Scam in TanzaniaBuses and trains
Domestic flight booking card surcharge in Tanzania
How it works
Travel agents add a card-payment fee to domestic flight bookings. This is a booking surcharge rather than a described fraud, but it can increase the final price.
Warning signs
- The quoted ticket price excludes the payment fee.
- The total rises when you choose to pay by credit card.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the total price, including payment fees, before booking.
- Ask whether paying cash removes the surcharge.
- Compare the total with a quote from the airline office.
If it happens to you
Ask for an itemised receipt showing the ticket price and card fee.
- 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 domestic flight booking card surcharge scam in Tanzania?
Travel agents add a card-payment fee to domestic flight bookings. This is a booking surcharge rather than a described fraud, but it can increase the final price.
How can I spot it early?
The quoted ticket price excludes the payment fee. The total rises when you choose to pay by credit card.
How do I avoid domestic flight booking card surcharge in Tanzania?
Ask for the total price, including payment fees, before booking. Ask whether paying cash removes the surcharge. Compare the total with a quote from the airline office.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for an itemised receipt showing the ticket price and card fee.
Where in Tanzania does this happen?
Travel agents selling domestic flight tickets in Dar es Salaam. It has been reported in Dar es Salaam.
How much can it cost me?
3–6% of the domestic flight ticket price.
How common is this scam in Tanzania?
Common. 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: bus touts impersonating reputable companies, fake direct bus tickets from Mbeya to Malawi, daladala fares above the posted price.
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