Other Tourist Scams in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors. Below are the other scams scams reported in Addis Ababa — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Mombasa.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Other Scams Scams
11
Total in Addis Ababa
How it works
Individuals — sometimes children, sometimes adults — approach tourists near the National Museum, Meskel Square, and upmarket hotels in Bole district soliciting donations for a local orphanage or school. They carry printed leaflets, sign-up sheets, or photos of children to appear legitimate. In reality, no such institution exists or the collector keeps the money personally. Some operations are organized rings that target the same tourist areas daily, cycling through different collectors to avoid recognition.
See all scams in Addis Ababa
11 total warnings across all categories