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Some scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in Tanzania

Persistent touts, inflated taxi fares and petty theft are the main problems visitors may face in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam has frequent muggings and several pickpocket hotspots, while Arusha has persistent touts and theft risks on minibuses and around nightlife. Bus-ticket fraud, fake ebony souvenirs and unexpected fees also need care.
  1. 1 On the streetVery commonPersistent sellers and street toutsSellers or touts approach visitors and keep offering goods or services. In Arusha, some follow people along the street. These approaches can feel intimidating, though the touts are usually harmless.Tourist shopping areas nationwide; particularly Arusha and outside the ticket area at Ubungo Terminal in Dar es Salaam.Read
  2. 2 ShoppingVery commonFake ebony souvenirsWooden souvenirs are sold as ebony even though they are cheaper wood darkened with shoe polish. Much of the ebony offered in tourist markets is described this way.Markets selling tourist souvenirs across Tanzania.Read
  3. 3 TheftVery commonStreet mugging and bag robberyThieves threaten or attack people to take bags, wallets and other valuables. In Dar es Salaam, this can happen in daylight. In Arusha, people arriving or leaving with backpacks are particular targets.Dar es Salaam, ArushaRead
  4. 4 TheftCommonCrowd and minibus pickpocketingThieves use crowded vehicles, markets and boarding areas to remove items from pockets or accessible bags.Arusha, Dar es SalaamRead
  5. 5 TheftCommonBag cutting with razor bladesA thief cuts into a bag with a razor blade and removes items without opening the zip.Dar es SalaamRead
  6. 6 TaxisCommonInflated taxi fares and tout commissionsA driver quotes a very high fare or demands more at the destination when no fare was agreed. Arusha taxis have no meters. Taxi groups at Dar es Salaam Airport and inside Ubungo keep prices high. Booking through a tout adds a commission.Nationwide, with specific warnings for Arusha, Dar es Salaam Airport and Ubungo Terminal.Read
  7. 7 ShoppingCommonTourist prices in marketsOpening prices can be much higher for tourists. In central Arusha markets, the final price depends heavily on bargaining and attention. A high opening price is not necessarily fraud, but accepting it can mean paying much more.Tourist markets nationwide, with a specific warning for central Arusha markets.Read
  8. 8 TheftCommonBus luggage stolen during stopsSomeone takes a bag from an overhead shelf while the bus is stopped. The risk is greater when its owner has stepped off.Dar es SalaamRead
  9. 9 TheftCommonTheft through car windows and unlocked doorsA passerby reaches through an open window or opens an unlocked door to grab belongings. Purses have been snatched from passengers' laps in the back of taxis.Dar es SalaamRead
  10. 10 TheftCommonCar parts stolen from unguarded parkingThieves remove lights or other parts from parked cars. Parking without a guard carries a serious risk.Dar es SalaamRead
  11. 11 Buses and trainsOccasionalBus touts impersonating reputable companiesA tout for a less reliable bus company claims to work for a reputable operator or to sell its tickets. You may end up booked onto a different service.Dar es SalaamRead
  12. 12 Buses and trainsOccasionalFake direct bus tickets from Mbeya to MalawiSellers offer tickets to cities in Malawi. They show price sheets and documents, and make calls that appear to confirm seats. Passengers are put on a daladala and dropped at the border, where the promised onward bus does not appear. The account of this scam dates from April 2010.MbeyaRead
  13. 13 Buses and trainsOccasionalDaladala fares above the posted priceA passenger may be asked to pay more than the regulated fare displayed on the vehicle. The posted price applies to the relevant distance or stop.ArushaRead
  14. 14 TheftOccasionalSudden-stop pickpocket trapSomeone stops suddenly in front of you and blocks your path. While you are trapped, another person behind you searches your bag.Dar es SalaamRead
  15. 15 TheftOccasionalNightclub pickpocketingPickpockets operate in nightlife venues and take advantage of distraction and crowded surroundings.ArushaRead
  16. 16 TheftOccasionalRobbery linked to motorcycle taxis outside clubsThieves use the situation around motorcycle taxi rides outside clubs to rob people. The account does not describe a single fixed method.ArushaRead
  17. 17 TheftOccasionalBeach parking ambushThieves wait in dark beach areas for visitors to park and leave their cars. A group may then approach and rob them.Dar es SalaamRead
  18. 18 Fake officialsOccasionalPolice demands for informal paymentsPolice may stop drivers over alleged road offences and seek an informal payment. The account says stops can happen even when a driver has followed the rules.Dar es SalaamRead
  19. 19 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM fees that are not shown before withdrawalAn ATM withdrawal attracts a local fee that may not appear before you confirm. This is a fee-transparency problem; the account does not describe card skimming.Some bank ATMs nationwide; TCB and Mkombozi are named as examples of machines that may not disclose fees beforehand.Read
  20. 20 Buses and trainsCommonDomestic flight booking card surchargeTravel agents add a card-payment fee to domestic flight bookings. This is a booking surcharge rather than a described fraud, but it can increase the final price.Dar es SalaamRead

