Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia

1. Taxi Scams at Sentani Airport

Avoid overpriced or non-functioning taxis by confirming the meter is on and agreeing on a price beforehand.

Be cautious when exchanging money; only use reputable exchange centers and confirm the authenticity of bills.

Hotel Exchange Services: Exchange currency at hotels for peace of mind.
ATMs: Use ATMs that are located inside banks or well-guarded areas.
Online Research: Research local exchange rates and trusted exchange centers beforehand.

Bargain for fair prices when shopping at markets, and be aware of overpriced or fake items.

Knowledgeable Shopkeepers: Shopkeepers who are knowledgeable about their products can help you find quality items.
Bargaining Skills: Practice your bargaining skills to get the best deal.
Asking for Prices: Always ask prices before making a purchase to avoid misunderstandings.

Confirm tour guide's credentials and negotiate prices upfront to avoid scams.

Local Tourist Office: Book tours through local tourist offices for trustworthiness.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews to learn about other travelers' experiences.
Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.

Inspect your bill before paying, and be cautious of unexpected charges or substitutions.

Transparent Restaurants: Choose restaurants with clear pricing and menus.
Dining Companions: Travel with a companion to share dining experiences and keep each other informed.
Double-Check Receipts: Always double-check your receipt before leaving the restaurant.

Research accommodation prices in advance and negotiate with hotel staff to avoid overpaying.

Online Booking Platforms: Book accommodations through reliable online platforms.
Negotiating Skills: Negotiate prices for extended stays or last-minute bookings.
Asking for Discounts: Ask if the hotel offers discounts or deals.

Be cautious of overly friendly locals who may ask for money or favors. Stick to traveling with trusted companions.

Common Sense: Use your common sense and trust your instincts.
Staying in Groups: Travel with friends or family to reduce vulnerability.
Reporting Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior to local authorities if necessary.

Keep valuable items hidden and secure; be wary of strangers offering help with lost items.

Security Measures: Use security measures like locks, safes, or money belts to protect valuables.
Street Smarts: Be aware of your surroundings and potential scams in busy areas.
Reporting Lost Items: Report lost items to local authorities or accommodation staff immediately.

Use reputable money transfer services and only transfer funds through secure channels.

Trusted Services: Choose well-known, trusted money transfer services.
Secure Connections: Use secure connections (HTTPS) for online transactions.
Double-Check Transactions: Always double-check transaction details before confirming.

Check for tour operator licenses and read reviews to avoid unsafe or unauthorized tours.

Licensed Tour Operators: Choose licensed tour operators that prioritize safety.
Online Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to make an informed decision.
Asking for Licenses: Always ask tour operators for their licenses before booking.

Be cautious of online dating scammers; never share personal or financial information.

Verification: Verify the authenticity of profiles through social media or local contacts.
Meeting in Public Places: Always meet potential dates in public places and let friends know where you are going.
Suspicious Behavior: Be wary of anyone who asks for money or pressures you for personal information.

Buy alcohol and beverages from reputable vendors to avoid contaminated or fake products.

Trusted Vendors: Purchase alcohol at established, reputable vendors.
Bottle Seals and Labels: Check the seals, labels, and quality of beverages before consuming.
Cautious Consumption: Be cautious when consuming alcoholic beverages in unfamiliar locations.

Avoid donating money on the street; instead, find legitimate charities to support.

Legitimate Charities: Research local charities and their projects before donating.
Donation Boxes: Use official donation boxes in banks, post offices or tourist information centers.
Avoiding Street Solicitation: Avoid giving money to individuals on the street.

Use well-lit, secure ATMs and protect your PIN number to avoid skimming scams.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located in banks or well-guarded areas.
Covering the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN number.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your bank account for any suspicious activity.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks to access sensitive information on your mobile device.

Secure Connections: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure internet connections.
App Updates: Keep your mobile apps and operating system updated for security.
Avoiding Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping.