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Some scams

Eastern Africa

Tourist scams in Zambia

Travellers in Zambia should watch for street money-changing scams, high opening prices and pickpocketing. Other risks include unexpected currency changes on bills, demands for payment when reporting crime, and carjacking after dark. Reliable figures on how often tourists face these problems are not available.
  1. 1 TaxisCommonInflated taxi faresDrivers negotiate fares because taxis have no meters. An opening quote can be much higher than the amount the driver will accept. Taxis directly outside Lusaka's airport terminal charge much more than rides found beyond the car park.Lusaka, ChipataRead
  2. 2 ShoppingCommonHigh opening prices from vendorsSellers without posted prices may start at around twice what they will accept. This is often normal bargaining rather than fraud, but an inexperienced visitor can pay far more than necessary.Curio stalls, informal vendors and markets; specifically the market south of Independence Avenue and west of the railway tracks in KabweRead
  3. 3 Changing moneyOccasionalStreet money-changing scamA street exchange may look attractive, but groups offering to change money are specifically linked to scams. The exact method is not described.Street exchanges, especially those involving groups of menRead
  4. 4 Changing moneyOccasionalPoor exchange rates and commissionsA poor rate or commission can leave you with much less money than expected. Smaller US dollar notes may receive worse rates. These are pricing risks and do not necessarily mean the business is fraudulent.Exchange bureaux and banks, especially for euros away from major centresRead
  5. 5 Food and drinkOccasionalRestaurant bill changes currencyMenu prices may be printed in kwacha, but the final bill arrives in US dollars. Without an agreed conversion, the amount can be confusing and difficult to check.Hotel restaurants dealing with touristsRead
  6. 6 Changing moneyOccasionalOld banknotes given as changeOld and rebased currency can occasionally appear in change. Zambia removed three zeros from its currency in 2013. Mixing the two can cause confusion about value; deliberate fraud is not established.Cash transactionsRead
  7. 7 Buses and trainsOccasionalMisleading minibus departure promisesA conductor may give a departure time that is much earlier than the actual departure. Minibuses generally wait until full, so paying on the promise of a quick departure can leave you stuck waiting.ChipataRead
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing and theft of visible belongingsVisible valuables can attract pickpockets. Bags and other belongings need particular attention in the busy market. No specific distraction method is described.LusakaRead
  9. 9 Fake officialsCommonPayment demanded for a police reportCorruption can affect dealings with police. A traveller seeking a report for insurance may be expected to pay, and useful assistance is not assured.When reporting crime to policeRead
  10. 10 TheftOccasionalCarjacking after darkCarjacking is a risk when driving after dark. No particular setup or method is described.Road travel after darkRead
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalBaggage theft during transit through JohannesburgItems can be stolen from checked luggage during transit. This risk concerns the journey through Johannesburg, outside Zambia.JohannesburgRead

Where to stay alert

  • Kenneth Kaunda International Airport terminal taxi area, LusakaTaxis outside the terminal charge much more than rides found beyond the car park.
  • Soweto Market, Lumumba Road, LusakaBags and other belongings need close attention in the market.
  • Market south of Independence Avenue, west of the railway tracks, KabweOpening prices can be about twice what sellers will accept. Bargaining is normal.
  • Local bus stations, ChipataPromised minibus departure times can be misleading because vehicles wait until full.
  • Johannesburg airport baggage transitChecked baggage can be pilfered during connections to Lusaka. This location is outside Zambia.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Agree the total fare and currency before boarding.
  • Ask your accommodation for a fare estimate.
  • Confirm whether the quote covers all passengers and bags.
  • Arrange your ride home before an evening out.

Money

  • Use banks or established exchange bureaux rather than street groups.
  • Compare the final amount after exchange fees.
  • Check notes and change before leaving the counter.
  • Keep large amounts of cash out of sight.
  • Confirm the currency before ordering or buying.

Cards and ATMs

  • Use an ATM in a staffed or busy location when possible.
  • Cover your PIN and decline help from strangers.
  • Put cash away before stepping away from the machine.
  • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere separate from your card.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones, wallets and jewellery out of sight.
  • Hold your bag close in markets and crowds.
  • Carry essential documents and valuables in cabin luggage.
  • Avoid walking at night, especially after drinking.

Nights out

  • Go out with people you trust and plan the journey home.
  • Keep enough money aside for your return ride.
  • Limit drinking so you can judge prices and get home safely.

Where you stay

  • Ask about gates, guards and other security before booking.
  • Ask staff to help arrange transport after dark.
  • Use secure storage for spare cash and documents.

Police and officials

  • Keep your account of an incident factual.
  • Clearly separate what you saw from what you suspect.
  • Ask for a receipt and explanation for any requested payment.
  • Keep copies of reports and your own evidence.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Zambia?

There are no reliable figures here to measure how often they happen. Watch for street money-changing scams, inflated opening prices and theft of visible valuables.

How do I avoid paying too much for a taxi?

Ask your accommodation for an estimate and agree the total fare and currency before boarding. Taxis have no meters. Airport terminal taxis in Lusaka can cost much more than other nearby rides.

Is it safe to change money on the street?

Use a bank or established exchange bureau. Groups offering street exchanges are specifically linked to scams. Confirm the final amount after fees before handing over cash.

Should I bargain when shopping?

Yes, when informal sellers do not display prices. Their first quote can be around twice what they will accept. Many formal shops have fixed prices.

What if a restaurant bills me in US dollars?

Check whether the menu was priced in kwacha. Ask for an itemised bill in that currency or a clear explanation of the conversion before paying.

Where should I be most careful with my bag?

Keep it close in busy markets, especially Soweto Market in Lusaka. Avoid displaying your phone, wallet or large amounts of cash on the street.

Can I trust a minibus departure promise in Chipata?

Do not assume a promised time is firm. Minibuses generally leave when full. Ask about this before paying and allow extra time for connections.

Is travelling after dark a concern?

Yes. Avoid walking around Lusaka at night and plan driving for daylight because carjacking is a risk after dark. Arrange transport before an evening out.

What should I expect when reporting theft to police?

Assistance may be limited, and you may be asked to pay for a report. Ask what the payment covers and request a receipt. Stick to facts and make clear when something is only a suspicion.

How can I protect luggage when flying to Zambia?

Keep valuables and essential documents in your cabin bag. Baggage theft is a concern during transit through Johannesburg. Inspect checked bags on arrival and report problems promptly to the airline.

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