Scam in IndonesiaFood and drink
Drugged drinks from strangers in Indonesia
How it works
A stranger offers a drink that may contain drugs, leaving you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers you an opened or prepared drink.
- You cannot see where the drink came from.
How to avoid it
- Do not accept drinks from strangers.
- Keep your own drink with you.
- Leave a drink if you are unsure what is in it.
If it happens to you
Tell a trusted person or venue staff and seek urgent medical help if you feel unexpectedly unwell. Do not leave with an unfamiliar person.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or resist a threatening robber.
- If you are hurt or may have been drugged, seek urgent medical help. Call 112 or ambulance service 118.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your bank and secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for your insurer.
- 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 travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Indonesia travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities report tourists being robbed or assaulted after bringing visitors to hotel rooms, with drink spiking identified in some cases.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Indonesia travel adviceCanadian authorities warn that drinks and other items offered by new acquaintances may contain drugs used to facilitate robbery or sexual assault.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the drugged drinks from strangers scam in Indonesia?
A stranger offers a drink that may contain drugs, leaving you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers you an opened or prepared drink. You cannot see where the drink came from.
How do I avoid drugged drinks from strangers in Indonesia?
Do not accept drinks from strangers. Keep your own drink with you. Leave a drink if you are unsure what is in it.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell a trusted person or venue staff and seek urgent medical help if you feel unexpectedly unwell. Do not leave with an unfamiliar person.
Where in Indonesia does this happen?
Across Indonesia, including while travelling on public transport
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: refilled bottled water sold as sealed water.
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 @snuck