Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
1. Tourist Trap Shops
Shops that overprice souvenirs and services targeting tourists. Avoid excessive pricing by researching fair market rates beforehand.
- Location: These shops are often clustered in tourist-heavy areas.
- Pricing Strategy: They use pricing strategies to maximize profits from tourists.
- Awareness: Being aware of this practice can help you negotiate better prices.
2. Fake Guides
Unlicensed individuals posing as tour guides offering cheap services. Verify their legitimacy by checking for a local guide's permit.
- Licensing: Legitimate guides should have an official license.
- Price: Guides offering extremely low prices may be unlicensed or inexperienced.
- Reviews: Check online reviews for feedback on the guide's services.
3. Taxi Scams
Dishonest taxi drivers who use manipulative tactics to overcharge. Use metered taxis or pre-arrange fares with reputable companies.
- Metered Taxis: Metered taxis are a safer and fairer choice.
- Pre-Arrangement: Pre-arranging fares with reputable companies eliminates surprises.
- Awareness: Be aware of common taxi scams and how to avoid them.
4. ATM Skimming
Criminals using skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use well-lit and secure ATMs and avoid using them after dark.
- Location: Secure ATMs are usually located in well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance.
- ATM Device: Make sure the card reader and pinpad look genuine, don't force them.
- Alerts: Set up transaction alerts on your account to monitor activity.
5. Counterfeit Money
Fake Indonesian Rupiah notes circulating in the market. Verify currency authenticity by checking security features such as watermarks and holograms.
- Security Features: Learn about the security features of Indonesian Rupiah notes.
- Inspect Bills: Carefully inspect bills for any inconsistencies or missing security features.
- Change Locations: Exchange money at official exchange offices or banks.
6. Street Food Poisoning
Food poisoning from eating street food that hasn't been properly prepared. Stick to popular and well-reviewed food vendors.
- Popularity: Popular food vendors usually have a good reputation.
- Reviews: Check online reviews for feedback on the vendor's food.
- Location: Food vendors in busy areas are more likely to follow hygiene standards.
7. Scam Art Galleries
Galleries selling fake or overpriced art. Research the artists and galleries beforehand to ensure authenticity.
- Research: Do thorough research on local artists and their work.
- Price: Be aware of art prices in Bandung to avoid overpaying.
- Certification: Look for certification or a seal of authenticity on the artwork.
8. Fake Accommodation Listings
Listings for non-existent accommodations or overbooked properties. Book through reputable platforms and read reviews carefully.
- Reputable Platforms: Book through trusted accommodation booking websites.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation.
- Contact Information: Make sure there is valid contact information available for the property owner or manager.
9. Counterfeit Goods Market
Markets selling counterfeit goods, such as branded clothing and electronics. Avoid purchasing from these markets.
- Location: These markets are often found in tourist-heavy areas.
- Price: Counterfeit goods are usually priced much lower than the original products.
- Legal Risks: Purchasing counterfeit goods can lead to legal consequences in some countries.
10. Friendly Scammers
Individuals pretending to be friendly locals who offer help but then ask for money. Be wary of unsolicited help and avoid discussing finances.
- Unsolicited Help: Be cautious of individuals offering unsolicited help.
- Financial Conversations: Avoid discussing your financial situation with strangers.
- Common Scams: Be aware of common friendly scams and how to avoid them.
11. Overcharging in Restaurants
Restaurants adding extra charges to the bill without informing customers. Check the menu prices before ordering and ask for itemized bills.
- Menu Prices: Compare the prices on the menu with your final bill.
- Itemized Bills: Ask for an itemized bill to ensure all charges are justified.
- Reputation: Choose reputable restaurants with good reviews to minimize the chance of overcharging.
12. Sim Card Scams
Vendors selling sim cards without proper registration or offering pre-loaded SIMs with extra charges. Purchase from authorized dealers and register the SIM card upon arrival.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy your sim card from authorized dealers.
- Registration: Register your SIM card upon arrival to avoid extra charges.
- Internet Usage: Be aware of data roaming charges when using the internet abroad.
13. Fake Charity Collectors
Individuals posing as charity collectors but keeping the donations for themselves. Support reputable and verified charities only.
- Reputation: Choose a reputable charity with verifiable information.
- Registration: Check if the charity is officially registered.
- Donation Methods: Donate through secure and official channels, such as their website or a bank transfer.
14. Unlicensed Spa & Massage Parlors
Spa and massage parlors offering cheap services but using unhygienic practices. Only visit licensed establishments with good reviews.
- Licensing: Ensure the spa or massage parlor is officially licensed.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.
- Location: Locations in busy areas usually follow hygiene standards.
15. Rickshaw Scams
Rickshaws overcharging tourists or taking them to unnecessary stops. Negotiate the fare before starting the ride and stick to your route.
- Fare Negotiation: Negotiate the fare with the rickshaw driver before starting the ride.
- Route: Know your destination and stick to your intended route.
- Reputation: Choose a reputable rickshaw service or company.