Scam in TunisiaOn the street
Street friendship followed by demands in Tunisia
How it works
Someone starts a friendly conversation, sometimes by asking for a cigarette, lighter or the time. Some teenagers invite male tourists to the cinema. Later, the new acquaintance asks for money, cigarettes or something else.
Warning signs
- A stranger quickly becomes very familiar.
- A small request turns into an invitation to go somewhere.
- The person keeps engaging after you decline.
How to avoid it
- Decline invitations you do not want.
- Use a brief “Non, merci” and keep moving.
- Do not give repeated attention to someone who ignores your refusal.
If it happens to you
Refuse the demand and end the conversation. Move to a busy place if the person follows you.
- Move to a safe, public place. Avoid a confrontation if someone becomes aggressive.
- Freeze missing or compromised cards immediately through your bank or card issuer.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, amount and any vehicle or business details.
- Keep receipts, bills, booking records and other evidence. Take photos only when safe.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Tell hotel management or airport staff when relevant, and ask for a written record.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
Questions
What is the street friendship followed by demands scam in Tunisia?
Someone starts a friendly conversation, sometimes by asking for a cigarette, lighter or the time. Some teenagers invite male tourists to the cinema. Later, the new acquaintance asks for money, cigarettes or something else.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger quickly becomes very familiar. A small request turns into an invitation to go somewhere. The person keeps engaging after you decline.
How do I avoid street friendship followed by demands in Tunisia?
Decline invitations you do not want. Use a brief “Non, merci” and keep moving. Do not give repeated attention to someone who ignores your refusal.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Refuse the demand and end the conversation. Move to a busy place if the person follows you.
Where in Tunisia does this happen?
Avenue Bourguiba, also called Avenue Habib Bourguiba, and nearby streets It has been reported in Tunis.
How much can it cost me?
A reported demand is 10 DT or a pack of Marlboros.
How common is this scam in Tunisia?
Common. Persistent sellers, unwanted guides and inflated bills are recurring problems for visitors to Tunisia. Theft is widely reported, including from hotel rooms, room safes and airports. Taxi overcharging and pressure to visit shops also need care.
Are there similar scams in Tunisia?
Yes: persistent sellers and touts.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or suspected fraud. Bring a clear account and any receipts or identifying details. Ask for a written report or reference. Bank or card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Hotel management: report missing room valuables promptly. Ask management to document the incident and help you contact police. Airport staff: ask for immediate help with airport theft or a driver refusing to return luggage. Request a supervisor for a disputed official cash count. Embassy or consulate: use your government's official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help with replacement travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck