Destinations › South Africa › Cape Town › Scams
Cape Town, South Africa
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Cape Town, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unofficial parking attendants demanding payment at spaces that are free or already paid, sometimes with implied threat to the vehicle.
Unmetered taxis quoting inflated fixed fares to visitors, particularly from the airport and at night. Ride apps quote before departure.
The ATM 'helper' approach, where a stranger offers assistance, distracts at the keypad, and swaps or retains the card. Use machines inside bank branches.
Phone and bag snatching in the city centre and on the popular hiking approaches, with walkers targeted on quieter trail sections.
Rental car operators charging for pre-existing damage with no signed condition report at handover.
Individuals in plain clothes claiming to be officers and demanding to inspect wallets or impose an on-the-spot fine.
Short-let listings taking deposits for properties unavailable or materially different on arrival in peak season.
Dynamic currency conversion at card terminals and shortchanging at market stalls on large notes.
Imitation 'African' crafts sold as locally handmade when they are imports, at premium prices in the tourist markets.
Township and wine tour operators taking payment for trips run without permits, with itineraries far shorter than advertised.
