Bali Scams: Video Evidence and How To Avoid Being Fleeced

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Bali Scams: How to be prepared

In this video, Youtube channel Rowantravel highlights common scams in Bali, including currency exchange and ATM scams, fake Bluebird taxis, overcharging by rideshare drivers, corrupt police officers, scooter rental scams, and closed attraction scams.

Note that there are images in this video that are stock footage and not from Bali and show police holding guns, etc., which is not in Bali. However, the information contained in the video is comprehensive, so we feel it is worthy of sharing with this caveat in mind.

Highlights

• Bali receives the most international visitors in Indonesia, making it a prime target for scammers.

• Common scams in Bali include currency exchange and ATM scams, where staff at money changers may pocket some of your money or manipulate the ATM machines.

• Fake Bluebird taxis are a problem in Bali, with scammers attempting to mimic the reputable Bluebird Taxi Group.

• Rideshare drivers in Bali may overcharge tourists by setting their own prices instead of following the app's quote.

• Corrupt police officers often target tourists on scooters for minor violations, such as not wearing a certified helmet or lacking an international driver's license.

• Scooter rental scams are prevalent in Bali, with owners blaming tourists for pre-existing damage or even stealing back the motorbike.

• Closed attraction scams involve individuals asking for entrance fees or claiming that a popular tourist spot is closed in order to take tourists to an alternative location for their own benefit.

Airport Passport Scam

An Australian traveller shared her harrowing experience of being scammed at Bali airport due to a passport detail, resulting in an extra $1500 fee. The Australian woman is now warning fellow travellers about the potential for a scam at Bali airport.

Before her flight departed, Batik Air in Australia made her sign a form due to a slightly dirty passport, leading to a costly interrogation. On arrival in Bali she showed the form thinking she was doing the right thing. However, she was pressured to pay $1,500 or risk deportation. Her passport had already been accepted through immigration, but officials convinced her scared mother to pay up. They were eventually allowed to leave but the experience was traumatic. After returning home, the woman claims that Australian officials told here they suspect it was a scam. The victim believes it was a ploy to extort money from tourists. Learn about the shocking events that unfolded upon arrival and how she believes it was a set-up by officials in a scam.

ATM Scams

In Bali, criminals often place a faceplate on the front of an ATM to get the details of your card and account numbers. They use this information to access your account afterwards. To avoid this, it's important to beware of any faceplates on an ATM before you use it.

Rory’s tip here is to try and use ATMs that are located inside the bank - many in Bali are in the foyer and a security guard is always nearby so they are less likely to have the device placed on them and therefore are safer to use. Definitely avoid the stand alone ones on the street in the airconditioned box…..or if you must, carefully inspect the front of the ATM before you insert your card…..give it a good tug and make sure it looks normal.

The local police are aware of these ATM scams and have made arrests but with thousands of ATM machines all over the islands, it’s a game they probably find hard to keep up with—it’s up to us as travellers to be vigilant.

Motorbike scam

The next scam on the list is motorbike rental scams. These scams are not unique to Bali and can happen throughout Southeast Asia. The first scam is that the rental company will steal the bike from the hotel overnight using a second set of keys.

The second scam is that when you return the bike, the rental company will charge you for damages that were already present.

To avoid these scams, it's best to use a reputable rental company, either the one recommended by your hotel or one that is highly recommended by other travelers. If a company is known for scams, it will be obvious online. If a business doesn't have an online presence, proceed with caution.

We’d add to Rory’s tips that you might even consider bringing a chain and padlock to attach to the wheel of any bike you hire - this will pretty much stop the scam because bolt cutters are hard to come by in Bali…..

Money-changing Scams

Rory talks in the video about the importance of carefully counting money you get at a money changer. But safety begins by choosing a reputable money changer….don’t just use the one close to your hotel. Get online and check their reviews and if they have non they are too small…..

You can easily look up money changers on Google maps - search ‘Money changer near me’ and Google will show you several options with reviews….much safer than just crossing your fingers.

Video: Money-changing scam in action

Check out this next video. It is an eye opener:

As Jason Pizzino shows in this excellent video, the money changing slight-of-hand is where the changer takes back money already counted out in a swift movement when the traveller is distracted counting the second batch. Watch all the way through to see how it is done.

The Money Changer We Recommend: BMC

Our preferred choice is BMC and their outlets are conveniently located in most key tourist areas on Bali and Lombok. To assist you, we have created a customized Google Map with their information. It's important to note that Baligram is not associated with BMC in any way and does not receive any benefits for recommending them. We've been using their services for many years and have always had a positive and fair experience with them.

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