Scam in EritreaChanging money
Unofficial currency exchange and dubious money deals in Eritrea
How it works
Someone offers a better rate for your foreign cash or proposes another questionable money deal. Taking part can expose you to severe legal trouble. The frequency of these offers is unclear.
Warning signs
- Someone offers an unusually favourable exchange rate.
- The exchange or deal would happen outside an official service.
How to avoid it
- Use an official currency exchange service.
- Decline private offers to exchange your foreign cash.
- Walk away from money deals you do not understand.
If it happens to you
Stop the transaction if you can do so safely. Keep any receipts or messages. Seek legal help and contact your embassy or consulate if authorities become involved.
- Get to safety. Leave the confrontation if you can. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed attacker.
- Record what happened while you remember it. Note the time, place, amount lost and any useful descriptions.
- Save receipts, messages and booking details. Gather evidence only when it is safe.
- Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or its details were taken. Block affected cards and secure any exposed accounts.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to the police. Ask for a written report or reference if available.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen, you are detained or you need help finding legal assistance. Seek medical care for injuries.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the unofficial currency exchange and dubious money deals scam in Eritrea?
Someone offers a better rate for your foreign cash or proposes another questionable money deal. Taking part can expose you to severe legal trouble. The frequency of these offers is unclear.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers an unusually favourable exchange rate. The exchange or deal would happen outside an official service.
How do I avoid unofficial currency exchange and dubious money deals in Eritrea?
Use an official currency exchange service. Decline private offers to exchange your foreign cash. Walk away from money deals you do not understand.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop the transaction if you can do so safely. Keep any receipts or messages. Seek legal help and contact your embassy or consulate if authorities become involved.
How common is this scam in Eritrea?
Occasional. Tourist hustling appears uncommon in Eritrea, especially in Asmara. Watch for unofficial currency exchange offers and dubious money deals; aggressive begging can also occur. Armed robbery is a serious concern near borders and in Teseney, Barentu and Assab.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, threats or fraud when you are safe. Give a clear account and provide any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference if available. Your bank or card issuer: use the issuer's official app or verified contact details to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport, detention or finding local legal assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck