Scam in SudanChanging money
Confusing old and new currency quotes in Sudan
How it works
People may quote prices in old pounds or dinars instead of current Sudanese pounds. They may also leave out the thousands when speaking. This is not necessarily deliberate fraud, but it can cause a mistaken payment or a dispute.
Warning signs
- Someone says only 'pounds' without clarifying the currency unit.
- The spoken price and the amount requested at payment do not seem to match.
- A seller or driver uses old pounds or dinars to explain a price.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the full price in new Sudanese pounds before agreeing.
- Have the other person write the exact amount or show it on a phone.
- Confirm the total again before handing over cash.
- Count your payment and change carefully.
If it happens to you
Pause the payment if it is safe. Ask the person to write the amount in current Sudanese pounds and compare it with the price you agreed.
- Move to a safer place. Avoid confrontation, especially with armed people.
- If you are injured or suspect poisoning, seek urgent medical care.
- If a card or account is affected, contact the issuer immediately and block further use.
- Save receipts, messages and booking records. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
- Report the incident through a safe, appropriate channel. Ask for a written record if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if documents are missing or officials are involved. Notify your insurer where relevant.
Questions
What is the confusing old and new currency quotes scam in Sudan?
People may quote prices in old pounds or dinars instead of current Sudanese pounds. They may also leave out the thousands when speaking. This is not necessarily deliberate fraud, but it can cause a mistaken payment or a dispute.
How can I spot it early?
Someone says only 'pounds' without clarifying the currency unit. The spoken price and the amount requested at payment do not seem to match. A seller or driver uses old pounds or dinars to explain a price.
How do I avoid confusing old and new currency quotes in Sudan?
Ask for the full price in new Sudanese pounds before agreeing. Have the other person write the exact amount or show it on a phone. Confirm the total again before handing over cash. Count your payment and change carefully.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Pause the payment if it is safe. Ask the person to write the amount in current Sudanese pounds and compare it with the price you agreed.
Where in Sudan does this happen?
Price discussions, including taxi fares
How common is this scam in Sudan?
Occasional. Scam frequency in Sudan is unclear, but travellers can face police demands for bribes and confusing price quotes. Other concerns include extra departure-tax demands and adulterated local spirits. Armed conflict is a much greater safety concern than ordinary tourist scams.
Who can I report it to?
Police: for theft or fraud, seek a safe way to make a report and request a written record if available. If police are involved in the incident, ask your embassy or consulate for guidance before approaching them. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with lost travel documents or an incident involving officials. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or the issuer's verified contact details to block a card and report unauthorised payments. Airline: use an official airline channel to check a disputed departure-tax demand. Keep your ticket and payment records. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy's official assistance channel. Keep receipts and any incident report for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck