Scam in Burkina FasoTaxis
Inflated taxi fares in Burkina Faso
How it works
Drivers may ask tourists for much more than the usual fare. In Ouagadougou, taxis have no meters, so the price must be agreed before boarding. Shared and private rides have different prices. Distance, luggage and late hours can also raise the fare.
Warning signs
- The driver wants you to board before agreeing on a price.
- The asking price is well above the guide fares for that type of ride.
- You are approached for a ride while leaving a station with luggage.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the total fare before entering. Confirm whether it is per person or for the whole car.
- Confirm whether the ride is shared or private and whether bags cost extra.
- In Bobo-Dioulasso, walk a block from the station before finding a taxi, if safe.
- Compare offers and decline a fare you do not accept.
If it happens to you
If still outside the taxi, decline and find another driver. If a dispute starts during the ride, ask to stop somewhere busy and seek help if you feel threatened.
- Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or risk a fight over money.
- Check what is missing. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle details. Save receipts and messages.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
- Tell your travel insurer and provide any police report and payment records. Secure affected accounts if your phone was taken.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the inflated taxi fares scam in Burkina Faso?
Drivers may ask tourists for much more than the usual fare. In Ouagadougou, taxis have no meters, so the price must be agreed before boarding. Shared and private rides have different prices. Distance, luggage and late hours can also raise the fare.
How can I spot it early?
The driver wants you to board before agreeing on a price. The asking price is well above the guide fares for that type of ride. You are approached for a ride while leaving a station with luggage.
How do I avoid inflated taxi fares in Burkina Faso?
Agree on the total fare before entering. Confirm whether it is per person or for the whole car. Confirm whether the ride is shared or private and whether bags cost extra. In Bobo-Dioulasso, walk a block from the station before finding a taxi, if safe. Compare offers and decline a fare you do not accept.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If still outside the taxi, decline and find another driver. If a dispute starts during the ride, ask to stop somewhere busy and seek help if you feel threatened.
Where in Burkina Faso does this happen?
Airports, station taxi ranks, main roads and journeys at night. It has been reported in Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso.
How much can it cost me?
Ouagadougou: up to CFA300 per person for a straight daytime trip on main roads; longer trips and luggage cost more. Night fares are described as no more than CFA1,500 per person. Airport guidance differs: one passage gives up to CFA500 for a shared green taxi to the centre, with requests for CFA1,000; another gives a minimum of CFA1,500 for airport trips, with asking prices above CFA5,000. Bobo-Dioulasso: CFA200 by day, CFA300 for a long trip or at night, and up to CFA500 in the very early morning; heavy bags or a bike add CFA100–200.
How common is this scam in Burkina Faso?
Common. Travellers can face inflated taxi fares, overpriced goods and unwanted paid help with luggage. Pickpocketing, bag snatching and market touts are concerns, especially in Ouagadougou. This scam rating does not cover the separate dangers from civil unrest and extremist activity.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud at a police station. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number if available. Airport staff: for a luggage-helper dispute at the airport, ask airport staff for assistance. Card issuer: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze stolen cards and report any payments you did not authorise. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact its claims service and keep receipts, payment records and any police report. Mobile provider: if your phone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM and help protect your number.
Reviewed by @snuck