General
Khartoum
Port Sudan
Omdurman
Street Currency Exchange Shortchanging
Undercounted Sudanese Pounds
In bustling markets like Souq Al-Arba'a in Khartoum or Omdurman's main souk, informal money changers target tourists exchanging USD or EUR, quoting fair rates like 500 SDG per USD but deliberately handing over fewer notes or mixing in counterfeit bills, resulting in losses of 100-200 SDG per transaction.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Count all received SDG notes immediately in front of the changer and verify for counterfeits using a phone app.
- Opt for exchanges at licensed banks in Khartoum's city center, where rates are transparent and commissions are around 5 SDG per transaction.
- Avoid street exchanges after dark in crowded areas and use hotel services, which often provide receipts in Arabic and English.
Fake Official Demands for Bribes
Throughout Sudan, individuals posing as police or customs officials at checkpoints on major roads like the highway from Khartoum to Port Sudan approach tourists in vehicles, claiming documentation issues and demanding bribes of 200-500 SDG to avoid fabricated fines, exploiting the country's bureaucratic culture.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Always carry original passports and visas, and politely request to see the official's ID before complying.
- Contact the nearest embassy or use emergency hotlines if approached, as real officials rarely demand cash on the spot.
- Travel with local guides from reputable agencies who can verify authority and negotiate in Sudanese Arabic.