Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Banjarmasin, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia

All Topics about Banjarmasin All Cities in Indonesia

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid this by agreeing on the price beforehand or using reliable app-based services.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid overcharges.
Reliable Services: Use app-based taxi services for fair and transparent pricing.
Avoid Long Routes: Be aware of drivers taking longer routes to increase the fare.

Some exchange counters may offer poor rates or provide less cash than agreed. Stick to reputable locations and double-check your change.

Reputable Locations: Choose licensed money changers or banks for safe and fair exchange rates.
Double-Check Change: Always count your change to ensure the correct amount is given.
Avoid Private Exchanges: Avoid private exchangers on the street as they may offer less favorable rates.

Fake goods are common in markets. Purchase from reputable stores or ask locals for recommendations.

Reputable Stores: Avoid street vendors and choose established stores for authentic items.
Local Recommendations: Ask local residents about reliable shops selling genuine goods.
Quality Assurance: Look for quality assurance tags or warranties on items to ensure their authenticity.

Unlicensed tour guides may lead you to fraudulent shops and overcharge. Confirm the guide's legitimacy and negotiate prices beforehand.

Confirm Licensing: Ask for a valid guide's license or check with local tourism offices.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices before starting the tour to avoid overcharges.
Avoid Fraudulent Shops: Stay away from shops recommended by unlicensed guides as they may be selling counterfeit goods.

Some accommodations may not deliver on the advertised services. Choose well-reviewed places and verify their details before booking.

Well-Reviewed Places: Look for accommodation with positive reviews and high ratings.
Verify Details: Check the location, amenities, and services provided by the accommodation before booking.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute scams.

Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs to steal card data. Use machines in well-lit areas and avoid using machines that look tampered with.

Well-Lit Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of skimming.
Avoid Tampered Machines: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Monitor Transactions: Regularly monitor your account transactions to detect any unauthorized activity.

Restaurants or shops may copy card details for future fraudulent use. Pay attention during transactions and keep your card in sight.

Pay Attention During Transactions: Be aware of the card reader and ensure it is not manipulated.
Keep Card in Sight: Keep your card in sight during transactions to prevent unauthorized use.
Check Statements Regularly: Regularly check your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.

Counterfeit tickets or overpriced tickets may be sold for events. Buy from authorized vendors or reliable sources.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase event tickets only from authorized vendors.
Reliable Sources: Ask locals or check online for reliable sources of event tickets.
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy tickets from street vendors as they may be selling counterfeit tickets.

Unscrupulous sim card vendors may charge extra fees or sell used cards. Buy from authorized retailers and ask for a receipt.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only from authorized retailers.
Ask for Receipt: Always request a receipt to ensure the card is new and not used.
Check Rates: Compare rates with other retailers to avoid overpricing.

Some street food vendors may use lower-quality ingredients or add extra fees. Stick to popular, busy stalls and avoid eating alone at night.

Popular, Busy Stalls: Choose street food vendors that are popular and have a steady stream of customers.
Avoid Eating Alone at Night: Eat during the day or with others to avoid being overcharged or served poor-quality food.
Check Ingredients: Ask about ingredients to ensure they match what you ordered and are of good quality.

Locals or strangers may be overly friendly and offer help, only to ask for money later. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and help.

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers that seem too good to be true or come from strangers.
Ask Locals for Help: If you need help, ask locals or hotel staff rather than strangers.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Remain alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid potential scams.

Scammers may approach you for donations, claiming to represent a charity or cause. Research charities before donating to ensure legitimacy.

Research Charities: Verify the charity's authenticity online before making any donations.
Be Wary of Street Donation Requests: Don't give money to people on the street who claim to be collecting for a charity without verifying their authenticity.
Avoid Giving Cash: If possible, donate through official channels or organizations rather than giving cash directly.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal your information. Use trusted cafes and avoid typing sensitive information on public computers.

Use Trusted Internet Cafes: Choose reputable internet cafes with good reviews.
Avoid Typing Sensitive Information: Avoid typing sensitive information, such as passwords or bank details, on public computers.
Use a VPN: Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy.

Some massage parlors may offer services that are not advertised. Opt for reputable establishments and research beforehand.

Reputable Establishments: Choose licensed massage parlors with good reviews.
Research Beforehand: Check online for information about the establishment and services offered.
Avoid Off-Street Locations: Stay away from massage parlors located in secluded or off-street areas.

Some gold souvenir shops may sell fake or low-quality items. Look for established stores with a good reputation.

Established Stores: Choose established gold souvenir stores with a good reputation.
Check Certification: Look for certification or quality assurance tags on the items.
Ask for a Receipt: Request a receipt as proof of purchase and to ensure the authenticity of the item.