Menu
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 these tourist attractions who have perfected a bunch of tourist targeted scams.
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
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…
Read more…
Ferry, boat ticket scams in Indonesia
5 1How 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….
Read more…
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…
Read more…
Money changer scams in Indonesia
5 4How 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:…
Read more…
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:…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
Rental bike flat tire, battery scam in Indonesia
5 1How 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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…
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…
Read more…