Located in south-east Africa, Mozambique attracts more and more visitors each year thanks to the diversity of its landscapes, beaches bordered by the Indian Ocean, its coral islands, as well as its multiple outdoor activities such as underwater exploration or discovering aquatic life. However, like many tourist destinations, some travellers may fall victim to opportunistic scams.

Several factors explain this vulnerability:

• Language barriers: Portuguese is the official language, and English is rarely spoken outside tourist areas, complicating communication.
• Perceived purchasing power: Tourists are often seen as having comfortable budgets, which prompts some to charge excessive prices or demand bribes.
• Cultural differences: Certain attitudes, such as refusing to haggle or trusting too quickly, can be misinterpreted and facilitate scams.

These elements make it essential to be well informed in order to fully enjoy your stay with peace of mind.

The Most Common Scams in Mozambique

• Police scams: Fake traffic checkpoints with unjustified fines, abusive document confiscation, or impersonators without uniforms or official credentials.
• Taxis and transport: Unmetered taxis or inflated fares if the price isn't negotiated beforehand, fake taxis offering cheap rides but potentially scams, or shared minibuses ("machibombos") that overcharge foreigners.
• Currency exchange: Unofficial exchange bureaux with unfavourable rates, counterfeit banknotes, or ATM fraud (non-delivery of cash, excessive commissions).
• Fake guides and unsolicited help: People offering their services or a tour then demanding payment, or leading you to shops with excessive prices.
• Technology-related scams: Local SIM cards sold with unlimited plans that don't deliver what they promise, public Wi-Fi connections used to steal personal data, or fake booking platforms.
• Distractions and pickpocketing: Classic pickpocket methods: dropped objects, jostling, "help" with bags, or beggar children used to divert attention.

Practical Tips to Avoid Scams

• Always negotiate prices upfront, whether for taxis, guides or souvenirs. Refusing to haggle or paying without knowing the price exposes you to overcharging.
• Prefer recommended establishments and transport or well-rated ones, and avoid spontaneous or overly insistent offers.
• Keep your official documents secure: always carry certified copies and avoid handing over originals.
• Withdraw money only from secure ATMs, located in banks, shopping centres or hotels. Prioritise withdrawals away from public streets or remote areas.
• Avoid exchanging money on the street to reduce the risk of counterfeit notes or unfavourable rates.
• Be polite but firm with people insisting on providing unsolicited services.
• Learn a few basic Portuguese words (hello, thank you, no thank you) to ease communication and show respect for local culture.
• Be wary of strangers approaching you without clear reason, especially if they offer help or services spontaneously.

Responding Effectively to a Scam

Even with the best precautions, it's possible to fall victim to a scam. If this happens to you, here are the right steps to take:

• Stay calm and polite: Avoid conflicts or aggressive reactions. Courtesy can defuse certain tensions.
• Note what you can: Registration plate number, description of the person, location or time — every detail can be useful later on.
• Contact your embassy or consulate: In case of theft, blackmail or threats, these institutions can assist you and provide guidance.
• Report the facts to local police: Even if filing a report seems symbolic, it's useful for building a case or recovering documents.
• Share your experience: Leaving a review on a travel platform or forum can warn other travellers.