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Few scams

Antarctic

Tourist scams in Bouvet Island

No tourist scams, theft methods or overcharging tricks are described for Bouvet Island, so their frequency cannot be assessed. There are no shops or food and drink services described here. The main visitor risks are glaciers, uncharted crevasses and running short of supplies.

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    Habits that keep you safe

    Tours and guides

    • Plan travel across the ice with people who have glacier travel skills. Almost 93% of the island is covered by glacier, with uncharted crevasses.
    • Discuss transport and evacuation plans with your expedition team before arrival. A helicopter may be needed to move between locations.
    • Bring all your food, equipment and other supplies, plus extra in case you get stuck.
    • Bring a way to melt ice and enough fuel. Water you carry can freeze, and melting ice takes a lot of fuel.
    • Respect the access restriction at Nyrøysa. From November through March, entry is limited to approved monitoring parties. Take all rubbish away with you.

    Questions

    Are tourist scams common on Bouvet Island?

    No tourist scams are described, and there is no information on their frequency. The low rating concerns scams only. It does not mean visiting the island is low risk.

    Are there known pickpocket or tout hotspots?

    No places are identified as pickpocket or tout hotspots.

    Can I buy food, drinks or spare supplies there?

    There are no shops or food and drink services described. Bring everything you need, with extra supplies in case you get stuck.

    What should I check when arranging expedition transport?

    Agree how you will move around and how you will leave in an emergency. Glacier travel requires skills, and a helicopter may be needed to move between locations.

    Is it safe to walk across the island?

    Almost 93% of the island is covered by glacier, with uncharted crevasses. Crossing it requires suitable skills and techniques.

    Can I freely enter the ice-free area at Nyrøysa?

    No. From November through March, you may enter only as part of an approved monitoring party.

    How should I prepare drinking water?

    Bring a way to melt ice and enough fuel. Carried water can freeze, and melting blocks of island ice uses a lot of fuel.

    What should I do about a suspicious expedition payment?

    Keep the booking details, messages and receipts. Contact the payment provider through an official channel and report any unauthorised charge.

    Is there a local police or emergency number listed?

    No local police contact or emergency number is provided. Agree an emergency communication plan with your expedition organiser before arrival.

    What should I do if my passport is stolen?

    Tell your expedition leader, keep a record of what happened and contact your embassy or consulate when communication is available.

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