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Lots of scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Guinea-Bissau

Airport officials may ask travellers for bribes, and corruption can also affect people who are arrested. Petty theft and violent crime are serious concerns, but there is little detail on specific tourist scams or how often they happen.
  1. 1 Airport and borderVery commonAirport bribe requestsVarious airport officials ask arriving travellers for bribes. A polite refusal is described as enough to stop further pressure.Bissau 1Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPetty theftPetty crime is a serious country-wide concern. No specific theft technique or pattern of targeting tourists is described.Across the country 2Read
  3. 3 Fake officialsOccasionalBribe pressure after arrestPeople who are arrested may face pressure to pay a bribe. This is a corruption risk involving officials; there is no detail about staged arrests or fake police.Across the countryRead

Where to stay alert

  • Bissau-Bissalanca airportVarious airport officials may ask travellers for bribes.

Habits that keep you safe

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and within sight.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive items.
  • Split your money and keep a backup card separately.
  • Keep copies of your passport and important contact details.

Police and officials

  • Politely decline airport bribe requests.
  • Avoid political demonstrations and large groups of military personnel.
  • Ask before photographing military installations.
  • Keep your consular service's contact details available offline.

Where you stay

  • Do not rely on hotel safes to protect valuables.
  • Bring as few valuables as possible.
  • Keep your room locked and avoid leaving valuables in plain view.

Nights out

  • Avoid nightclubs that are not attached to major hotels.
  • Plan your return journey before going out.
  • Keep your drink in sight and leave if you feel unsafe.

Cards and ATMs

  • Ecobank ATMs in Bissau accept Mastercard and Visa for cash withdrawals.
  • Do not depend on BAO ATMs in Bissau or Gabú, or the ATM at Hotel Malaika in Bissau, unless you have a local account with the bank.
  • Cover your PIN and decline help from strangers at an ATM.
  • Keep a backup way to pay in case a card or ATM does not work.

Money

  • Check the full fee and final amount before agreeing to a money transfer.
  • Western Union charges a 10% commission.
  • Count cash discreetly before leaving the counter.

What travellers say about Guinea-Bissau

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

Questions

How serious is the scam and theft risk in Guinea-Bissau?

Petty theft and violent crime are serious concerns, and law enforcement is limited. Airport bribe requests are specifically described. There is little detail on other organised tourist scams.

What should I do if an airport official asks for a bribe?

Politely decline and stay calm. Officials are described as not pushing further after a polite refusal.

Are there known pickpocket hotspots?

No named pickpocket hotspots are identified. Bissau-Bissalanca airport is the only named place specifically linked to bribe requests.

Are hotel safes reliable?

You should not rely on hotel safes. Bring few valuables, keep your room locked and avoid leaving valuable items in plain view.

Can I withdraw cash with a foreign card?

Ecobank ATMs in Bissau accept Mastercard and Visa. The listed BAO ATMs and the ATM at Hotel Malaika require a local account with the bank.

Is the Western Union fee a scam?

A 10% commission is listed as a service charge, not a scam. Confirm the full fee and the amount the recipient will receive before agreeing.

What precautions should I take when going out at night?

Avoid nightclubs that are not attached to major hotels. Arrange your return journey beforehand and keep your drink and belongings in sight.

What should I do if I am arrested and asked for money?

Stay calm, ask for the reason for detention and seek consular help and legal advice. Ask for any charge or fine to be explained and documented. Do not offer a bribe.

How can I politely refuse a seller?

You can say “N ka mistil”, meaning “I don't want it”. Keep your refusal calm and brief.

Who can help if my passport is stolen?

Report the theft to police and contact your consular service for replacement travel documents. Many countries have no embassy in Guinea-Bissau. US and UK consular support is handled through their embassies in Dakar, Senegal.

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