Stay scam-free at the border
MY own visit to Mozambique and the bad experiences of several other people prove all is not well at the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post near Komatipoort.
Any African border post is a challenge to the patience and manners of even the mildest individual, herded into long queues. The South African side of the Lebombo border is at least manned by honest (if slow and impolite) officials, but even seasoned travellers are falling victim to the increasingly cunning scams of both officials and “unofficials” on the Mozambican side. Here are some examples:
An official asks for money to stamp your passport. Don’t pay. There is no charge.
The official “forgets” to stamp your passport and on your return, you are fined as much as R1 500 for having entered Mozambique illegally.
Beware the men not in uniform but with official-looking plastic photocards around their necks. They are many. They are frauds, often offering to translate forms for you (there is no need, they are all in English). You will end up paying them for the (free) Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) for your vehicle.
If changing money at the border, count and check your notes very carefully. Don’t fall for the scammer who saw you changing money and tells you he wants to check you haven’t been robbed. He will rob you himself.
Don’t pay anyone offering to get you through customs without a search. Declaring your camping kit, fishing equipment and your cameras on your TIP might make a search less likely. Nothing else will.
Don’t pay anyone for anything without a printed receipt. There are only two applicable charges: the cost of third-party insurance and any customs duty due on what you are importing, for which you will be given a receipt. (Non-SA citizens may also have to buy a visa, which is currently about $88.)
Buy third-party in advance at Outdoor Warehouse or at the petrol station before the border, then you will have no need to speak to anyone not in full uniform at the border. Don’t pay cash to anyone.
There are three simple steps. 1) Obtain and check passport stamp, 2) Obtain vehicle permit, 3) Clear customs. You won’t need help. If you are being hassled, collar a soldier.
Tell anyone who offers to help to go away. And tell everyone you know to do the same. And if you’re caught speeding in Mozambique, pay the spot fine and insist on a receipt.