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Some scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in Mozambique

Travellers generally face less hassle in Mozambique than in many nearby countries, but taxi overcharging, inflated asking prices and demands for money by police can occur. Theft risks include street robbery, theft at police stations and valuables going missing during airport security checks. Agree prices early, carry small notes and keep valuables in sight.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonTaxi overchargingTaxis have no meters, so the fare needs to be agreed before the journey. In Maputo, drivers often try to double city-centre fares early in the morning, when fewer taxis are available.Maputo 1Read
  2. 2 Fake officialsCommonPolice demands for moneyPolice may use their position to demand money. A claimed fine can become an opportunity to pressure a traveller into paying without proper verification.Encounters with police across Mozambique. 3Read
  3. 3 ShoppingOccasionalInflated shopping pricesA seller may open with a very high asking price for an unpriced item. Bargaining is expected, so the first quote may be far above a reasonable final price.Shops and stalls where goods have no displayed price. 1Read
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalStreet mugging and robberyA thief threatens or attacks a traveller to take money or belongings. There may be little warning before an approach becomes threatening.Street robbery occurs in Mozambique. Tourist areas and isolated beaches also need care. 3Read
  5. 5 Fake officialsOccasionalRobbery at police stationsPolice have been known to rob tourists at stations and put them in a cell. Asking to be taken to a station during a dispute may therefore increase the risk.Police stations outside Maputo; Maputo is described as an exception to this particular warning.Read
  6. 6 Airport and borderOccasionalTheft during airport security checksSome airport security personnel have reportedly taken cash, cards or other valuables from travellers' belongings while using their position to gain access.Airport security checks.Read

Where to stay alert

  • Maputo city centreTaxi drivers often try to double fares early in the morning, when few taxis are available.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree the total price before starting. Taxis do not have meters.
  • Pay after reaching your destination.
  • Ask your accommodation for a trusted driver's number.
  • Women should avoid taking taxis alone, especially taxis picked up at the roadside.

Money

  • Carry small notes. Change for 500 MT and 1,000 MT notes can be hard to find.
  • Confirm whether a price is in meticais or rand.
  • If someone uses an unusually large number, ask them to write the amount in current meticais. Old currency terms are sometimes still used.
  • Use banks or established exchanges. There is little reason to seek out black-market exchange.
  • Ask your accommodation about fair prices for goods without price labels.

Cards and ATMs

  • Carry limited cash and use cards where accepted.
  • Tell your bank about your trip if it requires travel notifications.
  • Shield your PIN and decline help from strangers at an ATM.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details available separately from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep cash, cards and valuables in sight during airport screening.
  • Carry only what you need for the day.
  • Ask local hostels and other travellers about unsafe areas.
  • Avoid isolated beaches; women should not walk alone on beaches.

Police and officials

  • Ask for an explanation and a receipt for any claimed fine.
  • Mention contacting your embassy or the anti-corruption hotline to verify a demand.
  • Do not assume a police station will be safer during a dispute.
  • If you need a police report, go with someone else and leave valuables and excess cash behind.

What travellers say about Mozambique

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

Questions

Will I face constant scams or touts in Mozambique?

Visitors generally encounter less hassle than in many nearby countries. Still, watch for taxi overcharging, inflated asking prices, demands for money by police and theft.

Do taxis use meters?

No. Agree the total fare before starting and pay after arrival. Early-morning taxi prices in Maputo can be much higher.

What should I do if police demand a fine?

Stay calm, ask for an explanation and request a receipt. Mention contacting your embassy or the anti-corruption hotline to verify the fine.

Is going to a police station always safer?

No. Tourists have reportedly been robbed at stations outside Maputo. If you need to file a report, go with someone else and leave valuables and excess cash behind.

Should I bargain when shopping?

Yes, when no price is displayed. Ask your accommodation about a fair price, bargain calmly and confirm the currency before paying.

Is a seller's lack of change necessarily a scam?

No. Small change can be difficult to find, even at lodgings. Carry smaller notes and break large notes at a bank.

Why might a price sound extremely high?

Some people still use old currency terms. For example, '1 million' can mean 1,000 current meticais. Ask for the amount in writing and confirm whether the price is in meticais or rand.

How do I protect valuables at airport security?

Keep watching your bags and trays, carry limited cash and check your belongings before leaving the screening area. Report missing items promptly to a supervisor.

What should I do during a mugging?

Do not physically resist an armed or threatening robber. Get to safety, seek medical help if needed and freeze stolen cards.

Are isolated beaches safe to visit alone?

Use caution and ask local hostels about dangerous areas. Women should not walk alone on beaches, and travelling with someone else is a sensible precaution.

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