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Some scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Indonesia

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing and distraction theftThieves take phones or wallets from pockets and bags in crowded places. On Bandung angkots, someone acting sick or behaving oddly may distract you while belongings are stolen.Jakarta, Bandung 2Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPhone and camera snatchingThieves grab exposed phones or other valuables. Phones are increasingly targeted. Criminals may operate at traffic lights even when there are crowds.Jakarta 2Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonTaxi meter refusal and inflated fixed faresA driver refuses to use the meter and quotes an inflated fare. In Kuta, this remains a common problem near bars and clubs at night.Jakarta, Kuta, Banjarmasin 2Read
  4. 4 TaxisCommonTaxi detours to increase the fareThe driver takes an unnecessarily long route so the meter keeps rising.Bandung, Jakarta 2Read
  5. 5 ShoppingCommonBeach sellers using guilt and special-price claimsBuying from one hawker can attract many more. Sellers use guilt and claims such as 'good luck prices' or 'morning/sunset prices' to push you into buying.Kuta 2Read
  6. 6 Buses and trainsCommonPersistent motorbike transport toutsTouts repeatedly offer motorbike rides, especially to people walking alone. The offers are generally harmless, but the pressure can lead you to accept a ride you do not want.Kuta 1Read
  7. 7 ShoppingCommonRigged laundry scalesA laundry uses a scale that shows more weight than your clothes actually weigh. You then pay for the inflated weight.Kuta 1Read
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalFake Blue Bird and Bali Taksi lookalikesOther operators copy trusted taxi colours, names or logos. A blue car may look like Blue Bird without belonging to the company. In Kuta, names such as 'Taxi Bali' can resemble Bali Taksi.Jakarta, Kuta 1Read
  9. 9 TaxisOccasionalCharging more than the taxi meterThe 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.Kuta 1Read
  10. 10 TaxisOccasionalStarting the taxi meter before pickupThe driver starts the meter before you enter. Some taxis arrive early and run the meter while waiting, adding charges before your requested pickup time.Bandung 1Read
  11. 11 TaxisOccasionalTaxi change withheldThe driver says they cannot change a large note. You may have to round up the fare and lose the difference.Kuta 2Read
  12. 12 Buses and trainsOccasionalBus ticket touts outside company boothsA seller outside the bus company's booth charges more for a ticket. The bus they direct you to may also be questionable.Jakarta 1Read
  13. 13 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card skimming and cloningCriminals copy card details at an ATM. They may also capture your PIN and use the copied card to take money.ATMs across Indonesia 2Read
  14. 14 TheftCommonSidewalk-blocking pickpocket groupsA group of boys or teenagers blocks the sidewalk. As a drunk visitor squeezes through, members of the group reach into pockets and bags.Kuta 1Read
  15. 15 TheftOccasionalLaptop and phone theft from workspacesThieves take or snatch laptops and phones, including from inside co-working spaces.JakartaRead
  16. 16 TheftOccasionalTheft from checked baggageValuables disappear from baggage handled or stored away from you. Baggage handlers may steal items from checked bags.Checked baggage and luggage on buses, trains and ships 2Read
  17. 17 TheftOccasionalTheft from empty hotel roomsValuables left in an empty hotel room may be stolen.Hotel rooms across Indonesia 2Read
  18. 18 TheftOccasionalBeach belongings theftBelongings left on the beach are vulnerable while you swim or surf.Kuta 2Read
  19. 19 TheftCommonRobbery through intimidationA robber threatens or intimidates someone into handing over valuables. Serious violence is described as uncommon, but it can happen.Jakarta 1Read
  20. 20 Food and drinkOccasionalDrugged drinks from strangersA stranger offers a drink that may contain drugs, leaving you unable to protect yourself or your belongings.Across Indonesia, including while travelling on public transport 2Read
  21. 21 On the streetOccasionalDrug sellers working with policeA tout offers drugs, sometimes after first offering transport. These dealers may work with police and receive small payments when a visitor is arrested.Kuta 1Read
  22. 22 Airport and borderOccasionalBeing tricked into carrying drugsA stranger asks you to bring an item into Indonesia, sometimes for money. Drugs may be hidden in ordinary objects, luggage handles or cereal sachets.Journeys into Indonesia 2Read
  23. 23 Food and drinkOccasionalRefilled bottled water sold as sealed waterA vendor may refill an empty drinking-water bottle with tap water and sell it. Jakarta's tap water is not safe to drink without treatment.Jakarta 1Read
  24. 24 ShoppingOccasionalCounterfeit branded goodsBoth genuine and fake branded garments are sold. A familiar logo alone does not show that an item is genuine.Jakarta 2Read
  25. 25 NightlifeOccasionalKaraoke bars and health clubs hiding their real businessSome places presented as karaoke bars or health clubs are actually brothels. A visitor may enter expecting ordinary karaoke or health services.Jakarta, Bandung 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • BaliTravellers are advised to be more cautious about scams here than in less touristy areas.
  • Kuta beachPersistent hawkers use sales pressure. Belongings are vulnerable while visitors swim or surf.
  • Jalan Legian, KutaNight-time meter refusal, transport touts and pickpocketing outside bars and clubs.
  • Sky Garden, KutaThe surrounding stretch of Jalan Legian is specifically linked to pickpocketing outside bars.
  • Jl Pantai KutaPeople walking alone are frequently approached by motorbike transport touts.
  • Eastern Jakarta and suburban residential areasTheft and robbery are more likely at night in these areas.
  • Kota, JakartaMany karaoke bars and health clubs are actually brothels.
  • Streets and alleys near Alun-alun, BandungSome karaoke bars are actually brothels.
  • Jalan Setiabudhi towards Lembang, BandungSome karaoke venues conceal that they are brothels.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Confirm the destination and use of the meter before boarding.
  • Check the company name and logo carefully.
  • Use a trusted booking app when possible and check the quoted fare.
  • Carry small notes and ask for toll receipts.
  • Check that the meter has not been running before pickup.

