Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ndjili, Kinshasa, Congo (Kinshasa)

All Topics about Ndjili All Cities in Congo (Kinshasa)

1. Taxi Scam at the Ndjili International Airport

Avoid overpriced or non-existent taxi services. Confirm fixed rates with airport officials beforehand.

Price Gouging: Taxi drivers may charge inflated prices to unsuspecting travelers.
Non-existent Taxis: Some drivers might claim no taxis are available, suggesting a higher-priced alternative.
Unlicensed Drivers: Unregistered drivers may offer their services, putting passengers at risk.

Avoid being overcharged or given counterfeit bills. Use reputable exchange offices and always count your money.

Overvalued Exchange Rates: Some exchange vendors offer unfavorable rates to tourists.
Counterfeit Bills: Criminals may pass off fake money as genuine.
Miscounted Change: Unscrupulous vendors may shortchange customers without their knowledge.

Avoid hiring unauthorized guides. Confirm a guide's licensure and recommendations beforehand.

Unlicensed Guides: Some individuals may pose as tour guides, leading unsuspecting travelers into scams.
Inadequate Knowledge: Unauthorized guides might not have the necessary expertise to provide reliable information.
Fraudulent Activities: Guides may lead travelers into shops or restaurants where they receive commissions.

Be wary of overly persistent individuals. Firmly but politely decline requests for money or help.

Persistent Beggars: Some individuals may follow tourists relentlessly seeking money.
Harassment and Intimidation: Certain individuals might resort to harassment or intimidation when declined.
Scams disguised as begging: Some scams, such as broken phones or fake charities, are disguised as begging.

Avoid overpaying for souvenirs. Research prices and bargain with shopkeepers.

Marked-up Prices: Tourists are often charged higher prices than locals.
Low Quality Goods: Some sellers might offer subpar goods at high prices.
Aggressive Sales Tactics: Certain vendors may use forceful sales tactics to pressure tourists into buying.

Avoid situations that require you to pay bribes or fines. Insist on seeing proper identification and report any suspicious activity.

Bribery Requests: Some police officers or officials might demand bribes for services.
Fraudulent Charges: Certain authorities may fabricate charges to extort money from tourists.
Identity Theft: Some fraudsters might pose as police officers, stealing personal information for nefarious purposes.

Use only authorized ATMs and be vigilant for card skimmers. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Unauthorized ATMs: Criminals may install fake ATMs to steal financial information.
Card Skimming Devices: Skimmers are installed on some ATMs to capture card data and PIN numbers.
Shoulder Surfing: Some criminals may watch as you enter your PIN, allowing them to access your account.

Research accommodation prices in advance. Confirm reservations with the property before arrival.

Marked-up Prices: Some accommodations may charge inflated prices to tourists.
Fraudulent Bookings: Scammers might offer fake bookings, leaving travelers without a place to stay.
Subpar Accommodations: Some establishments may offer lower-quality accommodations than advertised.

Research typical meal prices in advance. Check the bill carefully before paying.

Marked-up Prices: Tourists are often charged higher prices than locals.
Hidden Charges: Some restaurants may add unexpected charges to the bill, such as service fees.
Watered-down Drinks: Certain establishments might water down drinks to save costs while charging full price.

Avoid overpriced or non-existent transportation services. Research prices and routes in advance.

Price Gouging: Transport providers may charge inflated prices to unsuspecting travelers.
Non-existent Transportation: Some transport services might claim to be unavailable, suggesting a higher-priced alternative.
Unsafe Vehicles: Certain providers may use substandard or unsafe vehicles.

Be cautious of individuals offering goods or services. Research event prices in advance.

Overpriced Goods and Services: Vendors might charge inflated prices for goods and services.
Counterfeit Merchandise: Criminals may sell counterfeit merchandise, such as tickets or souvenirs.
Crowd-related Scams: Scammers might take advantage of the crowd to commit pickpocketing or other thefts.

Use a reputable internet café. Be cautious of unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks.

Malware and Viruses: Unsecured internet cafés may contain malware or viruses that can steal personal information.
Unauthorized Access: Criminals might gain access to your device or online accounts through unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Data Theft: Some internet cafés may save and sell users’ browsing data for profit.

Rent cars from reputable companies. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away.

Damaged Vehicles: Rental companies might charge for pre-existing damages.
Hidden Charges: Some rental agencies may add unexpected fees or charges to the bill.
Fraudulent Accidents: Scammers might stage accidents to extort money from tourists.

Research charities before donating. Be cautious of individuals soliciting donations on the street.

Unregistered Charities: Some organizations may be unregistered and not legitimately raising funds.
Misuse of Donations: Donated funds might not be used for their intended purpose.
Fraudulent Solicitations: Individuals may pretend to represent a charity to solicit donations fraudulently.

Purchase SIM cards from reputable vendors. Be cautious of unsolicited offers for cheap SIM cards.

Malware-Infected SIM Cards: SIM cards might contain malware that can steal personal information.
Unauthorized Access: Criminals might gain access to your device or online accounts through compromised SIM cards.
Fraudulent Charges: Some vendors may charge unexpected fees or add unwanted services to your account.