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Lots of scams

Middle Africa

Tourist scams in South Sudan

There is no clear information on how often tourist scams happen in South Sudan. Street money changers deserve caution, and foreign visitors have suffered armed robbery and muggings in Juba. The overall travel risk is high because of violent crime and wider insecurity.
  1. 1 TheftOccasionalArmed robbery and muggingForeign visitors have been robbed or mugged, including in armed attacks. Walking around Juba carries a high crime risk. No specific approach or distraction method is described.Juba 2Read
  2. 2 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money-changing riskStreet money changers offer currency exchange while displaying stacks of cash. Caution is advised, but no specific fraud method or frequency is described.Streets where money changers display stacks of South Sudanese pounds. 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • JubaForeign visitors have suffered armed robbery and muggings. Walking carries a high crime risk, and night travel needs extra care.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Arrange transport by car for journeys around Juba.
  • Agree the fare before starting a ride.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel at night.

Money

  • Be cautious around street money changers.
  • Confirm the exchange rate and final amount before paying.
  • Count cash and change before leaving.
  • Keep most of your cash separate from your spending money.

Cards and ATMs

  • Ecobank and Equity bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard.
  • Cover your PIN and decline unsolicited help.
  • Put cash away before leaving the ATM.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your cards.

Your belongings

  • Keep your phone, jewellery and cash out of sight.
  • Carry only the valuables you need for the outing.
  • Keep copies of important documents separate from the originals.
  • Do not resist an armed robbery.

Police and officials

  • Do not take photographs at the airport.
  • Stay calm during any official interaction.
  • If you need help understanding an official request, contact your embassy or a trusted local contact.

What travellers say about South Sudan

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

Questions

Are tourist scams common in South Sudan?

Their frequency is not established. The main concerns described here are street money-changing risks and robbery. Wider insecurity makes the overall travel risk high.

Is it safe to walk around Juba?

Walking is discouraged because of the high crime risk. Arrange transport by car.

Should I travel around Juba at night?

Avoid unnecessary night journeys. Foreign visitors have suffered robberies and muggings, and extra care is advised at night.

Can I trust street money changers?

Caution is advised. No specific fraud method is described. Avoid street exchanges and confirm the rate and total before handing over money elsewhere.

Can I get change in local currency when paying in dollars?

Juba Mall, Lily's and Phoenicia offer a choice of change in US dollars or South Sudanese pounds. Confirm your choice and count the change.

Can I use Visa or MasterCard at ATMs?

Ecobank and Equity bank ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard. Cover your PIN and put cash away before leaving.

Do high shop prices mean I am being scammed?

Not necessarily. Many goods in Juba are trucked in from Uganda, which raises prices. Imported beer can also be expensive. Check prices before buying.

Can I take photos at the airport?

No. Airport photography is described as prohibited, even though some people still take pictures.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Do not resist. Put your safety first, reach a safe place, then seek help and block stolen cards.

Who should I contact after a theft?

Report it to police when safe. Contact your card issuer for stolen cards, your embassy for a missing passport, and your insurer for a claim.

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