What's new
By:
Filters
Love & Bezness - The Forum for Victims of Romance Scams & Bezness.

Register your account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to view additional content in the member’s only sections, browse media and participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts.

Tunisia - tourist targeted scams

Heidi

Heidi

Well-known member
Tunisia - tourist targeted scams


Despite being the smallest country in Africa, Tunisia has much to offer – white sands, azure seas, teeming bazaars, desert landscapes and ancient cities to explore!


However, there are some tourist targeted scams (with some lasting more than 20 years!) to watch out for here.


Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.

Emergency number

  • Police: 197
  • Ambulance: 190
  • Fire: 198
  • National guard (when in rural areas): 193
travelscams.org

19 Common Travel Scams in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

Largest crowdsourced database of tourist scams & user stories in Tunisia. Filter by cities (e.g. Sousse, Hammamet, Tunis, Djerba, Kairouan) & protect yourself.
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Beach fruit seller scam in Tunisia


How it works:
  • A fruit seller approaches you uninvited, sits beside you, starts peeling fruits (e.g. bananas) and then forces them into your hands.
  • Even if you were to decline, he will continue to peel more fruits and then demand 60 dinars ($30) for them.
Places to beware:
  • Hammemet: Yasmin Hammamet
  • Sousse
What to do:
  • Decline firmly.

travelscams.org

Beach fruit seller scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: A fruit seller approaches you uninvited, sits beside you, starts peeling fruits (e.g. bananas) and then forces them into your hands. Even if you were to decline, he will continue to peel more fruits and then demand 60 dinars ($30) for them. Places to beware: Hammemet: Yasmin...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Familiar face scam in Tunisia

How it works:
  • Opening(one of the oldest scams in Tunisia):
    • Scammers will approach taxis which drop off passengers to ask the driver from which hotel he picked you up from.
    • He can also guess from your resort wristband where you stay at.
    • He then approaches and claims to recognize you as he works at your hotel, mentioning it by name and stating other details.
  • Set-up:
    • Once he gets your trust, he will bring you to an overpriced shop where he gets a commission.
Places to beware:
  • Djerba: Markt/Basar in Houmt Souk
  • Hammamet: YasminHammamet,Medina of Hammamet
  • Mahdia: Mahdia’s Old Town
  • Sousse: Medina of Sousse
What to do:
  • Decline.


travelscams.org

Familiar face scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Opening (one of the oldest scams in Tunisia): Scammers will approach taxis which drop off passengers to ask the driver from which hotel he picked you up from. He can also guess from your resort wristband where you stay at. He then approaches and claims to recognize you as he works...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Bezness romance scam in Tunisia
Djerba, Hammamet, Kairouan, Mahdia, Monastir, Sousse, Tunis


  • Situation: like in Jamaica and Dominican Republic, Tunisia has a reputation as a destination for women looking to find a partner.
  • Opening: many local men want to work in Europe and as such, approach foreign women to engage in a romance.
  • Set-up: they then ask for gifts/money to be sent to them once the woman has returned home. In the long term, they hope to get married so that they can obtain a visa to work in Europe.

Places to beware:


  • Anywhere

What to do:


  • Be skeptical if you meet a local who is extremely friendly and who asks for money or gifts.


travelscams.org

Bezness romance scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Situation: like in Jamaica and Dominican Republic, Tunisia has a reputation as a destination for women looking to find a partner. Opening: many local men want to work in Europe and as such, approach foreign women to engage in a romance. Set-up: they then ask for gifts/money to be...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Horse carriage ride scam in Tunisia


  • Initially, a “special” price is offered.
  • At the end however, the driver tells you that the special price is only for you, while there is another inflated price for your companion.

Places to beware:


  • Hammamet: Yasmin Hammamet

What to do:


  • Negotiate a clear price (value, currency, total for everyone).
  • Even then, you should be prepared to be ripped off and to stand your ground.

travelscams.org

Horse carriage ride scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Initially, a “special” price is offered. At the end however, the driver tells you that the special price is only for you, while there is another inflated price for your companion. Places to beware: Hammamet: Yasmin Hammamet What to do: Negotiate a clear price (value, currency...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Black henna tattoos in Tunisia


  • Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but is made of a chemical used to dye hair. Many are allergic to this, but it can take weeks for the symptoms to show.
  • Set-up: scammers will ask you to do a patch test first (which you will pass) and come back the next day. They may even show fake medical certificates to prove that their product is safe. Once you get the henna tattoo, you may get a nasty surprise several weeks later.

Places to beware:


  • Hammamet
  • Sousse
  • Tunis

What to do:


  • Some react badly to ‘black henna’ so it is best to avoid getting one, especially from shady sources.


travelscams.org

Black henna tattoos in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but is made of a chemical used to dye hair. Many are allergic to this, but it can take weeks for the symptoms to show. Set-up: …<p...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Heidi said:
Horse carriage ride scam in Tunisia


  • Initially, a “special” price is offered.
  • At the end however, the driver tells you that the special price is only for you, while there is another inflated price for your companion.

