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Few scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in Eritrea

Tourist hustling appears uncommon in Eritrea, especially in Asmara. Watch for unofficial currency exchange offers and dubious money deals; aggressive begging can also occur. Armed robbery is a serious concern near borders and in Teseney, Barentu and Assab.
  1. 1 Changing moneyOccasionalUnofficial currency exchange and dubious money dealsSomeone offers a better rate for your foreign cash or proposes another questionable money deal. Taking part can expose you to severe legal trouble. The frequency of these offers is unclear.Across the country 1Read
  2. 2 On the streetOccasionalAggressive beggingSome children beg aggressively and may throw rocks. This is street harassment rather than a documented organised scam. They usually leave when refused firmly.Across the countryRead
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalArmed robbery in high-risk areasArmed robbery is a serious risk in these areas. No specific approach or theft method is described, and the frequency is unclear.Teseney, Barentu, AssabRead

Where to stay alert

  • TeseneyA named high-risk area for armed robbery. Avoid travel here.
  • BarentuA named high-risk area for armed robbery. Avoid travel here.
  • AssabA named high-risk area for armed robbery. Avoid travel here.
  • Areas within 25 km of Eritrea's bordersArmed robbery and violence are serious concerns. Avoid these areas.

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • Exchange cash through official services. Decline private offers of better rates.
  • Check banknotes before accepting them. Notes issued before 1 January 2016 are no longer valid.
  • Check which notes are currently valid before acquiring much cash. A further banknote replacement was announced as a plan in November 2025.
  • Count cash before leaving the counter and keep exchange receipts.

Taxis

  • In Asmara, ask whether a yellow taxi is a shared fixed-route service or a private contract taxi.
  • For a contract taxi, agree on the full price and destination before boarding.
  • Confirm the fare per person when sharing a ride.
  • Carry small notes for buses and shared transport.

Your belongings

  • Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
  • Keep your bag closed and within reach.
  • Carry a separate copy of important documents.
  • Do not resist an armed robbery.

Tours and guides

  • Arrange the required travel permit before leaving Asmara.
  • Allow several days to arrange permission before committing to travel.
  • Ask the airport information desk about national tour agencies if you need organised transport.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm and polite when dealing with officials.
  • Ask permission before photographing government, police or military buildings.
  • Avoid arguments about the government or politics.
  • If detained or accused of a crime, request legal help and contact with your embassy or consulate.

What travellers say about Eritrea

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

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Eritrea?

Tourist hustling appears uncommon, especially in Asmara. Unofficial currency exchange offers and dubious money deals are the main financial traps described. Low scam risk does not mean every part of the country is safe.

Should I accept a better exchange rate from someone I meet?

Decline private exchange offers. A better rate can draw you into an unofficial deal with serious legal consequences. Use an official exchange service.

How can I avoid accepting invalid banknotes?

Check notes before accepting them. Banknotes issued before 1 January 2016 are invalid. A further replacement was announced as a plan in November 2025, so check the status before acquiring much cash.

How do I avoid a taxi fare dispute in Asmara?

First ask whether the taxi is shared or private. Shared fixed-route yellow taxis have a stated fare of Nkf 5. Private contract taxis require negotiation, with a stated minimum of Nkf 70 for most drivers. Confirm the full fare before boarding; these amounts are guidance, not a guaranteed quote.

What should I do about aggressive begging?

Refuse firmly and calmly, then keep moving. Some children may throw rocks. Avoid arguing and seek help if you are threatened.

Where is armed robbery a serious concern?

Avoid Teseney, Barentu, Assab and areas within 25 km of Eritrea's borders. These areas carry serious armed robbery and violence risks.

Is it safe to walk at night in Asmara?

Asmara is described as having very low street crime, including at night. Still keep valuables out of sight and choose a route you can navigate confidently. This does not apply to the named high-risk border areas.

What should I avoid buying as a souvenir?

Avoid leopard skin, zebra skin and ivory items. These can cause problems when leaving Eritrea and may lead to fines at your destination. Textiles, furred skins and mats may carry parasites, so have suitable items washed, treated and dried.

What should I arrange before a trip outside Asmara?

Arrange a travel permit through the Ministry of Tourism or Tourist Bureau before travelling. Allow several days. Permission to travel does not remove the risks in border areas.

Who should I contact after a theft or scam?

Report crime to the police once you are safe. Contact your card issuer if a card or its details were taken. Your embassy or consulate can help with a stolen passport, detention or finding legal assistance.

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