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Lots of scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in Burundi

There is not enough detail to say how common tourist scams are in Burundi or to identify specific scam routines. Reported risks include petty crime, banditry and armed robbery. Wider insecurity makes caution important, especially after dark.
  1. 1 TheftOccasionalBanditry and armed robberyCriminals may use force or weapons to take belongings. No specific setup or method targeting tourists is described. The frequency label should not be read as a measured rate.A country-wide security concern. Specific robbery locations and frequency are not given. 2Read
  2. 2 Other tricksOccasionalPetty crimePetty crime is reported, but no specific tourist scam, theft method or frequency is described. The frequency label should not be read as a measured rate.A country-wide concern. Specific places and methods are not given. 3Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • In Bujumbura, negotiate the fare before starting the ride.
  • Confirm whether the agreed price covers everyone and all planned stops.
  • Use a taxi for journeys after dark in Bujumbura.
  • Arrange longer journeys to finish during daylight.

Money

  • Burundi uses the Burundian franc, written as FBu or BIF.
  • Keep small spending money separate from your main cash supply.
  • Count change before leaving the counter.
  • Confirm prices and the currency before paying.

Cards and ATMs

  • DTB bank, Ecobank, CRDB and KCB have ATMs that support Visa or MasterCard withdrawals.
  • Shield your PIN and refuse unsolicited help at an ATM.
  • Use an ATM in a place where you feel secure.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available separately from your cards.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables out of sight.
  • Store a copy of your passport separately from the original.
  • Avoid walking after dark. Bujumbura's streets become very dark from around 18:00.
  • Exercise extra caution near Bujumbura's port, where the area is described as concerning by day and night.

Police and officials

  • Consult your embassy about changing local security conditions.
  • Check current curfew rules and road restrictions before setting out.
  • Speak calmly and respectfully when dealing with authority figures.
  • Do not expect police to be readily available on Bujumbura's streets.

What travellers say about Burundi

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Burundi?

Their frequency is not established here. Petty crime, banditry and armed robbery are reported, but specific tourist scam routines are not described.

How can I avoid a taxi fare dispute?

In Bujumbura, negotiate the fare before the ride. Confirm the currency, the full price and any planned stops. Negotiated fares alone are not evidence of a scam.

Is it safe to walk around Bujumbura at night?

The streets become very dark from around 18:00. Take a taxi for journeys after dark and avoid unnecessary night travel.

Are any specific scam hotspots identified?

No named place is explicitly linked to a scam, pickpocketing or touts. The area near Bujumbura's port is described as concerning during both day and night.

Can I withdraw cash with an international card?

DTB bank, Ecobank, CRDB and KCB have ATMs supporting Visa or MasterCard withdrawals. Shield your PIN and decline help from strangers.

How should I carry cash and valuables?

Carry only what you need, keep valuables out of sight and separate daily spending money from your main cash supply.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Do not resist or make sudden movements. Prioritise your safety, then seek help and report the incident once you are safe.

Who can help if my passport is stolen?

Report the theft to police when safe and contact your embassy or consulate for replacement documents and consular help.

What should I do if my card or phone is stolen?

Block affected cards through your bank's official channel. Secure accounts accessible from the phone and keep evidence for police and insurance.

What should I check before travelling between cities?

Ask your embassy about current security conditions. Check curfews and road restrictions, as many roads close at night. Plan to travel during daylight.

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