Scam in TanzaniaBuses and trains
Bus touts impersonating reputable companies in Tanzania
How it works
A tout for a less reliable bus company claims to work for a reputable operator or to sell its tickets. You may end up booked onto a different service.
Warning signs
- A tout claims to represent a company outside its ticket office.
- You cannot confirm which bus the ticket covers.
- The ticket has the wrong travel date.
How to avoid it
- Find the reputable company's own ticket office.
- Check the operator and date before paying.
- Where possible, inspect the bus and how full it is before buying.
If it happens to you
Check the ticket directly with the company it names before boarding or paying anything more.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed. For an emergency, call 112.
- Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save tickets, receipts, messages, booking details and a short written account. Record times and locations.
- Report the incident at the nearest police station and ask for a report reference or copy. Avoid gathering a crowd around a suspected thief.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
Questions
What is the bus touts impersonating reputable companies scam in Tanzania?
A tout for a less reliable bus company claims to work for a reputable operator or to sell its tickets. You may end up booked onto a different service.
How can I spot it early?
A tout claims to represent a company outside its ticket office. You cannot confirm which bus the ticket covers. The ticket has the wrong travel date.
How do I avoid bus touts impersonating reputable companies in Tanzania?
Find the reputable company's own ticket office. Check the operator and date before paying. Where possible, inspect the bus and how full it is before buying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check the ticket directly with the company it names before boarding or paying anything more.
Where in Tanzania does this happen?
Around the bus ticket offices and stand at Ubungo Terminal. It has been reported in Dar es Salaam.
How common is this scam in Tanzania?
Occasional. Persistent touts, inflated taxi fares and petty theft are the main problems visitors may face in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam has frequent muggings and several pickpocket hotspots, while Arusha has persistent touts and theft risks on minibuses and around nightlife. Bus-ticket fraud, fake ebony souvenirs and unexpected fees also need care.
Are there similar scams in Tanzania?
Yes: fake direct bus tickets from Mbeya to Malawi, daladala fares above the posted price, domestic flight booking card surcharge.
Who can I report it to?
Police: go to the nearest police station when safe. In Dar es Salaam, a major station is at Salendar Bridge on Ocean Road. Ask for a written report or reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency. If you can safely reach a police station, going there directly may be more useful. Card issuer or bank: use the emergency contact in your banking app or on the bank's official website. Freeze stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Bus operator, airline, travel agent or venue: contact the business directly using independently checked contact details. Provide the ticket, receipt or booking record and explain the problem. Travel insurer: use your policy's claims or assistance contact. Keep receipts and the police report. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Tanzania?
Emergency services: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck