Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Medan, Indonesia

1. Simcard Sellers

Some simcard sellers in Medan may try to overcharge or provide faulty simcards. Always buy from official outlets.

Official Outlet: Buying from an official outlet ensures you get a legitimate simcard.
Price Check: Always check the price of simcards before purchasing to avoid overpayment.
Warranty: Ensure you get a warranty or guarantee for your simcard purchase.

Some taxi drivers in Medan may attempt to scam passengers by using a faulty meter or taking a longer route. Always use licensed taxis.

Licensed Taxi: Using only licensed taxis ensures you're not being overcharged.
Meter Check: Ensure the taxi meter is functioning correctly before starting your journey.
Prepaid Card: Use prepaid transportation cards available in some licensed taxis to avoid any additional charges.

Bartering at markets can sometimes lead to unreasonable or hidden fees. Be aware of the market prices and negotiate fairly.

Market Prices: Knowing the average price for items in the market helps you avoid overpaying.
Negotiation Skills: Mastering negotiation skills is crucial to get a fair deal when bartering.
Walk Away: If negotiations aren't going your way, it's often best to walk away and find another vendor.

Some ATMs in Medan may have skimmers or cameras designed to steal your card information. Use well-lit and secure ATMs.

Well-Lit ATMs: ATMs in well-lit areas are less likely to be tampered with.
Security Cameras: Look for ATMs with visible security cameras to deter potential thieves.
Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN while entering it at the ATM to prevent others from seeing it.

Some street food vendors in Medan may use unhygienic practices. Choose stalls with clean environments.

Clean Environment: Look for a clean, organized environment around the food stall.
Food Presentation: Freshly prepared and well-presented food is often safer to eat.
Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews online for recommendations on safe street food stalls.

Some accommodations in Medan may provide poor quality or misrepresent their services. Book through trusted platforms.

Trusted Platforms: Booking through established travel websites helps guarantee the quality of your accommodation.
Reviews: Check customer reviews for the accommodation to ensure you're making an informed decision.
Contact Information: Ensure the accommodation provides clear and updated contact information.

Some tour guides in Medan may lead you to places where they receive commission, or overcharge. Research your destination and guide beforehand.

Destination Research: Knowing your destination helps you make informed decisions about what sights are worth seeing.
Guide Reviews: Check customer reviews for the tour guide to ensure they provide a quality service.
Fixed Rates: Ask for a fixed rate upfront to avoid any hidden charges during your tour.

Some currency exchange providers in Medan may give you less than the agreed rate. Use reputable exchange centers.

Reputable Exchange Centers: Using established, reputable currency exchange centers helps ensure a fair exchange rate.
Compare Rates: Always compare rates with other providers before making an exchange.
Secure Environment: Exchange your currency in a secure, well-lit environment to avoid potential theft.

Some locals may pretend to be friendly and offer help, only to lead you into a scam. Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited assistance.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and avoid the situation.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert for any suspicious behavior.
Ask for Help: If you need help, ask a reputable source such as a hotel concierge or police officer.

Some people in Medan may find an item you've lost and claim it to be theirs or demand payment for its return. Keep a record of your valuable items.

Record Valuable Items: Keep a record of serial numbers, make/model, and other identifying features of your valuable items.
Document Loss: File a report with the police if you lose a valuable item.
Secure Storage: Keep your valuables in secure storage when not in use to reduce the risk of loss or theft.

Some internet cafes in Medan may install keyloggers or other malware to steal your information. Use secure, reputable internet cafes.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose well-established, secure internet cafes with good reviews.
Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity and protect your privacy.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as banking, on public computers.

Some souvenir shops in Medan may sell fake or low-quality items. Research authentic souvenirs before buying.

Research Authenticity: Learn about the traditional, authentic souvenirs of Medan before your trip.
Ask for Proof of Authenticity: Ask vendors for proof of authenticity for their souvenirs.
Compare Prices: Compare prices of similar items in different shops to ensure you're getting a fair deal.

Some businesses in Medan may provide subpar services or overcharge. Research local businesses before using their services.

Research Local Businesses: Do your research on the reputation and quality of services offered by local businesses.
Check Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews for the business to ensure they provide a good service.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices before using the services of a local business to avoid any unexpected charges.

Some individuals in Medan may ask for donations under false pretenses. Be cautious and research organizations before donating.

Research Organizations: Research the reputation of the organization before making a donation.
Verify Certification: Verify that the organization is officially certified and registered in Indonesia.
Donate Directly: Avoid giving donations to individuals and instead donate directly to the organization's official website or office.

Some individuals in Medan may attempt to scam you through online dating platforms. Be cautious and verify identities before meeting in person.

Verify Identities: Use video calls or phone calls to verify the identity of potential dates.
Research Backgrounds: Research the background and social media profiles of your potential date.
Meet in Public Places: Always meet your date in a public place and let someone know where you'll be.