Tourist Scams in Indonesia & How to Avoid Them

Indonesia is a diverse and culturally rich country located in Southeast Asia. It is the world's largest archipelago, comprising more than 17,000 islands, and every island is worth the explore!  

Known for its remarkable natural beauty, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and vibrant coral reefs - tourists come to explore all that this country has to offer. With all its glory, there are still some cases of tourist scams in Indonesia. Due to its huge influx of tourism every year, some locals like to grab any chance at scamming unsuspecting travellers and try to earn a quick buck.

Read some of the most common scams that could happen to you when travelling to Indonesia and how to avoid them.

1. Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are one of the most popular scams across the world. Indonesia taxi drivers are no less. There are some among the group who like to scam tourists by not going by meter, thereby charging you a higher price for any distance. 

They might also try to sell you a tour or take you to their relative/friend's shops where they can earn a commission for bringing in tourists. Another trick that drivers might try to attempt is asking their passengers for triple the amount that was quoted. They might even try hassling the passengers till they pay up.

To avoid this scam, always know the route you need to travel beforehand using maps or use local apps to book/track your ride. Ensure that the taxi driver goes by the meter before you start your ride.

Common around: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok and other tourist hotspots.

2. Fake Bluebird Taxi Scams

Along with taxi drivers scamming high amounts from tourists, there is another taxi scam that is prominent in Indonesia. 

Blue Bird is a popular and reputable taxi service company that operates across Indonesia. Their drivers prominently display identification and promptly use meters. They often dress in a more professional manner than the local taxi drivers do. 

However, you can also find fake Blue Bird taxis to fool travelers. Most of the taxis in Bali are painted in a sky-blue color. Some even have a similar-but-different blue bird logo on their 'taksi' sign. Some even go so far as to place 'Blue Bird Group' stickers on windshields to confuse tourists. 

These fake taxis often scam tourists by charging much higher prices or not using the meter.

Common around: Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, Lombok, Medan, Padang, Semarang and Yogyakarta.

3. Money Exchange Scams

You need to exchange your home currency into foreign currency when abroad. To do this, there are kiosks around different cities, but beware!

Signs for 'official' money exchanges advertise rates that are sometimes higher than the current international rate. Many boast no commission or fees. This is a scam and doesn't lead to you making any sort of profit. The staff at these kiosks are experts at sleight-of-hand. They can cheat you out of the actual amount you are supposed to receive or even hand out damaged or invalid banknotes to tourists.

Using the ATMs will usually land you a better rate anyway. If you decide to exchange money, do so at a real bank branch, not in a shop. Before leaving the place, always cross-check the notes and denominations and ensure that you have the right amount.

Common around: Kuta, Legian in Bali.

4. Beach Hustlers and Tout Scams

You will find plenty of sellers along beaches across Indonesia trying to sell trinkets, bracelets, massages, hats, surfing lessons, etc. There will be a queue of people trying to grab your attention and won’t take 'no' for an answer. Sellers are persistent and use low quality products. 

In some instances, you might also see children trying to sell you items. These children work for adults who exploit them instead of being in school. By buying items from them, you could be contributing to a negative social practice.

Common around: Beaches in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands.

5. Guides and Entrance Fees at Temples Scam

There are many temples and historical sites to visit in Indonesia. Many of these places have a separate ticket counter for people wanting to enter. A scam associated with these sites is when locals/hustlers wait at the entrance of temples and demand an entrance fee. The person asking you for money may not be associated with the temple. 

Sometimes you’ll be hassled to pay a guide to walk with you around the temple grounds. If anyone latches on at the entrance or inside, they'll inevitably ask for a 'donation' later.

The key to avoiding a lot of the scams around popular sights is to walk forward and have a look for what feels official. Don't believe what people loitering near entrances tell you.

Common around: Temples near Mount Batur and Pura Baisakhi are popular places for this scam in Bali.

6. Motorbike Rental Scams

Renting a motorbike is an easy way to travel around different cities in Indonesia. Scams associated with motorbike rental are common across Southeast Asia. In some cases, locals rent out their own personal vehicles. Then, they either use a spare key to steal back the bike or ask the renter to pay for existing damages, scratches.

To avoid falling for this scam, always rent a bike from proper rental shops. You should also take a video of the bike before taking it out of the garage as proof of its initial condition.

Common around: Bali, Lombok.

