How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Indonesia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Common scams include transport price inflation, unauthorized money changer tricks, fake temple ceremonies requiring large donations, and fake Blue Bird taxis.
2What You Need to Know
Indonesia, particularly Bali, is one of Southeast Asia's more scam-prone tourist environments. The most frequent scams target newly arrived tourists at airports (overpriced unlicensed taxis), at money changers (trick counting with sleight-of-hand), and at temples (strangers informing you of a 'special ceremony today' that requires a large donation). Fake Blue Bird taxis — cars painted to resemble the trusted brand — operate in some areas. Tour operators sometimes double-book or fail to deliver services; always use established operators with reviews. Online rental and accommodation fraud is also increasing.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If a stranger at a temple tells you there is a 'special ceremony' requiring a large donation or special clothing from their shop, it is almost certainly a scam — walk away
- 2At money changers, count every note out loud yourself before signing anything — do not let the cashier recount for you after you have checked
- 3Book tours through your hotel or accommodation's front desk, or use well-reviewed platforms — avoid accepting tour offers from strangers on the street
Important Warning
The Bali money changer shortchange scam is extremely sophisticated. Changers distract tourists, recount notes at speed, and palm bills before handing over the bundle. Count your cash yourself, in full, before leaving the counter — no exceptions.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
Japan is one of the world's most honest countries — scams are virtually nonexistent and all prices are fixed.
Bargaining is normal at markets, but tourists face specific scams including tuk-tuk gem shop detours, fake tours, and the notorious jet ski damage scam in Phuket.
Singapore is one of the world's most scam-resistant destinations, but Sim Lim Square electronics scams targeting tourists are a known and documented risk.
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More About Indonesia
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated — 10% at tourist restaurants, 20,000–50,000 IDR for guides and drivers, though service charge is often already included.
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Gojek and Grab (motorbike or car) are essential apps; Jakarta has TransJakarta BRT and a commuter rail network; Java has excellent intercity trains; Bali has no reliable public transport.
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BIMC and SOS Medika serve Bali tourists; Siloam Hospitals are reliable in major cities; medical evacuation insurance is critical, especially for Bali where motorbike and surf injuries are very common.
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Indonesia has some of the world's strictest drug laws including the death penalty for trafficking; Aceh province follows Sharia law; a 2023 criminal code restricts sex outside marriage.
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Police: 110; Ambulance: 118 or 119; Fire: 113; Tourist Assistance Hotline: 1500-454.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples and mosques; sarongs are required at Balinese temples and usually provided; bikinis are fine at beaches; dress more conservatively in non-tourist Muslim-majority areas.
Updated 2025-06
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