Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Niamey, Niger
1. Grand Marche de Dantenni Market Scam
Be wary of overpriced or counterfeit goods. Watch out for pickpocketing and distraction scams.
- Overpricing: Avoid bargaining with overly aggressive vendors.
- Counterfeit Goods: Check for quality before purchase to avoid fake goods.
- Distraction Scams: Keep belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Taxi Scams at Niamey Airport
Avoid unlicensed taxis or taxi drivers quoting inflated prices. Be careful with currency exchange in taxis.
- Unlicensed Taxis: Only use licensed taxis from the official ranks.
- Inflated Prices: Agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Currency Exchange: Use banks or authorized exchange centers for currency exchange.
3. Fake Guides at Niamey's Historic Sites
Be cautious when hiring guides without proper licenses. Check their credentials before agreeing to a tour.
- Unlicensed Guides: Ask for identification and verification from your guide.
- Lack of Knowledge: Check the guide's knowledge about the historical sites beforehand.
- Overcharging: Negotiate a fair price for the tour and agree on it before starting.
4. Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops
Avoid unofficial money exchange shops. Check the exchange rate beforehand and count your money carefully.
- Unofficial Shops: Only use banks, hotels or authorized exchange centers for exchanging currency.
- Incorrect Exchange Rates: Compare the exchange rates with reliable sources before changing money.
- Counterfeit Money: Check the authenticity of the bills received.
5. Scam ATMs in Niamey
Use only ATMs located at banks or in well-lit areas. Be cautious of card skimming and shoulder surfing.
- ATM Safety: Protect your PIN by using your other hand to shield the keypad.
- Card Skimming: Inspect the ATM for any unusual devices before using it.
- Shoulder Surfing: Avoid using ATMs in crowded areas or when someone is standing too close.
6. Begging Scams at Niamey's Mosques
Respect cultural customs but be cautious of people asking for money in mosques. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and avoid causing offense.
- Asking for Money: Be firm but polite when refusing requests for money.
- Carrying Cash: Keep your valuables secure and only carry essential cash.
7. Fake Police Officers in Niamey
Ask for identification if stopped by police officers. Be wary of police impersonators demanding bribes.
- Impersonation: Verify the authenticity of police officers before complying with their requests.
- Bribery Scams: Do not offer any bribes or engage in corruption.
- Reporting Scams: Contact your embassy or consulate if you suspect a scam involving police officers.
8. Dining and Drinking Scams in Niamey
Avoid restaurants and bars without proper hygiene standards. Be cautious of drinks being tampered with or overpriced.
- Hygiene Standards: Check the cleanliness of the establishment before dining.
- Tampered Drinks: Avoid leaving your drinks unattended and check them for any unusual odors or tastes.
- Overpricing: Compare prices with other establishments before dining.
9. Accommodation Scams in Niamey
Avoid unlicensed accommodations or those offering unusually low prices. Inspect the property before checking in.
- Unlicensed Accommodations: Only use licensed accommodations registered with local authorities.
- Low Prices: Be wary of unusually low prices for good quality accommodation.
- Inspection: Visit the property before making a reservation to verify its condition.
10. Sightseeing Scams in Niamey
Avoid unofficial tour guides or ticket sellers. Verify the authenticity of tickets and tour operators.
- Unofficial Tour Guides: Only use officially recognized tour guides and operators.
- Counterfeit Tickets: Check the authenticity of tickets before purchasing.
- Unauthorized Operators: Verify the legitimacy of tour operators and their affiliations.
11. Transportation Scams in Niamey
Avoid unlicensed transportation services. Be wary of drivers overcharging or offering to take a longer route.
- Unlicensed Transportation: Only use licensed taxis, buses, and other transport services.
- Overcharging: Negotiate a price before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged.
- Longer Routes: Ask the driver for the shortest route and pay attention during the trip.
12. Shopping Scams in Niamey's Markets
Be cautious of overpriced or counterfeit goods. Be aware of pickpocketing and distraction scams.
- Overpricing: Bargain with vendors to get a fair price.
- Counterfeit Goods: Check the quality of goods before purchase to avoid buying fakes.
- Distraction Scams: Keep belongings close and be aware of your surroundings while shopping.
13. Internet Café Scams in Niamey
Avoid unsecured internet cafes. Be cautious of keyloggers and other malicious software.
- Unsecured Internet Cafes: Only use reputable and secure internet cafes.
- Keyloggers: Use a password manager to store your login credentials securely.
- Malicious Software: Install security software on your devices before connecting to public networks.
14. Street Performances and Busking Scams in Niamey
Avoid donating money to street performers without a proper performance permit. Be cautious of distraction scams during performances.
- Proper Permit: Check with local authorities for regulations regarding street performances.
- Distraction Scams: Keep belongings close and be aware of your surroundings during performances.
- Monetary Donations: Support local artists by attending authorized events or purchasing their work directly.
15. Charity Scams in Niamey
Avoid giving money to beggars without proper verification of the cause. Be cautious of fake charity organizations.
- Proper Verification: Research legitimate charities in Niamey before donating.
- Fake Charity Organizations: Avoid donating to unknown organizations or individuals asking for money on the street.
- Misuse of Funds: Ensure that your donations are going towards a legitimate cause by researching charities beforehand.