secure your internet connection and protect your personal data
- Check for Secure Cybercafes: Ensure the cybercafe has proper security measures in place
15. ATM Scams
Use ATMs located inside banks or secured areas. Be cautious of individuals loitering near the ATM or using devices to capture your PIN.
- Use Secure ATMs: Ensure the safety and security of your transactions
- Avoid Individuals Loitering Near the ATM: Prevent potential scams or distractions related to your PIN or card
- Cover Your Keypad: Protect your PIN from being observed by others