Scam in TanzaniaOn the street
Persistent sellers and street touts in Tanzania
How it works
Sellers or touts approach visitors and keep offering goods or services. In Arusha, some follow people along the street. These approaches can feel intimidating, though the touts are usually harmless.
Warning signs
- Someone keeps following after you decline.
- A seller presses you to promise a later visit.
- Several touts approach outside a bus ticket area.
How to avoid it
- Decline politely and keep walking.
- In Arusha, avoid stopping or making eye contact with persistent touts.
- Do not promise to return unless you mean it.
- At Ubungo, you can ask your taxi driver to take you inside the station for a small extra fee.
If it happens to you
Keep moving and say "sihitaji" or "hapana asante". Avoid a long discussion.
- 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 persistent sellers and street touts scam in Tanzania?
Sellers or touts approach visitors and keep offering goods or services. In Arusha, some follow people along the street. These approaches can feel intimidating, though the touts are usually harmless.
How can I spot it early?
Someone keeps following after you decline. A seller presses you to promise a later visit. Several touts approach outside a bus ticket area.
How do I avoid persistent sellers and street touts in Tanzania?
Decline politely and keep walking. In Arusha, avoid stopping or making eye contact with persistent touts. Do not promise to return unless you mean it. At Ubungo, you can ask your taxi driver to take you inside the station for a small extra fee.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep moving and say "sihitaji" or "hapana asante". Avoid a long discussion.
Where in Tanzania does this happen?
Tourist shopping areas nationwide; particularly Arusha and outside the ticket area at Ubungo Terminal in Dar es Salaam.
How common is this scam in Tanzania?
Very 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.
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