Common scams in Indonesia

The scams you'll actually run into

1. Money-changer short-count

   A changer offering a rate well above the others distracts you mid-count, folds notes back, or uses a rigged calculator, so you leave with far less than agreed.

   H.A.C.K. · Comfort

   The move — Only use changers marked “PT” / authorised, count the full amount yourself before handing over your dollars, and don't let them re-handle the stack.

2. Scooter rental damage and passport hold

   The rental holds your passport, then on return points to scratches (often pre-existing) and charges a heavy “repair” fee, or claims the bike was stolen.

   H.A.C.K. · Kill-Switch

   The move — Leave a cash deposit, not the passport. Photograph and film every panel before riding, with the owner present.

3. ATM skimming and “card swallowed”

   Machines in Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are skimmed, or a device holds your card and a “helpful” bystander watches you enter the PIN, retrieving the card after you leave.

   H.A.C.K. · Comfort

   The move — Use ATMs attached to a bank branch, in daylight. If a card is retained, call your bank immediately and stay at the machine.

4. Taxi cartel vs. Grab/Gojek

   In some areas local taxi groups block or intimidate app drivers and charge tourists several times the app price, refusing meters.

   H.A.C.K. · Authority

   The move — Book Grab or Gojek and meet the driver a short walk from the taxi rank if there's tension. Know the app price so you can judge a cash quote.

5. “Your card was declined” double charge

   A shop or restaurant says the first card payment failed and runs it again; both go through, or a tip line is altered after you sign.

   H.A.C.K. · Kill-Switch

   The move — Watch the terminal, keep every receipt, and check your statement daily. Dispute duplicates immediately.

6. Gili Islands boat overcharge

   Touts sell “fast boat” tickets at inflated prices, oversell sailings, or the “insurance” and “port tax” add-ons appear at the dock.

   H.A.C.K. · Hurry

   The move — Book with an established operator online, confirm the total price includes taxes, and keep the booking confirmation on your phone.

What these scams have in common

Most Indonesia scams lean on Comfort and Kill-Switch. Whatever the trick, the way out is the same three moves — Pause · Assess · Talk: stop before you pay, hand over a document or follow someone; ask what the request really wants; then say it out loud to someone you trust, or your bank on the number from your card.

Indonesia travel-scam FAQ

Official travel advisories for Indonesia

Fraud and scam wording pulled from the official Canadian and New Zealand travel advisories. Use the government sources for current travel decisions.

Scam guides for nearby destinations

H.A.C.K. — the four pressure tactics

Every scam on this page is tagged with the tactic it uses. Recognise the tactic, not the trick.

H Hurry

Urgency. A deadline, a countdown or a “right now” that leaves no time to check.

A Authority

Officialdom. A badge, a title, a uniform or an official-sounding request you feel you can't question.

C Comfort

Familiarity. A friendly local, a routine or an emotion that makes the request feel safer than it is.

K Kill-Switch

The cut-off. The moment you're pushed to pay, click, hand over a document or follow someone — before you can verify.

The way out of all four: Pause · Assess · Talk.