While in
Nairobi there are several things you need to avoid doing not to get into
trouble, below are a few of the don’ts
1.
Don’t Forget To Ask
The Price of the Taxi/Cab or even Matatu Before You board
Always
agree on a price upfront and proceed to pay after. Different operators charge
differently depending on your appearance.
In
cases of matatus, when you don’t see any sign board showing prices please don’t
forget to ask how much they charge. This is very important because there are
some conductors who take advantage of that and may even charge you a different
price from the rest of the passengers just because you didn’t agree on the
price before boarding.
Generally
in Nairobi the more you learn how to bargain the better. The City residents are so used to bargaining
in the sense that even in shops where the prices are fixed you hear them asking
whether the price is negotiable.
2.
Don’t put all your Money
in one place
Take
care of your pockets and personal items.
While in Nairobi it is very easy to be pick-pocketed therefore learn to separate
your money so that in case the pickpockets get hold of it, you will at least be
left with some amount to take you to your intended destination.
3.
Don’t Carry Large
Amounts of Cash
Instead
of carrying cash everywhere you go, you could opt to balance cash, credit and
mobile money.
4.
Don’t Smoke on the
Streets
Smoking
on the streets of Nairobi’s city center is against the law, except in
designated smoking zones. If anything, take your cue from other smokers.
5.
Don’t talk on your
Mobile Phone while Crossing the Road
I
know so many people are used to doing this and they most of the time get away
with it but beware that you can be arrested by the county Askaris.
6.
Don’t take
Photographs of other people without their Permission.
DO
NOT take photographs of the locals without their permission. NEVER take
photographs of military, military institutions, armed
forces barracks, policemen, the President,
Government officials or airports.
7.
Don’t Walk Around
Nairobi at Night (Avoid Deserted Areas in Nairobi)
Avoid
deserted areas in Nairobi because most likely they could be dens of
criminals. Do not walk around Nairobi at
night and apply extra caution on weekends when Nairobi is relatively deserted.
8.
Don’t Exchange Money
Anywhere
Do
not exchange money on the street. I know
you might be tempted by the offer given but always know that it is a risky
thing to do. Hotels, Camps and Lodges
can change money but sometimes their exchange rate is lower.
There are several foreign exchange bureaus in Nairobi offering
competitive rates or even banks.
9.
Do Not Display your
Valuables to the World
This
will keep you from being the target of theft.
Only carry what you need in regards to money when venturing out.
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