Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Makassar, Indonesia

1. Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxi drivers overcharging or taking long routes, solving the challenge of unfair pricing.

Selling fake branded goods in certain markets to deceive tourists.

Ask for Receipt: Legitimate shops provide receipts upon purchase.
Check Quality: Inspect the product's quality carefully before buying.
Visit Reputable Shops: Purchase from reputable, well-established shops in Makassar.

Hotels or homestays charging higher prices than the market rate.

Book in Advance: Book your accommodation online to get a better price.
Check Reviews: Read reviews and choose hotels with high ratings.
Negotiate Price: Always negotiate the price, especially when booking last-minute.

Exchange offices giving a less favorable exchange rate.

Choose Reputed Exchanges: Find established money exchange businesses with good reviews.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates offered by various providers before deciding.
Inspect Currency: Ensure the received currency looks genuine and intact.

Food vendors adding extra ingredients or giving less than asked.

Choose Busy Areas: Find street food stalls in busy, popular areas.
Check Ingredients: Request to see the ingredients being used before eating.
Eat with Locals: Follow locals' recommendations for the best street food stalls.

Friendly locals offering help but expecting payment or leading to scam locations.

Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask for Help from Trusted Sources: Find help from hotel staff or reputable tour guides.
Stay Alert and Aware: Keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.

Vendors providing faulty SIM cards or charging excessive fees.

Buy from Official Shops: Purchase your SIM card at official stores.
Check Coverage Area: Ensure the coverage area of the chosen SIM card suits your needs.
Compare Prices: Compare prices for different SIM cards and data packages.

Unlicensed or unknowledgeable tour guides leading to overpriced shops or attractions.

Check License: Ask for a tour guide's official license.
Compare Prices: Request quotes from multiple tour guides before deciding.
Research Destinations: Know your destination and its prices to avoid being overcharged.

Some fish spas using non-sterilized water or giving exaggerated claims.

Check for Certification: Make sure the fish spa is certified and follows proper hygiene standards.
Ask About Treatments: Inquire about the benefits of the treatment before participating.
Watch Others: Observe others using the fish spa before trying it yourself.

Some beggars may be involved in pickpocketing or other scams.

Stay Aware: Maintain awareness of your surroundings and belongings.
Don't Carry Valuables: Minimize the amount of valuable items you carry with you.
Give to Reputable Charities: Support recognized, reliable charities instead of giving directly to beggars.

Overcharging or taking long routes in motorcycle taxis.

Ask for Price Before Riding: Always agree on the price before getting onto a motorcycle taxi.
Use Metered Taxis: Opt for metered motorcycle taxis whenever possible.
Stay Calm and Assertive: Calmly assert if you suspect overcharging or a wrong route being taken.

Skimming devices attached to ATMs to steal your card information.

Choose Well-lit and Busy Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas to reduce the risk of tampering.
Cover PIN Entry: Always cover your PIN entry when using an ATM.
Monitor Accounts Regularly: Regularly monitor your bank account for any suspicious activity.

Souvenir shops charging higher prices than the local market rate.

Bargain for Lower Prices: Always negotiate the price before buying souvenirs.
Visit Local Markets: Find local markets to buy souvenirs at a cheaper price.
Compare Prices: Compare prices for the same item in multiple shops before deciding.

Fraudulent beach vendors or hidden charges at popular beaches.

Research the Beach: Learn about the beach's rules and common scams before visiting.
Check for Inclusions: Ask for a clear explanation of any additional fees or charges.
Stay with Trusted Tour Groups: Join reputable tour groups to ensure a hassle-free beach visit.

Fraudulent police officers demanding bribes or leading to scam locations.

Stay Calm and Cooperative: Remain calm, cooperate with the officer but do not offer a bribe.
Request Proof of Identity: Ask for identification if you suspect the police officer is fake.
Report Suspicious Encounters: Report any suspicious encounters to your hotel or local authorities.