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Common in Indonesia

Scam in IndonesiaTaxis

Taxi meter refusal and inflated fixed fares in Indonesia

Airport, station, hotel and attraction taxi queues in Jakarta; Jalan Legian at night in Kuta; taxis in Banjarmasin

How it works

A driver refuses to use the meter and quotes an inflated fare. In Kuta, this remains a common problem near bars and clubs at night.

Warning signs

  • The driver refuses to turn on the meter.
  • The driver quotes a high price without explaining the fare.
  • A parked driver pressures you to accept a fixed fare.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask whether the driver will use the meter before getting in.
  2. Choose another taxi if the driver refuses.
  3. Walk a little away from busy taxi queues and hail a reputable passing taxi.
  4. Use a taxi or ride-hailing app that shows the fare before booking.

If it happens to you

If the trip has not started, leave and find another taxi. If you feel threatened, put your safety first and record the vehicle details when safe.

  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 happensAirport, station, hotel and attraction taxi queues in Jakarta; Jalan Legian at night in Kuta; taxis in BanjarmasinJakarta, Kuta, Banjarmasin

What travellers report

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

More scams in IndonesiaTaxi detours to increase the fare: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi meter refusal and inflated fixed fares scam in Indonesia?

A driver refuses to use the meter and quotes an inflated fare. In Kuta, this remains a common problem near bars and clubs at night.

How can I spot it early?

The driver refuses to turn on the meter. The driver quotes a high price without explaining the fare. A parked driver pressures you to accept a fixed fare.

How do I avoid taxi meter refusal and inflated fixed fares in Indonesia?

Ask whether the driver will use the meter before getting in. Choose another taxi if the driver refuses. Walk a little away from busy taxi queues and hail a reputable passing taxi. Use a taxi or ride-hailing app that shows the fare before booking.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If the trip has not started, leave and find another taxi. If you feel threatened, put your safety first and record the vehicle details when safe.

Where in Indonesia does this happen?

Airport, station, hotel and attraction taxi queues in Jakarta; Jalan Legian at night in Kuta; taxis in Banjarmasin It has been reported in Jakarta, Kuta, Banjarmasin.

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 detours to increase the fare, 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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