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Some scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Sierra Leone

Petty theft is common in parts of Freetown, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Other concerns include theft from rooms, theft from checked airport baggage and bogus police fines, although airport theft and corruption have become less common. Taxi fares also need care: an empty taxi may assume you want a private hire.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketingSomeone takes money, a phone or another small item from your pocket or bag without you noticing.Freetown 3Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonBag-snatchingSomeone grabs your bag and escapes with it.Freetown 2Read
  3. 3 TheftOccasionalTheft of valuables from roomsValuables left in a room may be stolen. No particular entry method is described.Freetown 1Read
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalTheft from checked airport baggageItems are taken from checked luggage. This used to be common, but security has improved and theft is less common now.Lungi 2Read
  5. 5 Fake officialsOccasionalBogus police finesA police officer demands a fine that is not genuine. Efforts to stop this practice have helped reduce corruption.No specific location is identified. 1Read
  6. 6 TaxisOccasionalUnexpected private taxi hireAn empty taxi may assume a foreign visitor wants to hire the whole vehicle instead of taking a shared ride. This can lead to an unexpected fare. The assumption alone does not prove deliberate fraud.FreetownRead

Where to stay alert

  • Parts of FreetownPickpocketing, bag-snatching and other petty crime are a problem. No particular streets are identified.
  • Freetown International Airport, LungiTheft from checked baggage has been reported, especially on departure. It is less common than it used to be.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm whether you are sharing the taxi or hiring the whole vehicle.
  • Say "no cha cha" if you want a shared ride.
  • Agree on the destination and fare before travelling.
  • Keep the number of a driver whose service you trust.

Money

  • Check the amount and currency before paying or exchanging cash.
  • Use a bank if you want to avoid dealing with street money changers.
  • Old Leone notes stopped being legal tender on 1 January 2024. Check that you receive current notes.
  • Keep some cash and a spare payment method separately.

Cards and ATMs

  • Cover your PIN when using an ATM or payment terminal.
  • Do not accept help from strangers while making a withdrawal.
  • Check the amount before approving a card payment.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere you can reach without your wallet.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed, close to your body and within sight.
  • Keep valuables in cabin luggage when flying.
  • Do not leave luggage unattended at the airport.
  • Carry copies of important documents separately from the originals.

Nights out

  • Take extra care near clubs and bars in Lumley and Aberdeen at night, where incidents have occurred.
  • Plan your journey home before going out.
  • Keep your drink in sight and your valuables secure.
  • Avoid spirits sold in large plastic containers because their quality and safety are uncertain.

Where you stay

  • Lock your room whenever you leave.
  • Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
  • Use secure storage where available.
  • Tell the manager promptly if items go missing.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm if an officer questions you or requests payment.
  • Ask for the reason for a fine and written details.
  • Request an official receipt for any fine.
  • If safe, ask to handle a disputed demand at a police station.

What travellers say about Sierra Leone

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

Questions

How worried should I be about scams and theft in Sierra Leone?

Petty theft is the main concern described, especially in parts of Freetown. Violent crime is rare, but keep your belongings secure and take extra care at night.

How do I avoid an unexpected taxi fare in Freetown?

Confirm whether the ride is shared or private before setting off. Say "no cha cha" if you want a shared ride, and agree on the fare.

Is the US$25 airport fee a scam?

There is a legitimate US$25 airport security fee on both arrival and departure. It can be paid online through Securipass or in cash at a bank desk in the arrivals hall.

Should I put valuables in checked luggage?

Keep valuables in your cabin luggage. Theft from checked baggage at the airport is less common than before, but it remains a concern, especially on departure.

What should I do if a police officer demands a suspicious fine?

Stay calm. Ask what the fine is for, request written details and an official receipt, and ask to resolve it at a police station if safe. Record the details once you are somewhere safe.

Can I leave valuables in my hotel room?

Be cautious about leaving valuables in rooms in Freetown. Use secure storage where available, lock the room and avoid leaving cash or electronics in plain sight.

Are there particular nightlife areas where I should take care?

Incidents have occurred near clubs and bars in Lumley and Aberdeen at night. Plan your journey home and keep your belongings secure.

How can I avoid confusion over old Leone notes?

Check that you receive current notes. The currency was revalued by removing three zeros in 2022. Old notes stopped being legal tender on 1 January 2024 and can now only be exchanged at the central bank.

What should I do first if my wallet or phone is stolen?

Get somewhere safe, then freeze stolen cards and lock the phone remotely if possible. Record what happened, report the theft to police and contact your insurer. Do not chase the thief.

Are there drinks I should avoid?

Avoid spirits sold in large plastic containers because their quality and safety are uncertain. Keep your drink in sight when visiting bars.

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