Skip to content
Occasional in Rwanda

Scam in RwandaTheft

Pickpocketing in Rwanda

Crowded areas, markets and bus stations. Extra care is needed outside New Cadillac nightclub and between the nightclub and Carwash bar.

How it works

Someone takes a wallet or other belongings without you noticing. Crowds and the area outside nightlife venues need extra attention.

Warning signs

  • Your wallet or phone is visible in an open pocket.
  • Your bag is open or behind you in a crowd.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
  2. Keep wallets and phones out of easy reach.
  3. Carry only the cash you need.
  4. Take extra care outside New Cadillac and near Carwash bar.

If it happens to you

Move somewhere safe. Report the theft to police. If cards or a phone were taken, contact your bank and mobile provider promptly.

  1. Move to a safe place. Avoid chasing a thief or starting a confrontation.
  2. If cards or a phone were stolen, contact your bank and mobile provider to block access.
  3. Save receipts, messages and transaction records. Write down what happened, where and when.
  4. Report theft or fraud to police. Call 112 if you need urgent assistance, and ask for a report reference.
  5. Contact your insurer if you have cover. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
  6. Watch your accounts for further activity. Do not pay someone who promises to recover your money for an upfront fee.
Where it happensCrowded areas, markets and bus stations. Extra care is needed outside New Cadillac nightclub and between the nightclub and Carwash bar.Kigali
More scams in RwandaInflated prices from traders: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the pickpocketing scam in Rwanda?

Someone takes a wallet or other belongings without you noticing. Crowds and the area outside nightlife venues need extra attention.

How can I spot it early?

Your wallet or phone is visible in an open pocket. Your bag is open or behind you in a crowd.

How do I avoid pickpocketing in Rwanda?

Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Keep wallets and phones out of easy reach. Carry only the cash you need. Take extra care outside New Cadillac and near Carwash bar.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move somewhere safe. Report the theft to police. If cards or a phone were taken, contact your bank and mobile provider promptly.

Where in Rwanda does this happen?

Crowded areas, markets and bus stations. Extra care is needed outside New Cadillac nightclub and between the nightclub and Carwash bar. It has been reported in Kigali.

How common is this scam in Rwanda?

Occasional. Rwanda is generally safe for visitors, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns described are pickpocketing in busy parts of Kigali and traders asking inflated prices. Begging and aggressive requests for money are fairly rare.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft or fraud to police. Dial 112 for urgent assistance. Keep any report reference for your bank or insurer. Corruption reporting service: call 997 to report corruption. The number is toll-free. Police conduct complaints: call 3511 to complain about police conduct. The number is toll-free. Your bank or card issuer: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Your travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Rwanda?

All emergencies, toll-free: 112, Ambulance, toll-free: 912, Traffic accidents, toll-free: 113, Corruption reporting, toll-free: 997, Police conduct complaints, toll-free: 3511.

Reviewed by