Skip to content
Occasional in Indonesia

Scam in IndonesiaTaxis

Charging more than the taxi meter in Indonesia

Some cities without Bluebird service; also reported in Kuta

How it works

The driver uses the meter but demands a higher amount at the end. They may claim the higher price is normal or add an unexplained surcharge. Genuine tolls and parking fees can be separate charges.

Warning signs

  • The driver will not confirm that you pay the meter amount.
  • An extra charge appears without explanation or a receipt.
  • The driver says a fare above the meter is standard.

How to avoid it

  1. Confirm the fare basis before getting in.
  2. Check the meter at the end of the trip.
  3. Ask to see receipts for tolls.
  4. In Kuta, reject unexplained extras beyond the meter, tolls and parking.

If it happens to you

Ask calmly for a breakdown. If the driver becomes threatening, prioritise safety and report the trip afterward.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or resist a threatening robber.
  2. If you are hurt or may have been drugged, seek urgent medical help. Call 112 or ambulance service 118.
  3. Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your bank and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
  4. Save receipts, booking records, messages and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  5. Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your insurer.
  6. Contact the relevant operator, insurer or embassy for further help. Use your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you were detained.
What it can costSome drivers demand more than twice the normal fare.
Where it happensSome cities without Bluebird service; also reported in KutaKuta

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in IndonesiaStarting the taxi meter before pickup: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the charging more than the taxi meter scam in Indonesia?

The driver uses the meter but demands a higher amount at the end. They may claim the higher price is normal or add an unexplained surcharge. Genuine tolls and parking fees can be separate charges.

How can I spot it early?

The driver will not confirm that you pay the meter amount. An extra charge appears without explanation or a receipt. The driver says a fare above the meter is standard.

How do I avoid charging more than the taxi meter in Indonesia?

Confirm the fare basis before getting in. Check the meter at the end of the trip. Ask to see receipts for tolls. In Kuta, reject unexplained extras beyond the meter, tolls and parking.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask calmly for a breakdown. If the driver becomes threatening, prioritise safety and report the trip afterward.

Where in Indonesia does this happen?

Some cities without Bluebird service; also reported in Kuta It has been reported in Kuta.

How much can it cost me?

Some drivers demand more than twice the normal fare.

How common is this scam in Indonesia?

Occasional. Scams are rare in less touristy parts of Indonesia, but travellers should be more cautious in Bali, especially Kuta. Common problems include taxi overcharging, pushy sellers, pickpocketing and phone theft. ATM card copying, dishonest laundry weighing and drug offers linked to police are also reported.

Are there similar scams in Indonesia?

Yes: taxi meter refusal and inflated fixed fares, taxi detours to increase the fare, fake Blue Bird and Bali Taksi lookalikes.

Who can I report it to?

Police (POLRI): call 110 or visit a police station to report theft, robbery or fraud. Ask for a written report or reference number. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or urgent assistance. It routes to emergency services in most major cities; elsewhere it usually routes through police. Operators typically speak Indonesian, so ask someone to help if needed. Indonesian Police HQ: jl. Trunojoyo 3, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 7218144. Jakarta Police HQ: jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 45, South Jakarta. Telephone: +62 21 5709261. Bandung police: call 110 or visit a local Polsek station. The city headquarters, Polrestabes, is in Central Bandung. The provincial headquarters, Polda, is in East Bandung. Banjarmasin Police HQ (Polresta Banjarmasin): jl. A Yani Km 3, Kebun Bunga. Telephone: +62 511 252037. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi company, booking app or transport operator: use the official support channel. Provide the booking, vehicle details, receipts and a short account of what happened. Hotel or venue management: report missing property or suspected drink tampering promptly. Ask staff to preserve relevant records and help contact police. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of your loss. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft or detention.

What number do I call in an emergency in Indonesia?

General emergency services: 112, Police (POLRI): 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire department: 113, Search and rescue: 115, Bandung ambulance: (022)118, Bandung fire brigade: (022)113.

Reviewed by