Indonesia

Common tourist scams in Indonesia and how to avoid them

The scams that cost travellers most in Indonesia are transport overcharging, fake or rigged taxi meters, rental and motorbike damage claims, money changers short-changing you, and card skimming at ATMs. Pay by app or agree the fare first, count cash twice, and use bank-branded ATMs inside branches. Most trips pass without incident.

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Updated Sep 20263 min read

GuideIndonesia

Key facts

Most common: Taxi and bemo overcharging, rigged meters, rental damage claims, money-changer short-changing
Typical losscheck: Rp50,000–300,000 per incident (about US$3–19) — 2026 estimate
Safest transport: Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) with the price shown before you accept
ATMs: Use bank-branded machines at branches; cover the keypad; decline dynamic currency conversion
Money changers: Use authorised ones; recount in front of the teller before leaving
Emergency: 112 general · 110 police · 118/119 ambulance
Report a scam: Police report at the local station; keep receipts and screenshots

Details by situation

Transport is where most visitors lose money. At airports and tourist strips, drivers quote a flat price several times the metered fare, or claim the meter is broken. Ride-hailing apps remove the argument: the price appears before you accept, and you pay what the app says. Where apps are restricted, such as some airport pick-up zones and a few town centres, walk to the main road or use the official counter inside the terminal.

Rental scooters and cars generate damage claims. Photograph the vehicle from every side, plus the odometer and fuel gauge, before you ride off, and keep the photos until the rental is closed out. Check that the bike has a valid tax disc and that your travel insurance actually covers riding; many policies exclude motorbikes above 125cc or without a licence.

Money changers and ATMs are the quiet losses. Unlicensed kiosks advertise a rate above the official one, then count your rupiah short while distracting you. Use authorised changers, count the notes in front of the teller before you leave the counter, and refuse any offer to 'help' you count. At ATMs, use machines attached to a bank branch, check the card slot for loose fittings, cover the keypad, and always choose to be charged in rupiah rather than your home currency.

Around temples and markets, expect commission schemes: a 'guide' who walks you to a shop, a driver who insists your hotel is closed, or a ticket seller who adds a 'donation'. Buy entry tickets at the official booth, and treat unsolicited help as a sales pitch.

Details by situation
Situation	The scam	What to do
Airport or street taxi	Flat fare quoted at several times the meter	Book in the app, or agree the price before getting in
Rental scooter or car	Damage or scratch claimed on return	Photograph all sides, odometer and fuel before riding
Money changer	Rate above official, notes counted short	Use authorised changers; recount before leaving
ATM	Skimming or dynamic currency conversion	Bank-branch machines; charge in rupiah
Temple or market	'Guide' or 'closed today' story	Buy at the official booth; ignore unsolicited help
Street card game or 'lucky' bet	Confederates let you win, then take your stake	Do not play; walk away

Tips

Screenshot your ride-hailing booking and the driver's plate before you get in.
Carry small rupiah notes; a driver who 'has no change' for Rp100,000 keeps the difference.
Keep a photo of your passport and visa page separate from the original.
Use a card with no foreign transaction fee and a small daily limit for ATM withdrawals.
If a price feels wrong, walk away — there is almost always another driver or stall.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What are the most common tourist scams in Indonesia?

Transport overcharging and rigged taxi meters, rental damage claims, money changers short-changing you, ATM skimming, and commission schemes around temples and markets. Most are small cash losses; app-based transport and bank-branch ATMs remove the biggest risks.

Is Indonesia safe from pickpockets?

Petty theft happens in crowded markets, buses and tourist strips, especially in Bali and Jakarta. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag, do not leave bags on scooter handlebars, and carry only what you need for the day.

What should I do if I am scammed in Indonesia?

Stop the transaction, keep receipts, screenshots and the driver's plate, and report it at the local police station if the loss is significant. For card fraud, call your bank immediately and block the card. Emergency numbers: 112 general, 110 police.

Deep dive

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