Street Scams in Kigali, Rwanda
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Kigali — 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
2
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Kigali
How it works
Vendors at Kigali City Market and the Nyamirambo neighborhood quote tourists prices far above the local rate for Rwandan crafts, woven baskets, and imigongo art. The markup for foreign visitors can be 300–400% above what locals pay.
How it works
Individuals approach tourists near the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Rubaavu Road and the Kimironko Market area, presenting handwritten letters or printed flyers describing an underfunded local school and requesting donations to buy supplies or pay teachers' salaries. The schools either do not exist or the collectors have no connection to them. This scam exploits the genuine goodwill that many visitors feel after engaging with Rwanda's history of recovery and development.
See all scams in Kigali
10 total warnings across all categories