Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia

1. Grand Mosque of Pontianak Scam

Avoid fake guides offering tours inside the mosque for a fee.

Official Guide: Only take guided tours provided by official mosque personnel.
Awareness: Stay informed about the actual cost and duration of the tour.
Police Station Contact: Know the location of local police stations in case of any issues.

Beware of overpriced goods and counterfeit items at the market.

Price Comparison: Compare prices with other markets or online stores before purchasing.
Local Shopkeeper: Find a trusted local shopkeeper for authentic goods.
Negotiation Skills: Bargain and negotiate prices to get the best deal.

Avoid food contamination or overpricing at the night market.

Food Safety: Choose stalls with high hygiene standards and fresh ingredients.
Local Recommendation: Ask locals for recommended food stalls to try.
Payment Precaution: Pay only after receiving the correct change and checking the receipt.

Avoid overcharging or getting taken to a different location by taxi drivers.

Pre-arranged Transport: Arrange transportation in advance with your hotel or online services.
Metered Taxi: Insist on using a metered taxi and ensure the meter is turned on.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt as proof of payment.

Avoid getting ripped off when buying a SIM card.

Official Shop: Purchase SIM cards only from official shops or authorized dealers.
Package Check: Check the package details for included data, validity, and price.
Ask for Assistance: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you're not sure about anything.

Avoid getting overcharged or damaged motorbikes when renting.

Reputable Rental: Choose a reputable and trusted rental service.
Rental Agreement: Sign a clear rental agreement with all terms and conditions.
Damage Inspection: Inspect the motorbike for any damages before renting it.

Avoid poor quality or overpriced accommodations.

Online Reviews: Check online reviews before booking a hotel.
Location: Choose accommodations that are conveniently located.
Payment Method: Pay using secure methods, such as credit card or reputable online payment services.

Avoid buying overpriced or counterfeit gold jewelry.

Certified Jeweler: Choose a certified jeweler with good reputation.
Gold Purity Check: Check the purity of gold jewelry using an acid test kit or trusted jeweler.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other gold markets or online stores before purchasing.

Avoid food contamination or overpricing when eating street food.

Food Safety: Choose stalls with high hygiene standards and fresh ingredients.
Local Recommendation: Ask locals for recommended street food stalls to try.
Payment Precaution: Pay only after receiving the correct change and checking the receipt.

Avoid overpriced or poor quality tours with unlicensed operators.

Licensed Tour Operator: Choose a licensed and reputable tour operator.
Itinerary Review: Review the itinerary before booking the tour.
Payment Method: Pay using secure methods, such as credit card or reputable online payment services.

Avoid getting ripped off during currency exchange.

Official Exchange Booth: Exchange money only at official banks or authorized exchange booths.
Rate Check: Check the exchange rate before completing the transaction.
Payment Method: Pay using a secure method, such as credit card or bank transfer.

Avoid overcharging or getting ripped off during ferry rides.

Official Ferry Service: Choose official and reputable ferry services.
Ticket Price Check: Check the ticket price before boarding the ferry.
Payment Method: Pay using secure methods, such as credit card or bank transfer.

Avoid getting overcharged or damaged bicycles when renting.

Reputable Rental Service: Choose a reputable and trusted rental service.
Rental Agreement: Sign a clear rental agreement with all terms and conditions.
Damage Inspection: Inspect the bicycle for any damages before renting it.

Avoid overpriced or fake cultural performances.

Authentic Performance: Choose authentic and traditional cultural performances.
Price Check: Check the price of the performance before attending.
Location: Attend performances at reputable cultural venues or festivals.

Avoid overcharging or getting ripped off during local transportation.

Official Transport Service: Choose official and reputable transport services.
Fare Check: Check the fare before boarding the vehicle.
Payment Method: Pay using secure methods, such as cash or reputable online payment services.