Scam in GuineaBuses and trains
Misleading promises of an immediate taxi departure in Guinea
How it works
You may be told a taxi will leave "toute suite", meaning right away, early in the morning. It may still not leave until after dark. Local departure times are not fixed, so this promise is unreliable.
Warning signs
- You are promised an immediate departure without a firm time.
- Repeated promises replace a clear departure plan.
How to avoid it
- Ask whether the vehicle is actually ready to leave.
- Keep a loose schedule for intercity travel.
- Avoid tight onward connections based on a promised departure.
- Ask about payment and refund terms before paying.
If it happens to you
Ask for a clear update. If the delay makes the trip unsuitable, discuss cancelling and any refund before arranging another ride.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker. Seek medical care if injured.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your bank or card issuer. Ask whether a recent payment can be stopped or disputed.
- Secure a stolen phone and affected accounts. Use another device to lock the phone and change important passwords.
- Write down the time, place, losses and what happened. Save messages, receipts and payment records without putting yourself at risk.
- Consult your embassy, especially if your passport was taken or officials were involved. Ask about safe reporting options and document replacement.
- Ask about making a police report if safe and practical. Keep any report reference and contact your insurer if you have cover.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the misleading promises of an immediate taxi departure scam in Guinea?
You may be told a taxi will leave "toute suite", meaning right away, early in the morning. It may still not leave until after dark. Local departure times are not fixed, so this promise is unreliable.
How can I spot it early?
You are promised an immediate departure without a firm time. Repeated promises replace a clear departure plan.
How do I avoid misleading promises of an immediate taxi departure in Guinea?
Ask whether the vehicle is actually ready to leave. Keep a loose schedule for intercity travel. Avoid tight onward connections based on a promised departure. Ask about payment and refund terms before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a clear update. If the delay makes the trip unsuitable, discuss cancelling and any refund before arranging another ride.
Where in Guinea does this happen?
Intercity taxi departures from Conakry It has been reported in Conakry.
How common is this scam in Guinea?
Occasional. Guinea has a high risk of theft, demands for bribes and business fraud. Travellers should take particular care at airports, markets, checkpoints, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners. Other problems include inflated opening prices and misleading promises about taxi departure times.
Who can I report it to?
Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details after a crime. Explain any threats, official involvement or missing passport. Ask for help with next steps. Local police: if safe and practical, ask to report the theft or fraud and request a written record. Police assistance may be ineffective, and corruption is a concern. Consult your embassy if unsure how to proceed. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards, report unauthorised payments and ask about recovering money. Your travel insurer: contact the claims team through your policy details. Keep receipts, a list of losses and any police report reference.
Reviewed by @snuck