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Common in Indonesia

Scam in IndonesiaTaxis

Taxi detours to increase the fare in Indonesia

Metered taxis in Bandung; also described as a formerly common problem in Jakarta

How it works

The driver takes an unnecessarily long route so the meter keeps rising.

Warning signs

  • The route takes an unexplained turn away from your destination.
  • The driver cannot explain a long detour.

How to avoid it

  1. Make the destination clear before departure.
  2. Follow the route on your phone.
  3. Consider a ride booked at a fixed price.

If it happens to you

Ask calmly about the route. Save the trip details and report an unexplained detour to the taxi company or booking app.

  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.
Where it happensMetered taxis in Bandung; also described as a formerly common problem in JakartaBandung, Jakarta

What travellers report

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

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Questions

What is the taxi detours to increase the fare scam in Indonesia?

The driver takes an unnecessarily long route so the meter keeps rising.

How can I spot it early?

The route takes an unexplained turn away from your destination. The driver cannot explain a long detour.

How do I avoid taxi detours to increase the fare in Indonesia?

Make the destination clear before departure. Follow the route on your phone. Consider a ride booked at a fixed price.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask calmly about the route. Save the trip details and report an unexplained detour to the taxi company or booking app.

Where in Indonesia does this happen?

Metered taxis in Bandung; also described as a formerly common problem in Jakarta It has been reported in Bandung, Jakarta.

How common is this scam in Indonesia?

Common. 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, fake Blue Bird and Bali Taksi lookalikes, charging more than the taxi meter.

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.

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