Impersonation and Bribe Demands
Fake Security Checkpoints
In rural areas and roads leading to major cities, individuals posing as government security officials set up unauthorized checkpoints, often wearing makeshift uniforms or badges, and demand bribes from travelers in the form of South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) or US Dollars. For instance, a traveler might be stopped on the Juba-Nimule road and asked for 1,000 SSP (about $7 USD) under the pretense of a 'security fee,' exploiting the country's history of conflict and weak law enforcement.
- Only travel with licensed guides or through organized tours that verify checkpoints; in South Sudan, insist on seeing official ID from the South Sudan National Police Service before complying.
- Keep a record of your travel itinerary and share it with your embassy; if stopped, politely ask for the official's name and station, then contact local authorities using the emergency number 999 to verify.
- Carry small denominations of SSP or USD for legitimate fees, but avoid handing over money without a receipt; in markets, exchange currency only at banks in Juba where rates are around 130 SSP to 1 USD.
Counterfeit Currency Exchanges
Money changers in informal markets or street corners, particularly in border areas like Nimule, offer favorable exchange rates for USD to SSP but provide fake notes or shortchange travelers. A common tactic involves quickly counting bills and using sleight of hand to swap genuine notes, resulting in losses of up to 5,000 SSP (about $38 USD) per transaction, taking advantage of the high inflation and cash-based economy.
- Exchange currency only at official banks or hotels in cities like Juba, where the rate is transparently displayed and verified; avoid street changers by using ATMs that dispense SSP, though fees can be high.
- Inspect notes for security features like watermarks and serial numbers before accepting; in South Sudan, familiarize yourself with SSP denominations through photos from reliable sources.
- Travel with digital payment options or pre-arranged funds via international transfers, as mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money are growing but still limited in remote areas.