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Some scams

Northern Africa

Tourist scams in Sudan

Scam frequency in Sudan is unclear, but travellers can face police demands for bribes and confusing price quotes. Other concerns include extra departure-tax demands and adulterated local spirits. Armed conflict is a much greater safety concern than ordinary tourist scams.
  1. 1 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice demands for bribesPolice sometimes target travellers for bribes. A payment demand may follow an alleged rule breach, such as taking photographs in a prohibited area.Across the country 3Read
  2. 2 Changing moneyOccasionalConfusing old and new currency quotesPeople may quote prices in old pounds or dinars instead of current Sudanese pounds. They may also leave out the thousands when speaking. This is not necessarily deliberate fraud, but it can cause a mistaken payment or a dispute.Price discussions, including taxi fares 2Read
  3. 3 Airport and borderOccasionalExtra departure-tax demandDeparture tax is described as included in the ticket price, so a separate demand should be questioned. This is a possible overcharging issue, not an established frequent scam. Khartoum Airport is described as closed because of fighting.KhartoumRead
  4. 4 Food and drinkOccasionalAdulterated local spiritsAragi, a locally distilled spirit, is sometimes contaminated with substances such as methanol or embalming fluid to increase flavour or potency. This is a serious poisoning risk.Across the country 2Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm the full fare in current Sudanese pounds before the ride.
  • Write down the destination and show the driver where you want to go.
  • Ask whether crossing the river changes the agreed fare.
  • For a metered taxi, confirm that the meter will be used before setting off.

Money

  • Ask for prices in new Sudanese pounds and have the amount written down.
  • Confirm the exchange rate and the amount you will receive before exchanging cash.
  • Count the money before leaving the counter.
  • Keep enough small notes to avoid unnecessary change disputes.

Your belongings

  • Keep cash and important documents secure and out of sight.
  • Split your cash between separate secure places.
  • Keep copies of your passport and essential travel records.
  • Do not treat reassuring claims about low theft as a guarantee of safety.

Police and officials

  • Avoid taking photographs or filming in prohibited areas.
  • Keep your manner calm during checks.
  • Ask for a clear explanation and official paperwork for a payment demand when safe.
  • Do not physically resist armed personnel.

Nights out

  • Avoid local spirits whose contents you cannot verify.
  • Do not use taste or smell as proof that a drink is safe.
  • Seek urgent medical help if you suspect a drink has caused poisoning.

What travellers say about Sudan

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

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Sudan?

There is no reliable frequency estimate here. Police demands for bribes are a stated concern. Confusing currency quotes can also lead to payment disputes. Armed conflict is a much greater safety concern.

What should I do if police ask for money?

Stay calm. If safe, ask what rule you broke and request official paperwork and a receipt. Avoid confrontation with armed personnel. Contact your embassy or consulate once safe if the demand seems improper.

Why can a quoted price be confusing?

People may use old pounds, dinars or shortened amounts when speaking. Ask for the full amount in new Sudanese pounds and have it written down before agreeing.

How can I avoid a taxi fare dispute?

Agree on the full fare and currency unit before leaving. Confirm the destination and whether a river crossing changes the price. If using a metered taxi, confirm that the meter will be used.

How should I check a cash exchange?

Confirm the rate and the exact amount you will receive before handing over cash. Count the money at the counter and keep any receipt.

Should I pay departure tax separately at Khartoum Airport?

Departure tax is described as included in the ticket. Check a separate demand with your airline before paying, if safe. Khartoum Airport is described as closed because of fighting, so verify operations before planning travel.

Can locally made spirits be dangerous?

Yes. Aragi is sometimes contaminated with methanol or other harmful substances. Avoid it. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect poisoning.

Are there named pickpocket or tout hotspots?

No specific pickpocket or tout hotspots are identified here. Keep valuables secure and avoid assuming that any place is safe from theft.

What should I do if my passport is stolen?

Move somewhere safe, record what happened and contact your embassy or consulate through its official channels. Ask about replacement documents and whether a police report is needed.

What if I discover an unauthorised card payment?

Block the card through your bank's official app or verified contact channel. Report the transaction promptly and save payment records for the bank and your insurer.

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