Places to beware:


  • Hammamet: Yasmin Hammamet

What to do:


  • Negotiate a clear price (value, currency, total for everyone).
  • Even then, you should be prepared to be ripped off and to stand your ground.

travelscams.org

Horse carriage ride scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Initially, a “special” price is offered. At the end however, the driver tells you that the special price is only for you, while there is another inflated price for your companion. Places to beware: Hammamet: Yasmin Hammamet What to do: Negotiate a clear price (value, currency...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
Click to expand...
Definitely Tunisia....They rip off EVERYBODY!!!!
 
Unofficial guides in Tunisia
Kairouan, Tunis


  • Opening: as you walk near tourist attractions or near medinas, a local will latch on to you and try to give you directions (claiming a path is closed) or a tour.
  • Set-up: if you follow him, you will end up at a shop where he gets a commission. At the end, he will also demand a fee for his “tour guide” services.

Places to beware:


  • Kairouan: Medina of Kairouan
  • Tunis: Medina of Tunis, Avenue Bourguiba, Bardo Museum

What to do:


  • Decline. If you want a guide, get a licensed, reputable tour operator:
  • Offline operators: ask – is the operator licensed? Is there a website, office and working phone number? Are there real online reviews? What does the price cover – is it too cheap?


travelscams.org

Unofficial guides in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Opening: as you walk near tourist attractions or near medinas, a local will latch on to you and try to give you directions (claiming a path is closed) or a tour. Set-up: if you follow him, you will end up at a shop where he gets a commission. At the end, he …<p class="read-more">...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Heidi said:
Black henna tattoos in Tunisia


  • Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but is made of a chemical used to dye hair. Many are allergic to this, but it can take weeks for the symptoms to show.
  • Set-up: scammers will ask you to do a patch test first (which you will pass) and come back the next day. They may even show fake medical certificates to prove that their product is safe. Once you get the henna tattoo, you may get a nasty surprise several weeks later.

Places to beware:


  • Hammamet
  • Sousse
  • Tunis

What to do:


  • Some react badly to ‘black henna’ so it is best to avoid getting one, especially from shady sources.


travelscams.org

Black henna tattoos in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Situation: like in Morocco, there is a black henna tattoo scam at beach areas. Black henna is not made from the henna plant like regular henna, but is made of a chemical used to dye hair. Many are allergic to this, but it can take weeks for the symptoms to show. Set-up: …<p...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
Click to expand...
Add Sidi Bou Said to that list!!!!
 
Airport luggage theft in Tunisia

At the Tunis Carthage Airport, there have been reports of customs service agents, gangs or baggage handlers going through your luggage and stealing your valuables.



Places to beware:


  • Tunis: Tunis Carthage International Airport

What to do:




travelscams.org

Airport luggage theft in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: At the Tunis Carthage Airport, there have been reports of customs service agents, gangs or baggage handlers going through your luggage and stealing your valuables. Places to beware: Tunis: Tunis Carthage International Airport What to do: Luggage: use one with reinforced zippers, as...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Unofficial baggage porter in Tunisia


  • While at the airport, an official looking porter grabs your bags and helps you carry it over a short distance. An inflated tip is then demanded.

Places to beware:


  • Tunis: Tunis CarthageInternational Airport

What to do:


  • Decline help as there is a risk that it can be stolen as well.


travelscams.org

Unofficial baggage porter in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: While at the airport, an official looking porter grabs your bags and helps you carry it over a short distance. An inflated tip is then demanded. Places to beware: Tunis: Tunis CarthageInternational Airport What to do: Decline help as there is a risk that it can be stolen as well.
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
The lizard beach photo scam in Tunisia


  • At Yasmin Hammemet, you may see a guy carrying a lizard on his head or shoulder.
  • He will use the lizard as a bait to target your kids, happily allowing you to take photos of your kid with the lizard. A fee is then demanded.

Places to beware:


  • Hammemet: Yasmin Hammamet, Hammemet Beach

What to do:


  • Decline. If you want to take a photo, negotiate a price first.


travelscams.org

The lizard beach photo scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: At Yasmin Hammemet, you may see a guy carrying a lizard on his head or shoulder. He will use the lizard as a bait to target your kids, happily allowing you to take photos of your kid with the lizard. A fee is then demanded. Places to beware: Hammemet: Yasmin Hammamet, Hammemet …<p...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Heidi said:
Airport luggage theft in Tunisia

At the Tunis Carthage Airport, there have been reports of customs service agents, gangs or baggage handlers going through your luggage and stealing your valuables.