Where to stay alert

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport taxi area, Dar es SalaamA strong taxi cartel keeps fares high. Agree the price before travelling.
  • Ubungo Terminal, Dar es SalaamPersistent touts, misleading bus-company claims, taxi commissions and high taxi prices inside the stand.
  • Posta daladala stand, Dar es SalaamCrowd pickpocketing, including people blocking your path while an accomplice searches your bag.
  • Mnazi Mmoja daladala stand, Dar es SalaamA named pickpocket hotspot.
  • Kigamboni ferry, Dar es SalaamA named pickpocket hotspot. This warning concerns the Kigamboni ferry, not the Zanzibar ferry.
  • Samora Avenue trinket stalls, Dar es SalaamPickpockets operate around the stalls.
  • Kariakoo market, Dar es SalaamCrowds create opportunities for pickpockets.
  • Cocoa Beach / Coco Beach, Dar es SalaamRobbery risks on isolated beach sections and group ambushes in dark parking areas.
  • Slipway Road, Dar es SalaamMuggings were reported here in late 2015.
  • University of Dar es SalaamForeign students have reported being mugged at machete point.
  • Sokoine Road, ArushaFrequent attacks on tourists, especially those carrying bags.
  • Old Moshi Road and its bridge, ArushaTourists carrying bags have been attacked. The bridge is a particularly notorious mugging spot.
  • Local produce market and central markets, ArushaPrices can be much higher for tourists who do not bargain.
  • Velocity, Colobus Club, Maasai Camp, Triple A, 777 and Polygon Triangle, ArushaPickpockets have operated at these nightlife venues.
  • Malawi transportation/bus centre, MbeyaA group selling fraudulent onward bus tickets has operated from an office here.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree the full fare directly with the driver before setting off.
  • For an app booking, match the driver and number plate to the booking.
  • At night, use a known driver or ask your accommodation to arrange a taxi.
  • Keep the numbers of drivers you have found reliable.
  • Keep doors locked and valuables away from open windows.

Money

  • Carry small notes so you can pay the exact amount in small shops.
  • Confirm the currency and full price before paying.
  • Compare exchange quotes; rates can differ by US dollar note size and condition.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the day.

Cards and ATMs

  • Check local ATM fees and your own bank's charges.
  • If a fee is unclear, cancel and try another machine.
  • Shield your PIN and keep your card in sight when paying.
  • Enable transaction alerts and check withdrawals promptly.
  • Ask about card surcharges before buying domestic flight tickets.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags in front of you in crowds and on your lap on minibuses.
  • Keep valuables with you during bus stops.
  • Avoid back pockets and accessible outer bag pockets.
  • Avoid isolated beaches and walking with luggage in Arusha.
  • Use guarded parking and keep belongings out of sight inside vehicles.

Nights out

  • Take only the cash and valuables you need.
  • Keep your bag with you throughout the evening.
  • Arrange a car taxi before leaving a venue.
  • Avoid motorcycle taxis outside Arusha clubs at night.
  • Avoid walking home through dark or quiet streets.

Tours and guides

  • Buy transport tickets from the actual operator or its confirmed office.
  • Check the operator, destination, date and any vehicle changes before paying.
  • Verify onward connections independently rather than trusting a seller's phone call.
  • Keep tickets, receipts and booking messages.

Police and officials

  • Stay calm during a police stop and ask what offence is alleged.
  • Ask for formal paperwork and a receipt for any official penalty.
  • If necessary, ask to resolve the matter at a police station.
  • You can decline a request to give an officer a lift if you feel uncomfortable.

Questions

How worried should I be about scams in Tanzania?

Prepare for persistent touts, bargaining and taxi fare disputes. Theft needs extra attention in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Keep valuables secure and arrange transport after dark.

How do I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Agree the total fare directly with the driver before leaving. Ask other travellers about prices. At Ubungo, a tout adds a commission, and taxis outside the stand may offer better fares.

Where should I watch most closely for pickpockets?

In Dar es Salaam, take care at Posta, Mnazi Mmoja, the Kigamboni ferry, Samora Avenue stalls and Kariakoo market. In Arusha, keep bags on your lap on daladalas and secure your belongings in clubs.

How can I tell whether a bus ticket seller is genuine?

Buy from the operator's own office and check the company, date and route. At Ubungo, some touts claim to represent better companies. In Mbeya, documents and confirmation calls have been used to sell fake onward journeys to Malawi.

Are ATM fees always shown before I withdraw?

No. Some machines may not show the local fee beforehand. Check the screen carefully and review your account afterwards. Local fees can be TSh 10,000–15,000, and some banks charge US$5 for overseas cards.

Can I trust souvenirs sold as ebony?

Be cautious. Much of the ebony sold in tourist markets is cheaper wood darkened with shoe polish. Avoid paying extra for a material you cannot verify.

What is the easiest way to refuse a persistent tout?

Say "sihitaji", meaning "I don't need it", and keep walking. In Arusha, "hapana asante" means "no, thank you". Do not promise to return unless you plan to.

Is it safe to walk home after a night out?

Arrange a taxi instead, especially on dark or quiet streets. In Arusha, avoid motorcycle taxis outside clubs at night. In Dar es Salaam, use a driver you know or have someone arrange the ride.

What should I do if police ask for an informal payment?

Stay calm. Ask what offence is alleged and request the formal process and paperwork. If needed, ask to resolve the matter at a police station.

Should I shout for help or chase someone who steals my bag?

Do not chase or start a crowd confrontation. Crowds may attack a suspected thief, with severe consequences. Move to safety, block stolen cards and report the theft at a police station.

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