Tourist Scams in Indonesia (Bali): 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026) | Travel Safe
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6 scams documented·Last updated: July 2026

Tourist Scams in Indonesia (Bali): 6 Common Scams & How to Avoid Them (2026)

Bali is Indonesia's most visited island and has a well-documented set of tourist scams, particularly around money changers, scooter rentals, and the famous Monkey Forest. Most scams are non-violent but can cost you $20–$200.

Quick Reference: All Scams at a Glance

ScamWhere It HappensRisk LevelTypical Cost
Money Changer Sleight of HandBali — Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Ubud (non-bank money changers)High20–40% of the exchanged amount
Scooter Rental Damage ClaimBali — Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, CangguHigh500,000–2,000,000 IDR ($30–$130 USD)
Monkey Forest Feeding ScamBali — Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, UbudLow50,000–500,000 IDR ($3–$33 USD)
Taxi OverchargingBali — Ngurah Rai Airport, Kuta, Seminyak, UbudMedium200,000–400,000 IDR ($13–$26 USD) overcharge
Fake Offerings / Temple Entry FeeBali — Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih TempleLow100,000–500,000 IDR ($7–$33 USD)
Overpriced Surf LessonsBali — Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, CangguLow300,000–1,000,000 IDR ($20–$65 USD) overcharge
High Risk

Money Changer Sleight of Hand

Bali — Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Ubud (non-bank money changers)

How It Works

Non-bank money changers advertise rates 10–20% better than banks to attract customers. During the counting process, the cashier uses sleight of hand to remove notes from the stack, or counts quickly and confusingly to shortchange you. You leave with 20–40% less than you should have received.

💸 Typical amount lost: 20–40% of the exchanged amount

Red Flags

  • Rate significantly better than bank rate
  • Cashier counts money very quickly or in a confusing order
  • Cashier recounts multiple times
  • Money changer is not a bank or authorized PT Penukaran Valuta Asing

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Best rate in Bali, no commission""
  • ""Bank rate is bad, I give you much better""

What To Say & Do

Use only authorized money changers (look for Bank Indonesia authorization certificate) or withdraw from bank ATMs. If using a non-bank changer, count every note yourself before leaving the counter. Say: 'I will count this myself' and take your time.

High Risk

Scooter Rental Damage Claim

Bali — Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu

How It Works

You rent a scooter for 60,000–100,000 IDR/day ($4–$7 USD). When you return it, the rental shop claims you caused damage (scratches, dents) that were pre-existing. They demand 500,000–2,000,000 IDR ($30–$130 USD) in compensation and may hold your passport.

💸 Typical amount lost: 500,000–2,000,000 IDR ($30–$130 USD)

Red Flags

  • Shop insists on keeping your passport as deposit
  • No written contract or pre-rental damage inspection
  • Damage 'discovered' only on return

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""You scratch the bike, must pay 1,000,000 rupiah""
  • ""Passport stay here until damage is paid""

What To Say & Do

Photograph and video the entire scooter before riding. Never leave your passport — offer a photocopy or cash deposit. If your passport is held, contact your embassy and the Bali Tourist Police at +62 361 224111.

Low Risk

Monkey Forest Feeding Scam

Bali — Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud

How It Works

Vendors outside the Monkey Forest sell bananas for 20,000–50,000 IDR ($1.30–$3.30 USD) per bunch to feed the monkeys. Inside, the monkeys grab your food, belongings, and sometimes phones or sunglasses. Vendors then offer to 'retrieve' your items for a fee.

💸 Typical amount lost: 50,000–500,000 IDR ($3–$33 USD)

Red Flags

  • Vendor aggressively sells food outside the entrance
  • Monkeys are unusually aggressive near the entrance

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Buy banana, monkeys love you, very fun""
  • ""I get your phone back from monkey, 200,000 rupiah""

What To Say & Do

Do not bring food into the Monkey Forest. Secure your phone, sunglasses, and loose items before entering. The official entrance fee is 80,000 IDR ($5.30 USD) — buy tickets only at the official booth.

Medium Risk

Taxi Overcharging

Bali — Ngurah Rai Airport, Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud

How It Works

Non-metered taxis at the airport and tourist areas quote flat rates 3–5x the fair price. From the airport to Kuta, the fair price is 80,000–100,000 IDR ($5–$7 USD); scammers quote 300,000–500,000 IDR ($20–$33 USD).