Money

  • Count notes carefully before handing them over.
  • Carry small notes for fares and everyday purchases.
  • Confirm the full price before accepting a service.
  • A menu price written as Rp25 can mean Rp25,000. Ask if unsure.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer ATMs at a bank, especially a room with several machines and a guard.
  • Cover your PIN with your hand.
  • Do not use a machine that appears altered.
  • Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash.
  • Enable transaction alerts and know how to freeze your card.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
  • Keep valuables with you rather than in checked baggage.
  • Put phones away at traffic lights and in traffic jams.
  • Take devices with you when leaving a workspace seat.
  • Leave valuables somewhere secure before swimming or surfing.

Nights out

  • Stay with friends and plan your return transport.
  • Do not accept drinks from strangers.
  • Avoid squeezing through groups blocking the sidewalk.
  • Refuse drug offers and walk away.
  • Check what a karaoke venue offers before entering.

Where you stay

  • Use the hotel's safe deposit box rather than the in-room safe.
  • Avoid leaving valuables exposed in an empty room.
  • Check that your room door locks securely.
  • Ask hotel staff to help arrange a reputable taxi.

Police and officials

  • Never carry items into Indonesia for strangers.
  • If detained, ask for legal help and contact your embassy or consulate.
  • Keep a separate copy of your passport and important travel details.

What travellers say about Indonesia

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Indonesia?

Scams are rare in less touristy areas. Be more cautious in Bali, especially Kuta. Opportunistic theft and pickpocketing are common.

How can I avoid being overcharged by a taxi?

Confirm the meter before getting in, check that it starts at pickup and carry small notes. A trusted app can show the fare before booking. Check branding carefully because lookalike taxis operate.

What should I check before using an ATM?

Look for loose or unusual parts around the card slot and keypad. Prefer a bank ATM room with a guard, cover your PIN and freeze your card promptly if you notice an unknown withdrawal.

Where should I be most alert for pickpockets?

Watch your belongings in markets, public transport and pedestrian overpasses. Be especially careful on Bandung angkots and outside bars on Kuta's Jalan Legian.

How should I deal with Kuta's beach sellers and transport touts?

Stay calm, give a firm and polite refusal, and keep walking. Buying from one beach seller can attract others. Do not buy or accept a ride because you feel guilty or pressured.

Can laundry shops overcharge me?

Yes. Some Kuta laundries use rigged scales. Watch the weighing and confirm the total. A 1.5 kg bag may be charged as 2.5 kg.

Where should I buy a bus ticket in Jakarta?

Buy at the bus company's booth. Sellers outside the booth charge more and may direct you to a questionable bus.

What should I do if someone offers me drugs?

Say no and walk away. In Kuta, some dealers work with police. Never carry packages into Indonesia for strangers, even for money.

Is bottled water from a street vendor safe?

In Jakarta, some vendors may refill bottles with tap water. Buy from a minimart and check that the tamper-proof seal is intact.

Who should I call after a theft or robbery?

Call police on 110. Use 112 for immediate danger or urgent help. Freeze stolen cards, secure your phone accounts and keep a police report for your insurer. Operators typically speak Indonesian.

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