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Few scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in British Indian Ocean Territory

No specific tourist scams, theft methods or overcharging tricks are documented here, so their frequency is unknown. The main concerns are strict rules, unsafe old buildings, unsafe drinking water and the lack of medical facilities.

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    Habits that keep you safe

    Money

    • Commercial activity of any kind is strictly prohibited. Do not plan to shop or buy services.
    • Do not treat an offer to sell something as proof that the activity is allowed.

    Police and officials

    • Follow the territory's rules carefully. Violations can lead to fines or imprisonment.
    • If someone claims to be an official, ask for identification before handing over money or documents.
    • If a payment is demanded, ask for a written explanation and an official receipt.

    Where you stay

    • Do not stay ashore overnight.
    • Keep pets on your boat.
    • Stay out of the old buildings on Ile du Coin and Ile Boddam. They are structurally unsafe.

    Tours and guides

    • Do not go within three nautical miles of strict nature reserves or Diego Garcia.
    • Do not dive. Only limited fishing is permitted.
    • Do not kill, remove or disturb plants or animals, including shells. Do not introduce foreign plants or animals.
    • Prepare for medical evacuation. The territory is very remote and has no medical facilities.
    • Do not drink untreated well water. Water from the old wells needs filtering and purification before drinking.

    Your belongings

    • Keep valuables secure and carry copies of important documents.
    • Keep a record of your boat details, emergency contacts and insurance information.

    Questions

    Are tourist scams common in British Indian Ocean Territory?

    No specific scams are documented here. Their frequency is unknown. The low scam-risk rating does not mean the territory is safe in other ways.

    Are there known pickpocket or tout hotspots?

    No named places are identified as pickpocket or tout hotspots. Keep valuables secure as a general precaution.

    Can I buy goods or pay for services?

    Commercial activity of any kind is strictly prohibited. Do not assume an offer to sell something is permitted.

    What should I do if someone claiming to be an official demands money?

    Stay calm. Ask for identification, a written explanation and an official receipt. No specific fake-official scam is documented here.

    Can I stay ashore overnight?

    No. Staying ashore overnight is prohibited.

    Which places must I keep away from?

    Do not go within three nautical miles of strict nature reserves or Diego Garcia. Do not dive or disturb wildlife, plants or shells.

    Are the old buildings safe to explore?

    The old buildings on Ile du Coin and Ile Boddam are structurally unsafe. Stay out of them.

    Can I drink water from the old wells?

    Do not drink it untreated. The old wells on islands including Ile Boddam, Ile Takamaka and Ile du Coin contain water that needs filtering and purification before drinking.

    Is medical care available if something goes wrong?

    No medical facilities are available. Prepare for medical evacuation before travelling.

    How can I get emergency assistance?

    Contact Diego Garcia on 00 246 3702938 or by radio on 2.182MHz HF SSB.

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