Indonesia Travel Scams

In Indonesia, scammers install skimming devices on ATMs in high-traffic tourist spots like shopping malls in Jakarta or bank branches near Bali beaches. These devices, often in places like Denpasar's ATMs, capture card data while hidden cameras record PINs, leading to unauthorized withdrawals averaging 500,000 IDR per victim. This scam exploits the common use of foreign cards in areas with lax security.

Across Indonesia, scammers pose as legitimate tour operators on platforms like social media or street kiosks, offering discounted trips to places like Bali's beaches or Yogyakarta's temples. They take upfront payments in IDR, such as 200,000 IDR for a fake Komodo Island tour, then disappear or provide substandard services, often targeting foreigners unfamiliar with local operators like those certified by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.

In Jakarta, drivers of blue bird taxis or unofficial cabs at Soekarno-Hatta Airport tamper with meters to inflate fares, charging tourists up to 150,000 IDR for a 30,000 IDR ride to areas like Jalan Sudirman. They might claim the meter is faulty and demand a negotiated price, exploiting traffic congestion and language barriers in this bustling city.

In Jakarta's crowded spots like the Monas Monument or Jakarta Fair events, groups of thieves create distractions, such as fake arguments or spills, to pickpocket wallets or phones from tourists, often stealing items worth over 1,000,000 IDR in total, taking advantage of the city's dense urban environment.

In Bali, vendors on Kuta or Seminyak beaches sell fake handicrafts like 'traditional' Balinese sarongs or jewelry, claiming they're authentic and charging inflated prices, such as 500,000 IDR for items worth 50,000 IDR. They use high-pressure sales tactics, exploiting tourists' interest in local culture during sunset walks.

In Bali areas like Kuta or Ubud, individuals posing as police officers stop tourists for alleged violations, such as improper visa documents, and demand bribes of 100,000-300,000 IDR on the spot, often near tourist hotspots to exploit fear of real authorities.

At Yogyakarta's Borobudur Temple, unlicensed guides approach visitors offering 'exclusive' tours and then demand excessive fees, like 200,000 IDR for a short walk, far above the official 50,000 IDR rate, by providing misleading historical facts to gain trust.

In Yogyakarta, becak (pedicab) drivers around Malioboro Street inflate fares by taking detours or claiming mechanical issues, charging tourists up to 100,000 IDR for a 20,000 IDR ride through the city's historic areas, preying on those exploring on foot.