Places to beware:


  • Tunis: Tunis Carthage International Airport

What to do:




travelscams.org

Airport luggage theft in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: At the Tunis Carthage Airport, there have been reports of customs service agents, gangs or baggage handlers going through your luggage and stealing your valuables. Places to beware: Tunis: Tunis Carthage International Airport What to do: Luggage: use one with reinforced zippers, as...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
Click to expand...
Bottom line...NEVER travel to any country where theft from luggage in airports is a common occurrence!!!!
 
Corrupt traffic police in Tunisia
Djerba, Hammamet, Kairouan, Mahdia, Monastir, Sousse, Tunis


How it works:


  • Unfortunately, you may encounter corrupt traffic police officers here.
  • For instance, the video below shows a Tunisian Police Officer threatening to confiscate the victims’ vehicle if they do not pay a bribe of $20 (40 Dinars).

1600341224233.jpg


Places to beware:


  • Anywhere

What to do:


  • Follow all laws: e.g. wear helmet, keep to speed limit, have a driving license.
  • Tactics (make yourself difficult): buy time by pretending not to understand the local language, be creative and talk nonsense back, ask for a receipt, to pay at a police station, etc.
  • Negotiate: if those fail, negotiate the bribe.



travelscams.org

Corrupt traffic police in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Unfortunately, you may encounter corrupt traffic police officers here. For instance, the video below shows a Tunisian Police Officer threatening to confiscate the victims’ vehicle if they do not pay a bribe of $20 (40 Dinars). فيديو جديد لعون أمن في أول أيام شهر رمضان يطلب الرشوة...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Restaurant, bar scams in Tunisia


  • Situation:
    • Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest.

  • Set-up:
    • Version 1: serving items which you did not order.
    • Version 2: giving you a menu but then convincing you to order the ‘special’ which is priced exorbitantly but is not listed in the menu.

Places to beware:


  • Sousse
  • Tunis

What to do:


  • Choose: reputable places (use food review apps like Monresto.net) and avoid those promoted by touts.
  • Check: menu (prices, fine print), itemized bill, and do not eat what was not ordered.


travelscams.org

Restaurant, bar scams in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Situation: Most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: Version 1: serving items which you did not order. Version 2: giving you a menu but then convincing you to order the ‘special’ which is priced...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Street money exchange scam in Tunisia


  • Opening: a local approaches claiming that another tourist gave him a one Euro tip. However, as it is too small, he can’t change it with the money exchanges. So, he asks if you can change with him using Tunisian dinars.

  • Set-up: as you count the coins in your possession, with him stating their different values as he explains their features to you, he suddenly decides you don’t have the right change and walks away. What happened is that while you were distracted, he has relieved you of some coins!

Places to beware:


  • Tunis

What to do:


  • Avoid changing money on the streets – they are usually scams.


travelscams.org

Street money exchange scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Opening: a local approaches claiming that another tourist gave him a one Euro tip. However, as it is too small, he can’t change it with the money exchanges. So, he asks if you can change with him using Tunisian dinars. Set-up: as you count the coins in your possession, with him...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Fake beggars, sob story scammers in Tunisia
Hammamet, Kairouan, Sousse, Tunis


  • Version 1: kids will tell you they need money to go to school.
  • Version 2: at markets/squares/medinas, there will be all kinds of fake beggars, even fake disabled ones who may hassle you.

Places to beware:





  • Hammamet
  • Tunis
  • Sousse
  • Kairouan

What to do:


  • Decline – these are people who usually do not need help or are foreigners who are part of a syndicate.
  • If you want to help, donate to established charities instead.

travelscams.org

Fake beggars, sob story scammers in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Version 1: kids will tell you they need money to go to school. Version 2: at markets/squares/medinas, there will be all kinds of fake beggars, even fake disabled ones who may hassle you. Places to beware: Hammamet Tunis Sousse Kairouan What to do: Decline – these are people who...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Forgot my key scam in Tunisia


  • If you live in an apartment, be wary of local men who ring your doorbell claiming that they have accidentally locked themselves out.
  • They then ask you for money to take cab to go somewhere to collect a spare key.

Places to beware:


  • Tunis

What to do:


  • Decline.


travelscams.org

Forgot my key scam in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: If you live in an apartment, be wary of local men who ring your doorbell claiming that they have accidentally locked themselves out. They then ask you for money to take cab to go somewhere to collect a spare key. Places to beware: Tunis What to do: Decline.
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
Snatch thefts in Tunisia
Djerba, Hammamet, Kairouan, Mahdia, Monastir, Sousse, Tunis


  • Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch.
  • Street, medina, market, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or down a street corner.
  • Metro/streetcar: snatching and getting out just before the doors close.


Places to beware:



What to do:




travelscams.org

Snatch thefts in Tunisia — Travelscams.org

How it works: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, medina, market, park, transportation hub: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway car or down a street corner. Metro/streetcar: snatching and getting out just before the doors close...
travelscams.org travelscams.org
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top