💸 Typical amount lost: 200,000–400,000 IDR ($13–$26 USD) overcharge

Red Flags

  • Driver quotes price before you get in
  • Driver refuses to use a meter
  • Driver is not from the official Blue Bird or Grab fleet

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""Kuta? 300,000 rupiah, good price""
  • ""Meter broken, flat rate better for you""

What To Say & Do

Use the Grab app for fixed-price rides. At the airport, use the official Blue Bird taxi counter inside the terminal. Metered Blue Bird taxis are reliable — insist on the meter.

Low Risk

Fake Offerings / Temple Entry Fee

Bali — Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple

How It Works

At temple entrances, unofficial 'guides' or 'priests' offer to perform a blessing or provide a sarong (required for entry) and then demand a large donation of 100,000–500,000 IDR ($7–$33 USD). Official sarong rental is 10,000–20,000 IDR.

💸 Typical amount lost: 100,000–500,000 IDR ($7–$33 USD)

Red Flags

  • Person approaches before you reach the official entrance
  • Blessing or sarong offered without discussing price
  • No official receipt provided

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""You must have sarong, I lend you, small donation""
  • ""I bless you for safe travel, please donate""

What To Say & Do

Rent sarongs only from the official temple counter. Pay only at official ticket booths. Politely decline unofficial blessings. The official Tanah Lot entry fee is 60,000 IDR ($4 USD).

Low Risk

Overpriced Surf Lessons

Bali — Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Canggu

How It Works

Surf instructors on the beach quote 500,000–1,500,000 IDR ($33–$100 USD) for a 2-hour lesson. The same lesson booked through a surf school costs 200,000–350,000 IDR ($13–$23 USD). Instructors may also charge extra for board rental after the lesson.

💸 Typical amount lost: 300,000–1,000,000 IDR ($20–$65 USD) overcharge

Red Flags

  • Instructor approaches you on the beach
  • Price quoted in USD rather than IDR
  • No written agreement on what is included

Phrases Scammers Use

  • ""I teach you surf, 2 hours, $50, I am best instructor in Kuta""
  • ""Board rental extra, 200,000 rupiah per hour""

What To Say & Do

Book surf lessons through established surf schools in Kuta (Rip Curl School of Surf, Odyssey Surf School). Agree on the total price including board rental before starting.

If You've Been Scammed in Indonesia (Bali)

Don't panic. Document everything immediately — take photos, write down times, locations, and descriptions of anyone involved. Then follow these steps:

  1. 1.Report to local tourist police (most major cities have a dedicated tourist police unit).
  2. 2.Contact your bank immediately if your card was compromised — request a chargeback.
  3. 3.File a claim with your travel insurance provider — most policies cover scam losses.
  4. 4.Contact your country's embassy or consulate if you need emergency assistance.
Full step-by-step guide: What To Do If You've Been Scammed

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Frequently Asked Questions: Scams in Indonesia (Bali)

Is Bali safe for tourists?

Bali is generally safe for tourists. The scams listed are financially motivated and non-violent. The biggest risks are traffic accidents on scooters and financial scams. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

What is the best way to exchange money in Bali?

Use ATMs from major Indonesian banks (BCA, BNI, Mandiri) or authorized money changers with a Bank Indonesia certificate. Avoid non-bank money changers on the street, especially in Kuta. The Central Kuta Money Changer is a well-known authorized option.

Is it safe to rent a scooter in Bali?

Scooter rental is common but carries risks — both traffic accidents and rental scams. If you rent, photograph the bike thoroughly before riding, never leave your passport, and wear a helmet. International driving permit required technically, though rarely enforced.

What is the tourist police number in Bali?

The Bali Tourist Police can be reached at +62 361 224111. The general emergency number in Indonesia is 110 (police) or 112 (general emergency).

Do I need to wear a sarong at Bali temples?

Yes, a sarong and sash are required at most Bali temples. Rent them at the official temple counter for 10,000–20,000 IDR. Do not accept sarongs from unofficial vendors who approach you before the entrance.

Related Scam Guides

Rental Scams: Scooters, Jet Skis & CarsTaxi Scams: The Complete GuideATM & Card ScamsWhat To Do If You've Been Scammed

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