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Indonesia
50 scams
Comprising over 13,000 islands, Indonesia has much to offer, with splendid temples, pristine diving sites, majestic volcanoes and a capital that is a melting pot of cuisines and culture!
Unfortunately, you may encounter “mafia-like” groups around some touristy areas who have perfected a bunch of tourist targeted scams.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110, 112
- Ambulance and rescue: 118
- Fire: 113
- Medical: 119
- Tourist police (Jakarta): (021) 526 4073
- Tourist police (Bali): (0361) 754 599/(0361) 224 111
Travel resources
Tangkuban Perahu Domas Crater guide scams in Indonesia
7 0How it works: Stage 1: you will be assigned a guide for ~IDR 400,000. This is only for one hour and will not be mentioned. Stage 2: as you scale…
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Money changer scams in Indonesia
5 6How it works: Opening: These rogue money changes usually operate in dark and secluded areas and attract tourists by advertising very attractive exchange rates at the main street. Version 1:…
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Probolinggo transport scams in Indonesia
5 0How it works: Stage 1 (at Probolinggo bus terminal): Step 1: to reach the bus terminal from the train station, touts here will offer you bemos or taxis. Step 2:…
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Malioboro batik/art school scam in Indonesia
5 0How it works: Version 1 (batik shop): Step 1: a stranger offers to bring you to the best batik shops. He brings you past several stalls, points out different grades…
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Rental bike flat tire, battery scam in Indonesia
5 2How it works: Version 1 (flat tire): when you return to your bike, a local tells you about your flat tire (he might have slashed it or let the air…
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Beach touts in Indonesia
5 0How it works: Version 1: aunties/ibus will offer beauty services such as manicure, pedicure, hair braiding and massage at inflated prices. Version 2: scheming ones offer a low price, only…
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Watersports equipment scam in Indonesia
5 0How it works: You rent a surfboard which upon light use, breaks apart and an inflated compensation fee (e.g. IDR 2.5m) is then charged. If you do not have enough…
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Ferry, boat ticket scams in Indonesia
5 3How it works: Version 1: You buy a ticket from a street tout who claims the ferry is from a reputable operator, when it is a less than reliable one….
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Kraton Palace entrance scam in Indonesia
5 0How it works: Situation: there are two entrances – the one by the clock is legitimate and costs IDR 12,500 to enter. The other is a shabby section of the…
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Istiqlal Mosque tour guide scam in Indonesia
4 0How it works: Situation: at the mosque, you will be provided a guide. They are not allowed to receive money officially but you should still tip around IDR 10-20k. Set-up:…
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Mt Batur mafia guides in Indonesia
4 0How it works: There’s a local mafia/gang here who will force anyone trekking up Mt Batur to use an official guide for 300k IDR, even though the trekking route is…
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Kopi luwak coffee plantation scams in Indonesia
4 1How it works: Situation: also known as civet coffee, kopi luwak is farmed from the excretion of the Asian palm civet, which knows how to choose and ingest the best…
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Fake entrance fee scam in Indonesia
3 0How it works: At some places which are free to access, a local claims that you have to pay a fee to enter/proceed, claiming that it will go towards the…
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Temple unofficial guides in Indonesia
3 1How it works: Version 1: these touts offer to bring you around a site, while giving you the impression that it is free. Eventually, you will be made to pay…
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Taxi scams in Indonesia
3 2How it works: Version 1: claiming that the meter is down and charging an inflated flat fare. Note: fixed fares at airports. Version 2: adding an exorbitant surcharge when going…
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