General
Malabo
Bata
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Bribe Demands at Checkpoints

Fake Official Extortion

occasional

In Equatorial Guinea, travelers are often stopped at roadside checkpoints, especially on routes between Malabo and Bata, by individuals posing as police or customs officials who demand bribes in XAF (e.g., 5,000–10,000 XAF) for fabricated offenses like improper documentation, taking advantage of the country's bureaucratic culture.

How to Avoid This Scam
  • Always request to see official identification and record the interaction if possible.
  • Travel with copies of your passport and visa, and contact your embassy immediately if approached.
  • Use main roads during daylight and avoid solo travel in rural areas like the mainland interior.
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Overpriced Souvenir Sales

Inflated Market Prices

common

Vendors in open-air markets across Equatorial Guinea, such as those in Malabo or Bata, target tourists by quoting exorbitant prices for local crafts like wooden masks or traditional Fang textiles, often starting at 15,000 XAF instead of the standard 3,000–5,000 XAF, exploiting the rarity of tourism and language barriers.

How to Avoid This Scam
  • Haggle assertively and ask multiple vendors for prices, using phrases in Spanish like '¿Cuánto cuesta realmente?' to gauge fairness.
  • Research average prices in advance via local expat forums and carry small denominations of XAF to avoid overpayment.
  • Shop in established stores rather than street stalls and consider buying with a trusted local companion.