Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Serang, Banten, Indonesia

All Topics about Serang All Cities in Indonesia

1. Grand Mosque of Serang (Masjid Agung Serang)

Iconic mosque offering prayers and cultural exhibitions. Be wary of individuals offering 'guided tours' for a fee.

Unauthorized Guides: Avoid any unlicensed guides who may overcharge or lead you to shops for commission.
Donation Scams: Respectfully decline unsolicited requests for donations, especially in the mosque vicinity.
Crowded Hours: Plan your visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential scams and enjoy a peaceful experience.

Bustling marketplace offering local delicacies. Beware of overpriced or subpar food.

Price Manipulation: Ask for prices before ordering to avoid overpaying, and consider the local price range.
Unhygienic Food: Choose stalls with clean preparation areas, fresh ingredients, and high turnover of customers.
Suspicious Offers: Be cautious of friendly strangers offering 'special deals' or 'free samples,' which could lead to additional costs.

Central park for events and recreation. Watch out for pickpockets and scam artists.

Pickpocketing: Secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings.
Counterfeit Merchandise: Buy only from authorized vendors and check for quality before purchasing.
Scam Artists: Be wary of anyone offering 'help' or 'freebies,' especially if they ask for personal information in return.

Modern shopping mall with a variety of stores. Be vigilant against credit card skimming and bag snatching.

Credit Card Skimming: Use secure payment methods and check your account regularly for unauthorized charges.
Bag Snatching: Keep your bags close and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Phishing Emails: Avoid clicking on suspicious emails or links, especially those claiming to be from the mall's management.

Traditional batik workshop and souvenir shop. Be cautious of overpriced or low-quality goods.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices and compare with other shops before making a purchase.
Low-Quality Goods: Look for the 'Taman Tiga Bruas' label, which guarantees quality batik products.
Unwanted Add-Ons: Decline offers of unnecessary extras (e.g., framing or packaging) to reduce costs.

Hindu temple complex offering spiritual experiences and cultural exhibits. Be mindful of scam artists targeting tourists.

Unauthorized Guides: Decline unsolicited offers for guides or rituals, especially those asking for payment upfront.
Religious Scams: Respect local customs and traditions but be wary of anyone attempting to exploit your faith for personal gain.
Fraudulent Offerings: Decline any offers of 'blessed' items or talismans, as they may not be genuine.

Night market offering street food and souvenirs. Be vigilant against overpricing and theft.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices and compare with other stalls before making a purchase.
Theft: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Counterfeit Goods: Buy only from reputable vendors and check for quality before purchasing.

Art market offering paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Be cautious of overpriced or low-quality goods.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices and compare with other vendors before making a purchase.
Low-Quality Goods: Inspect items closely for quality, especially with painted works.
Unwanted Add-Ons: Decline offers of unnecessary extras (e.g., framing or packaging) to reduce costs.

Outlet store offering a wide variety of batik products. Be cautious of overpriced or low-quality goods.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices and compare with other stores before making a purchase.
Low-Quality Goods: Look for the 'Taman Tiga Bruas' label, which guarantees quality batik products.
Unwanted Add-Ons: Decline offers of unnecessary extras (e.g., framing or packaging) to reduce costs.

Relaxing beaches with water activities. Beware of inflated prices for rentals and services.

Inflated Prices: Negotiate rental prices for equipment, sunbeds, or umbrellas.
Overpriced Food and Drinks: Pack a lunch or choose eateries outside of beachfront establishments.
Scam Artists: Be wary of strangers offering 'help' or 'services,' especially if they ask for payment upfront.

Authentic marketplace offering fresh produce and local goods. Be vigilant against overpricing and theft.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices and compare with other vendors before making a purchase.
Theft: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Counterfeit Goods: Buy only from reputable vendors and check for quality before purchasing.

Temple complex dedicated to the spirit of a legendary tiger. Be mindful of scam artists targeting tourists.

Unauthorized Guides: Decline unsolicited offers for guides or rituals, especially those asking for payment upfront.
Religious Scams: Respect local customs and traditions but be wary of anyone attempting to exploit your faith for personal gain.
Fraudulent Offerings: Decline any offers of 'blessed' items or talismans, as they may not be genuine.

Cultural park featuring traditional art and performances. Be cautious of overpriced merchandise and ticket scams.

Overpricing: Negotiate prices for merchandise or compare with other vendors before making a purchase.
Ticket Scams: Purchase tickets only from authorized outlets to avoid counterfeits and overpriced tickets.
Unwanted Add-Ons: Decline offers of unnecessary extras (e.g., photos or videos) during the cultural performances.

Popular zoo with a wide variety of exotic animals. Be aware of pickpockets and ticket scams.

Pickpocketing: Secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings.
Ticket Scams: Purchase tickets only from authorized outlets to avoid counterfeits and overpriced tickets.
Animal Welfare Concerns: Research the zoo's animal welfare standards before visiting, and support reputable facilities that prioritize animal care.

Museum showcasing the history and culture of Serang. Be wary of pickpockets and scam artists.

Pickpocketing: Secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings.
Scam Artists: Be wary of strangers offering 'help' or 'services,' especially if they ask for payment upfront.
Unauthorized Guides: Decline unsolicited offers for guides, especially those asking for payment upfront.