Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yopougon, Côte d’Ivoire

1. Taxi Fraud

Avoid overpriced or non-existent taxi services. Always agree on a price before starting the journey.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate prices with taxi drivers to avoid overcharging.
Registered Taxi: Choose registered taxis with identifiable logos for safety and accountability.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated areas at night to reduce the risk of being targeted by scammers.

Stay vigilant when exchanging money to avoid fraudulent practices. Use authorized exchange offices.

Authorized Offices: Always use authorized currency exchange offices or banks for safe and fair transactions.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates between different providers to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Secure Transactions: Ensure the transaction area is secure and that no one else has access to your money during the process.

Be cautious of individuals posing as police officers asking for bribes or demanding valuables. Always ask to see official IDs.

Official ID Check: Ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If something seems fishy, report the incident to local authorities or your embassy.
Stay Calm and Avoid Conflict: Remain calm and don't argue with anyone claiming to be a police officer. If it's a scam, simply walk away.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods that could damage your health or waste your money. Shop at reputable stores.

Reputable Shops: Always purchase goods from established, well-reviewed shops.
Check for Quality: Inspect the quality of items before purchasing to spot any irregularities.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying goods from street vendors, as they often sell counterfeit products.

Be wary of overly friendly locals who offer help, only to lead you into a scam. Keep your valuables safe.

Mind Your Belongings: Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times to avoid theft.
Trust Your Instincts: If someone seems too friendly or offers unexplainable help, trust your instincts and be cautious.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations instead of relying on unsolicited help from strangers.

Protect yourself against ATM skimming by using well-lit, busy machines and covering the keypad when entering your PIN.

Choose Busy ATMs: Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of skimming.
Cover Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing or camera attacks.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your bank account for unauthorized transactions.

Avoid overpriced souvenirs by researching fair prices and bargaining with vendors.

Research Fair Prices: Research the fair market price for souvenirs before shopping.
Bargain Confidently: Negotiate prices with vendors to get a better deal.
Be Aware of Local Customs: Understand local customs and pricing strategies to avoid being taken advantage of.

Avoid overpriced market items by negotiating prices and checking quality.

Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices in markets to get a better deal.
Check Quality: Inspect the quality of items before purchasing to avoid buying low-quality or counterfeit goods.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on where to find high-quality, affordable items.

Avoid overpriced accommodation by researching fair prices and negotiating with hoteliers.

Research Fair Prices: Research the fair market price for accommodation before booking.
Negotiate with Hoteliers: Negotiate prices with hoteliers to get a better deal.
Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews to ensure the accommodation is clean, safe and reliable.

Avoid fraudulent guides by booking through reputable agencies or asking for recommendations.

Book Through Reputable Agencies: Always book tours and guides through reputable travel agencies.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on reliable tour guides.
Check Credentials: Always ask to see the guide's credentials and registration documents.

Avoid overpriced food by researching fair prices and dining at local eateries.

Research Fair Prices: Research the fair market price for meals before dining.
Dine at Local Eateries: Avoid tourist traps and dine at local eateries to get authentic, affordable food.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on delicious, affordable meals.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing from authorized dealers and checking the SIM for faults.

Purchase from Authorized Dealers: Always purchase SIM cards from authorized dealers, such as mobile operator stores or airports.
Check the SIM for Faults: Thoroughly inspect the SIM card before using it to ensure there are no defects or hidden charges.
Register the SIM Card: Register your SIM card with local authorities to avoid any issues with the service provider.

Avoid gold scams by dealing only with reputable jewelers and checking the quality of the gold.

Deal with Reputable Jewelers: Always purchase gold from reputable, established jewelers.
Check the Quality of Gold: Test the quality of gold using a simple acid test or by checking the purity markings.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for receipts and check them carefully before making any purchases.

Avoid overpriced internet services by researching fair prices and negotiating with providers.

Research Fair Prices: Research the fair market price for internet services before signing up.
Negotiate with Providers: Always negotiate prices with internet service providers to get a better deal.
Check Service Quality: Ensure the service quality meets your needs by asking about download and upload speeds, data caps, and customer support.

Avoid fake charity collectors by researching legitimate charities and donating directly.

Research Legitimate Charities: Always research the legitimacy of a charity before making any donations.
Donate Directly: Donate directly to the charity's official website or local branch instead of giving money to strangers.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when making a donation and keep it as proof of your contribution.