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Lots of scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Guinea

Guinea has a high risk of theft, demands for bribes and business fraud. Travellers should take particular care at airports, markets, checkpoints, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners. Other problems include inflated opening prices and misleading promises about taxi departure times.
  1. 1 Fake officialsVery commonPolice and soldier bribe demandsCorrupt police and soldiers target foreigners for money. Police may take an item and use it to pressure you into paying a bribe.Across the country, including police checkpoints 2Read
  2. 2 Other tricksVery commonBusiness fraudBusiness fraud and scams are widespread. No specific scheme is described, so a convincing offer or business contact should not be treated as proof that a deal is genuine.Across the country 2Read
  3. 3 Airport and borderCommonAirport security requests for a giftAirport security may ask travellers for a "gift". This is an informal demand for money or another benefit.Conakry 1Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonPickpocketing in busy areasThieves take wallets, phones or other belongings from pockets and bags. Busy markets make it harder to notice someone reaching into your belongings.Conakry 2Read
  5. 5 TheftCommonPurse and bag snatchingA thief grabs a purse or bag and runs off with it.Across the country, with visitors targeted at airports, markets, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners 2Read
  6. 6 TheftCommonUnsolicited airport and hotel helpersSomeone offers help that you did not request. The offer may be a way to steal luggage, purses or wallets.Airports and hotels 2Read
  7. 7 TheftCommonArmed robbery and muggingCriminals use threats, weapons or violence to take belongings. Robberies can involve assault.Across the country; visitors are targeted at airports, traditional markets, and near hotels and restaurants used by foreigners 2Read
  8. 8 ShoppingCommonInflated shopping prices near major hotelsSellers quote high opening prices, especially outside major hotels. Bargaining is expected. A high first price alone does not mean the seller is dishonest.Conakry 2Read
  9. 9 Fake officialsOccasionalMilitary-style roadblocks demanding money and valuablesPeople in military uniforms set up makeshift roadblocks. They demand money, search belongings and take valuable items. A uniform alone does not establish their authority.Conakry 3Read
  10. 10 Buses and trainsOccasionalMisleading promises of an immediate taxi departureYou may be told a taxi will leave "toute suite", meaning right away, early in the morning. It may still not leave until after dark. Local departure times are not fixed, so this promise is unreliable.Conakry 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Conakry International AirportAirport security may ask for a gift. Airports are also places where visitors face theft and unsolicited offers of help.
  • Madina market / Marché Medina, ConakryThe busy market has a specific warning about pickpockets.
  • Marché du Niger, ConakryPickpockets are a stated risk.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree on the fare and what it covers before setting off.
  • Leave spare time for intercity trips; departure promises can be unreliable.
  • A stop for fuel soon after boarding is expected and does not by itself show a scam.
  • Traffic and road works can cause detours in Conakry. A detour alone does not prove overcharging.

Money

  • Count cash discreetly and keep most of it out of sight.
  • Keep a small spending amount separate from your main cash.
  • Compare shopping prices and bargain, especially outside major hotels.
  • Agree on a helper's fee before they carry purchases.

Cards and ATMs

  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Decline help from strangers at an ATM.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere you can reach without your phone.
  • Check account activity and freeze a missing card promptly.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowded markets.
  • Keep luggage in sight at airports and hotels.
  • Carry fewer valuables and keep document copies separately.
  • Do not resist an armed robbery or chase a thief.

Where you stay

  • Ask your hotel to arrange an airport pickup.
  • Confirm who is meeting you before handing over luggage.
  • Check an unexpected offer of help with reception.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm during checkpoint stops.
  • Ask what a payment is for and request a receipt if safe.
  • Do not assume a uniform proves authority at a makeshift roadblock.
  • Avoid photographing military bases and political buildings.
  • Consult your embassy if you are a crime victim or officials take important belongings.

What travellers say about Guinea

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

Questions

How serious is the scam risk in Guinea?

The risk is high. Main concerns include demands for bribes, theft and widespread business fraud. Some robberies involve violence.

What should I do if airport security asks for a gift?

Stay calm. Ask whether it is an official fee and request a receipt if safe. Avoid confrontation and put your safety first.

Can I trust someone offering to carry my airport luggage?

Unsolicited help can be a way to steal bags or wallets. Arrange a pickup through your hotel, family or a business contact, and confirm the person's identity.

Which markets need extra care?

Madina market, also called Marché Medina, and Marché du Niger in Conakry have pickpocket warnings. Keep bags closed and valuables out of easy reach.

Are prices fixed at souvenir stalls?

Bargaining is expected. Opening prices are especially high outside major hotels in Conakry. Compare prices, negotiate and walk away if the price does not suit you.

Does a taxi fuel stop or detour mean I am being scammed?

No. A fuel stop soon after boarding is expected. Traffic and road works can also cause unusual routes around Conakry. Agree on the fare before leaving.

Can I rely on an intercity taxi leaving right away?

No. A morning promise of an immediate departure may still mean leaving after dark. Keep your schedule flexible and avoid tight onward connections.

What should I do at a suspicious roadblock?

Stay calm and avoid physical resistance. Makeshift roadblocks outside Conakry have involved people in military uniforms demanding money and taking valuables. Contact your embassy once safe if you are robbed or threatened.

How can I reduce the risk of business fraud?

Check the people, company and deal independently before paying or travelling. Save written terms and avoid committing money under pressure.

Who should I contact after a theft?

Contact your bank immediately if cards or payments are involved. Consult your embassy, especially for a stolen passport or official involvement. Ask about a police report if safe and practical, and keep records for your insurer.

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