Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pikine, Senegal

1. Grand Marché de Pikine

Large marketplace in Pikine filled with local goods. Be wary of overpriced items or fake merchandise.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices to get the best deal.
Authenticity Check: Check the quality and authenticity of items before purchasing.
Avoid Isolation: Never get isolated from others while bargaining or shopping at the market.

Popular transportation method. Be cautious of drivers overcharging or taking longer routes.

Agreed Price: Always agree on a price before getting into the taxi-moto.
Familiar Routes: Ask drivers to take familiar routes to avoid being lost or taken longer paths.
Registered Drivers: Choose registered and licensed taxi-moto drivers for safety and reliability.

Delicious local food available on the street. Watch out for contaminated or undercooked meals.

Health Standards: Look for vendors who follow proper hygiene and health standards.
Fresh Ingredients: Choose vendors who use fresh ingredients to ensure food safety.
Busy Areas: Stick to busy areas where there is a higher turnover of customers.

Easy access to cash through ATMs. Be aware of card skimming and fraud attempts.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas.
Cover the Pin: Always cover your PIN when entering it at an ATM.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your bank account for any unauthorized transactions.

Enjoy local dining experiences. Be cautious of overcharging or contaminated food.

Menu Prices: Compare prices on the menu with other restaurants to avoid overpaying.
Proper Hygiene: Look for restaurants that maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or your hotel staff for recommendations on good, safe restaurants.

Be vigilant when booking hotels to avoid scams such as overpricing or fake listings.

Reputable Booking Sites: Book your hotel through reputable and verified booking sites.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations on reliable hotels.

Guided tours offer rich cultural experiences. Watch out for dishonest tour guides.

Licensed Tour Guides: Always choose licensed and registered tour guides.
Set Price Beforehand: Agree on a price for the tour before starting to avoid overcharging.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or your hotel staff for trustworthy tour guides.

Exchange currency locally. Be cautious of dishonest money changers.

Official Exchange Rates: Ask for the official exchange rates before exchanging money.
Secure Locations: Exchange money in secure and well-lit areas to avoid theft.
Multiple Transactions: Break large amounts into smaller transactions for safety.

Encounter beggars throughout the city. Be cautious of potential scams or distractions.

Don't Encourage Dependency: Avoid giving money directly, instead donate to reliable charities.
Stay Alert: Remain aware of your surroundings and be cautious when approached by beggars.
Avoid Distractions: Be careful not to let beggars or distractions distract you from your belongings.

Find unique local souvenirs. Be cautious of overpriced or fake items.

Price Comparison: Compare prices between different shops to avoid overpaying.
Ask for Local Products: Ask the shopkeeper for genuine local products and avoid mass-produced items.
Haggle the Price: Always negotiate prices to get the best deal.

Experience local festivals. Be cautious of pickpockets and overpriced items.

Secure Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious when engaging with unfamiliar people.
Bargain for Prices: Negotiate prices for items to avoid overpaying.

Encounter touts offering services or tours. Be cautious of dishonest touts.

Licensed Touts: Choose licensed and registered touts for reliable services.
Negotiate the Price: Always negotiate prices before accepting any services from touts.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or your hotel staff for trustworthy touts.

Use public transport for affordable travel. Be cautious of pickpockets and overcrowded vehicles.

Secure Personal Belongings: Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft.
Avoid Overcrowded Vehicles: Stay alert and choose less crowded vehicles for safety.
Registered Drivers: Choose registered and licensed drivers or transport services.

Use local transportation apps for affordable travel. Be cautious of scams and fake drivers.

Verified Drivers: Choose verified and licensed drivers through the app.
Set Price Beforehand: Agree on a price before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Isolation: Stay alert and choose less isolated areas for pickups and drop-offs.

Shop at local markets for fresh produce. Be cautious of overpriced or contaminated items.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices to get the best deal.
Check Quality: Inspect produce for quality before purchasing.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for reliable vendors and fresh produce.