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Lots of scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Niger

Scams and fraud are common in Niger. Visitors may face fake requests for emergency money, inflated taxi fares, poor exchange rates and pressure to pay for unwanted help. Pickpocketing, bag theft and armed robbery also occur; outside Niamey, kidnapping and attacks on vehicles can be much more serious risks.
  1. 1 On the streetVery commonRepeated requests for gifts or moneyPeople repeatedly ask visitors for a 'cadeau', meaning a gift. Begging or selling something is not itself fraud, but repeated requests can put pressure on you to hand over money.Outside hotels and in public places 1Read
  2. 2 On the streetCommonFake acquaintance with an accident storySomeone approaches as though they know you. They say their car or motorcycle was in an accident and ask for money to repair it. The story may vary.Niamey 1Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonTaxi overcharging and unwanted private ridesA driver asks for more than the usual shared fare or treats the trip as a private ride. Taxis waiting outside hotels may seek passengers willing to pay more. Some higher fares are legitimate, including longer trips, airport trips and rides after midnight.Niamey 1Read
  4. 4 ShoppingCommonLosing money through poor bargainingBargaining is expected. Visitors who accept an opening price or struggle to negotiate may pay more than they intended. A high asking price is not automatically fraud.Markets and shops where prices are negotiated 1Read
  5. 5 Airport and borderCommonPersistent airport portersPorters insist on carrying bags and may try to take them from your hands. Accepting help creates an expectation of a tip. Porter services are not themselves a scam, but unwanted help can create pressure to pay.NiameyRead
  6. 6 TheftCommonBandit carjackings and kidnappings north of AgadezBandits attack travellers and vehicles. Reported crimes include carjacking, robbery and kidnapping. Having a guide and a four-wheel-drive vehicle does not remove the danger.Agadez 1Read
  7. 7 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor-value airport currency exchangeAirport exchange gives a poor rate. Some currencies receive especially bad rates or are refused. This can cost you money without involving outright fraud.Niamey 1Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalMarket pickpocketingA thief takes cash or valuables from a pocket or bag. Wallets carried in back pockets are particularly exposed.Niamey 1Read
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalCutting handbag strapsA thief cuts a bag strap, takes the bag and runs.Niamey 1Read
  10. 10 TheftOccasionalRobbery at ravine crossingsRobbers target people near ravine crossings. They can escape quickly into the ravine.Niamey 1Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalArmed road robbery and attacks on vehiclesArmed robbers target road travellers. Buses and cars near the Burkina Faso and Mali borders have also suffered repeated attacks, including fatal attacks. This is a risk of violence, not a fare dispute or minor scam.Galmi, Dosso 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Petit Marché, NiameyA particular hotspot for strangers pretending to know you and asking for accident repair money.
  • Diori Hamani International Airport, NiameyPersistent porters may try to take bags to provide unwanted help. Currency exchange offers poor rates.
  • Markets, NiameyPickpocketing and bag-strap cutting are reported. Poor bargaining can also cost visitors money.
  • Ravine crossing between the Stade and Katako, NiameyRobbers can escape into the ravine.
  • Ravine crossing between the Musée and Hotel Gaweye, NiameyNamed as a dangerous robbery location.
  • Region north of AgadezCarjackings, robberies and kidnappings are reported beyond the city.
  • Roads near GalmiArmed robbers sometimes operate in this area.
  • Dosso-Doutchi areaArmed road robbery is reported around this area.
  • Road to Gao in the Tillabery regionArmed robbers sometimes target travellers on this road.
  • Routes near the Burkina Faso and Mali bordersRepeated attacks on buses and cars have caused fatalities.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm the fare before getting in.
  • Say clearly whether you want a shared or private ride.
  • Expect legitimate surcharges for longer trips, airport trips and travel after midnight.
  • Use taxis to avoid walking through dangerous ravine crossings in Niamey.

Money

  • Use CFA francs for everyday purchases. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted, apart from naira near the Nigerian border.
  • Check the final amount before exchanging money and count it before leaving.
  • Set a maximum price before bargaining.
  • Keep most of your cash out of sight and separate from small spending money.
  • Treat urgent money requests from supposed acquaintances with caution.

Cards and ATMs

  • Ecobank ATMs accept Mastercard and Visa.
  • Cover your PIN and keep your card in sight.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Carry as little as possible.
  • Keep wallets out of back pockets and bags closed.
  • Keep hold of your luggage when airport porters approach.
  • Avoid markets after dark and walking through the named ravine crossings.
  • Ask before photographing people, especially market sellers, camel drivers and older people.

Tours and guides

  • Avoid travel north beyond Agadez; a guide and four-wheel-drive vehicle do not remove the danger.
  • Avoid public transport on routes near the Burkina Faso and Mali borders.
  • Avoid late-night driving in private vehicles.
  • Follow security developments and stay in contact with your embassy.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Niger?

Fraud and scams are common. Practical concerns include fake emergency requests, inflated taxi fares and pressure to pay for unwanted help. Armed robbery and kidnapping are more serious risks in some areas.

What is the fake accident scam in Niamey?

A stranger acts as though they know you and asks for money to repair a car or motorcycle after an accident. A request for CFA 10,000 is described. It happens across the city, especially near Petit Marché.

How can I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Agree on the fare and whether the ride is shared or private before getting in. The listed shared fare is CFA 200 per person, or CFA 400 for longer trips. Airport trips, private rides and travel after midnight cost more.

What should I do when an airport porter grabs my bag?

Keep hold of your luggage and refuse politely if you do not want help. If you accept help, agree on payment first. Ask airport staff for assistance if someone will not return your bag.

Is airport currency exchange good value?

The airport offers poor exchange rates. Ask exactly how many CFA francs you will receive before handing over money. Count the cash before leaving.

Is bargaining expected in markets?

Yes. Decide your opening offer and maximum price before negotiating. Make sure you understand the final amount, and walk away politely if it is too high. Bargaining itself is not a scam.

Where should I be most careful with my wallet and bag?

Be careful in Niamey's markets. Pickpockets may target wallets, and thieves may cut bag straps. Carry little, keep bags closed and avoid markets after dark.

Which walking routes in Niamey have robbery risks?

Road crossings over the ravine are dangerous. Named locations include the crossing between the Stade and Katako and the one between the Musée and Hotel Gaweye. Use a taxi to avoid these walking routes.

Does hiring a guide make travel north of Agadez safe?

No. Carjackings, robberies and kidnappings are reported north of Agadez. A guide and four-wheel-drive vehicle do not remove the danger. Avoid travel beyond the city into that area.

What should I do first after a theft or scam?

Get somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or resist armed attackers. Then block missing cards, save evidence and report the incident to police. Contact your embassy if your passport is stolen or you are stranded.

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