Pauline

November 4, 2024

#Asia #Indonesia #Bali

6 Common Scams in Bali and How to Avoid Them: A Traveler's Guide

Bali is magical, no doubt about it, but this friendly island can sometimes surprise travelers with a few well-planned scams. Don’t worry, there’s no major danger! This guide is here to help you avoid unnecessary spending and enjoy Bali without unpleasant surprises, so you can make the most of your trip with a light heart. Here are the most common scams and some tips to dodge them.

1. “Free” Fruit from Street Vendors

After visiting a temple or other tourist site, you might be approached by a smiling woman with a basket of fruit. Before you can react, she’s offering you some… and sometimes even placing the fruit directly into your mouth! Then she’ll insist you buy them at a ridiculously high price, and if you refuse, she’ll often persist or even raise her voice.

Tip: If you see these vendors, it’s best to avoid them. There are plenty of shops where you can buy fruit without any pressure and for a much better price.

2. Unreliable Currency Exchange Offices

Changing money on-site usually offers better rates, but be cautious with unofficial currency exchange offices, as some will “pocket” part of the money discreetly. You could lose up to 1,000,000 IDR (around 60 euros) or even more without noticing.

Tip: ALWAYS recount your money, even if the agent counts it in front of you. Ask for smaller bills and check them one by one—it may take time, but it saves you from unpleasant surprises.

3. Taxi Scams and Variable Fares

Apps like Grab and Gojek are great options to avoid taxi scams. However, they’re not available everywhere, especially in smaller towns in Bali. In these cases, local taxis are a good alternative, but some drivers might set random prices or come up with excuses to increase the fare.

Tip: If your hotel can recommend a trusted driver, go for it. Otherwise, always negotiate the fare before getting in, and be firm that you won’t pay more, no matter the route.

4. Overpriced Sarongs at Tourist Sites

To enter most temples, you’ll need to wear a sarong (a traditional fabric wrap). Some temples lend them for free, while others will ask you to buy one on-site, often at a highly inflated price.

Tip: Buy a sarong as soon as you arrive in a local market. A simple one usually costs between 20,000 and 40,000 IDR (about 2-3 euros), much cheaper than in tourist areas. If you want a more decorative one, the price will be a bit higher, but still far more affordable outside of tourist hotspots.

5. Suspicious “Entrance Fees” at Tourist Sites

Some locations, like temples or caves, will claim an entrance fee that’s actually a suggested donation. The entrance staff may ask you to write a specific amount, but this isn’t obligatory.

Tip: Check online before visiting to confirm if the site charges a genuine fee. If you see a fixed price listed, know that it’s probably just a suggested donation, and you can choose the amount you’d like to give.

6. Shops Without Price Tags

In certain stores, products have no price tags, giving the vendor the freedom to set the price “based on the customer.” This happens a lot in tourist shops where sellers know visitors may not be familiar with local prices.

Tip: Always ask the price of an item you know the approximate value of. This will help you gauge if the shop is fair with its pricing. Then, feel free to negotiate, but don’t expect major discounts, as these shops often have fixed prices in mind.

Conclusion: Enjoy Bali with Confidence!

Bali is an incredible destination, where most locals are kind and welcoming. Still, as in any popular tourist destination, it’s smart to be cautious to avoid unpleasant surprises. Now that you know these few tips, you’re ready to enjoy your stay without falling into any traps!

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