Scam in EthiopiaOn the street
Friendly invitation followed by a large khat bill in Ethiopia
How it works
Young locals befriend a tourist and invite them to celebrate a supposed special holiday. They provide khat, a leaf chewed as a drug. At the end, they demand a large payment and claim the khat was a special quality.
Warning signs
- New acquaintances quickly invite you to a private celebration.
- They offer khat without clearly explaining the price.
- They describe something as special but avoid saying what it costs.
How to avoid it
- Ask whether anything costs money, even if you are described as a guest.
- Get a clear total before accepting food, drinks or khat.
- Decline invitations that involve unclear costs.
- Keep a way to leave independently.
If it happens to you
Prioritise leaving safely. If safe, ask for a clear breakdown of the demand. Seek help from trusted staff or police if you are threatened or prevented from leaving.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. If you are threatened or injured, seek emergency help. In Addis Ababa, the emergency number is 911.
- Check what is missing. Block stolen cards promptly and contact your mobile provider if your phone or SIM was taken.
- Record what happened while it is fresh. Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you already have.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to the police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your card issuer, insurer or embassy as needed. Keep copies of reports and receipts, and avoid anyone who demands advance payment to recover your belongings.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorEthiopia ForumCan someone help explain what just happened on my trip? - Ethiopia Forum - TripadvisorA traveller reported that a supposed university student invited them to a khat gathering and later demanded 1,600 birr for eight bags.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blogScams in Ethiopia: My Afternoon with a Con Man - Where The Road ForksThe author describes a khat-invitation scam charging tourists upwards of $100 for inexpensive leaves, while distinguishing it from the scams attempted during his own encounter.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the friendly invitation followed by a large khat bill scam in Ethiopia?
Young locals befriend a tourist and invite them to celebrate a supposed special holiday. They provide khat, a leaf chewed as a drug. At the end, they demand a large payment and claim the khat was a special quality.
How can I spot it early?
New acquaintances quickly invite you to a private celebration. They offer khat without clearly explaining the price. They describe something as special but avoid saying what it costs.
How do I avoid friendly invitation followed by a large khat bill in Ethiopia?
Ask whether anything costs money, even if you are described as a guest. Get a clear total before accepting food, drinks or khat. Decline invitations that involve unclear costs. Keep a way to leave independently.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Prioritise leaving safely. If safe, ask for a clear breakdown of the demand. Seek help from trusted staff or police if you are threatened or prevented from leaving.
Where in Ethiopia does this happen?
It has been reported in Addis Ababa.
How common is this scam in Ethiopia?
Occasional. Tourists can face pickpocketing, distraction theft, inflated prices and commission-seeking touts in Ethiopia. Watch especially closely in busy parts of Addis Ababa, when agreeing transport fares, and when strangers offer invitations or help with bookings.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Bring a short account of events and any receipts, messages or booking details. Ask for a report or reference number if available. Emergency services in Addis Ababa: call 911 for an emergency. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Transport operator, booking service or accommodation: report a fare or booking dispute through the service that arranged it. Provide the agreed price, trip details and proof of payment. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep the police report, receipts and proof of loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Ethiopia?
All emergencies in Addis Ababa: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck