Southern Africa
Tourist scams in Eswatini
Where to stay alert
- Minibus taxis in ManziniPassengers are warned to ask the fare before riding to avoid being overcharged. No particular stop or route is identified.
Habits that keep you safe
Taxis
- Ask the minibus driver for the fare before you get in.
- Carry suitable local change. Kombi operators do not accept South African rand coins.
- Avoid boarding an overcrowded minibus or travelling with a driver whose driving feels unsafe.
- In Manzini, consider a metered taxi for residential areas with limited minibus service.
Money
- Keep your cash hidden. Take out only what you need to pay.
- Check your change before leaving the counter.
- South African rand banknotes are accepted, but do not assume rand coins will be accepted.
- If you need rand before going to South Africa, ask a bank in Mbabane or Manzini. Bring proof of identity.
- Plan ahead with leftover emalangeni. They cannot be exchanged at Johannesburg Airport.
Your belongings
- Keep your phone and wallet secured when walking or using transport.
- Carry only the cash and valuables you need for the day.
- Keep a separate copy of your passport and important booking details.
Nights out
- Arrange your journey home before going out.
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially outside Mbabane and Manzini, where street lighting may be limited.
- Stay with people you trust and keep enough money for your return journey.
Police and officials
- Stay calm during police encounters. Officers have been known to mistreat foreigners over minor offences.
- Follow road rules and use care when crossing streets.
- At border gates, be prepared for searches of you and your vehicle.
- If an encounter becomes threatening, prioritise your safety. Record details only when it is safe.
What travellers say about Eswatini
Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.
Questions
Are tourist scams common in Eswatini?
Their frequency is not established. The specific scam warning concerns possible minibus fare overcharging in Manzini. A low risk rating does not mean scams cannot happen.
How do I avoid paying too much for a minibus in Manzini?
Ask the driver for the price before boarding and confirm your destination. Minibus taxis use fixed fares and have no fare meters.
Can I pay a kombi fare with South African rand coins?
No. Kombi operators do not accept rand coins. Carry suitable local change and confirm the fare before travelling.
Can I use South African rand in shops?
Yes. Vendors accept rand, and shops usually handle both rand and emalangeni banknotes. Coin acceptance is different, so check before paying and inspect your change.
What should I do with leftover emalangeni?
If you are continuing to South Africa, consider exchanging them for rand at a bank in Mbabane or Manzini. Bring proof of identity. You cannot exchange emalangeni at Johannesburg Airport.
What should I watch for when dealing with police?
Officers have been known to aggressively detain and mistreat foreigners over minor offences such as jaywalking or speeding. Stay calm and prioritise your safety. No specific bribery or fake police scam is described.
Is it sensible to walk alone after a night out?
Avoid walking alone after dark. This is especially important outside Mbabane and Manzini, where street lighting may be limited. Arrange your return transport before going out.
Are particular markets, hotels or attractions scam hotspots?
No specific market, hotel or attraction is identified as a scam hotspot. The fare warning applies to minibus taxis in Manzini, without naming a particular stop or route.
What should I do first if my wallet or phone is stolen?
Move somewhere safe. Contact your bank to freeze missing cards and your mobile provider to block a stolen SIM. Record what happened, report the theft and keep the report reference.
Are border searches necessarily a scam?
No. Soldiers at border gates can search travellers and vehicles extensively. Stay calm and follow instructions. No specific border scam is described.
Reviewed by @snuck