7. Pickpocketing Scams

Let's not forget one of the most common and oldest scams across the world - pickpocketing. Indonesian tourists face pick pocketers and bag snatchers, especially in crowded tourist areas. Busy market areas and public transport are other areas of target for these scammers.

You must always be aware of your surroundings and belongings when in crowded places. Another tip is to avoid carrying all your valuables/important original documents with you when going out.

Common around: Bali, Jakarta, Gili Islands, Yogyakarta.

8. Hotel Credit Card Scams

A common scam that can happen when you're at a hotel in a new country is when people posing to be from the hotel front desk call you and ask you to verify your personal information and details after you have checked-in in the hotel. 

Scammers will call you stating that some part of your information is missing. They will then ask for your credit card details to complete your check-in.

To avoid falling for this scam, never share your financial details over the phone. If someone from the hotel 'front desk' is calling you, then physically go down to reception and confirm if there actually is any information missing.

Common around: Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, Gili Islands, Surabaya.

9. Shopping Scams

When you go shopping anywhere in Indonesia, make sure you check the quality and price of the product before making a final purchase. A common scam surrounding shopping in Indonesia is when sellers fail to mention the price of the product. They then ask you to pay an inflated price for a product as simple as beverages. 

In popular tourist areas, you may also come across vendors selling counterfeit goods, such as clothing, accessories, or electronics. Be cautious when purchasing items and be aware that the quality may not be as advertised.

Common around: Bali, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Sukhawati, Jakarta.

10. Arak Scams

‘Arak’ is a cheap, clear, home-distilled spirit made in Indonesia that is a traditional alcoholic beverage. A potentially dangerous scam surrounding the consumption of Arak is when it is adulterated or improperly produced. 

There have been reports of cases regarding health issues that usually involve the consumption of counterfeit or illegally produced Arak that has been mixed with harmful substances or high levels of methanol.

The best way to avoid this is by purchasing Arak from licensed or trusted vendors. Look for proper packaging, seals and labels on the Arak bottles and consume responsibly.

Common around: Bali and Gili Islands.

11. Fake Police Officer Scams

There have been reports in Indonesia where locals dress up as fake police officers and extort money or personal information from tourists. Unfortunately, many of the officers' target tourists on motorbikes to pay fines. 

It begins with asking for an international driving permit. Even if you produce one, you’ll be told that it isn’t valid in Indonesia. Tourists are expected to pay a fine on the spot.

To avoid being scammed by fake police officers in Indonesia you can ask them for their identification and verify their credentials. You must also pay attention to their uniform and the vehicle they are using.

Common around: Jakarta, Bali and Yogyakarta.

There’s no saying when or where you might get caught up in a scam. So, some tips to keep in mind to avoid being scammed in Indonesia are:

• Never use street-side money exchange stores. Being one of the most prominent scams in Indonesia, it is best to exchange currency at a bank to get accurate returns.

• Always inspect your goods after purchasing them to avoid them being switched for cheaper versions. 

• When availing yourself of a taxi, use trusted and verified apps. You should be able to recognize the legitimate taxis by their colours and logos.

• While exploring local markets, be cautious when dealing with street vendors. They may try to overcharge or sell counterfeit goods. Bargain wisely, compare prices, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

• Never share your credit card details or personal information online or over the phone. It’s best to do it in person to judge accurately if you are being scammed or not.

• If someone persistently pursues you on the street, be firm and say no if you are not interested. Many people disguise themselves as official guides and attempt to scam you.

• Last but certainly not least, having a good, comprehensive Travel Insurance plan can help you if you are in a financial fix. International Travel insurance to Indonesia not only comes with medical benefits, but also loss of passports, baggage delays, stolen wallets, financial emergency cash, and a lot more! You can read about the different coverages in Travel Insurance here.

Below are some important resource contacts you must save on your device when you are in Indonesia.

• Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112 

• Ambulance: 118 or 119

• Firefighter: 113

• Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115

• Natural Disaster Assistance: 129

• International Phone Number Information: 102

• Local Phone Number Information: 108

• Indian Embassy in Indonesia: 62 21 2522299

Remember, even with these precautions, it's essential to maintain an open mind, enjoy your travels, and embrace the positive experiences that Indonesia has to offer. Getting too cynical can ruin your trip. Be aware and cautious of your belongings, but also let yourself be free to take in the vibrance of the country.