Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Manado, Sulawesi Utara, Indonesia
1. Simcard Sellers at the Airport
Unscrupulous simcard sellers at Manado Sam Ratulangi International Airport may offer overpriced or malfunctioning cards. Always check the card before leaving the store.
- Price Check: Ask for the price list and compare it with other stores.
- Functionality Test: Test the SIM card's functionality before leaving the store to avoid getting a faulty one.
- Official Stores: Prefer official telecom company stores over street vendors for authenticity and warranty.
2. Taxi Scams
Some taxi drivers may inflate the fare or take longer routes. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Meter Usage: Insist on using a meter to ensure fair pricing.
- Fixed Price Negotiation: Negotiate and agree on a fixed price before starting your journey, especially for longer distances.
- Registered Taxis: Only take registered taxis from reputable companies to ensure safety and accountability.
3. Fish Market Scams
Some fish market vendors may try to sell spoiled or overpriced seafood. Inspect the quality of your purchases carefully.
- Quality Inspection: Check for freshness by smelling and touching the fish, and avoid buying fish with an off odor.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at multiple stalls before making a purchase.
- Local Tips: Ask locals for recommendations on reliable vendors for the best quality and prices.
4. Souvenir Shop Scams
Some souvenir shops may sell poor-quality or overpriced goods. Research the items you want to buy and bargain effectively.
- Quality Assessment: Inspect the quality of the items before purchasing, focusing on craftsmanship and materials.
- Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the price to ensure you get a fair deal.
- Reputable Shops: Choose shops with good reviews and recommendations from locals for reliable quality and prices.
5. Currency Exchange Scams
Unscrupulous currency exchange vendors may offer unfair exchange rates. Always compare multiple options before exchanging money.
- Multiple Options: Exchange your currency at banks, official exchange booths, or reputable hotels to ensure fair rates.
- Avoid Peak Times: Avoid exchanging money during peak tourist hours to get better rates and avoid long lines.
- Currency Exchange Rates Check: Check the current exchange rate online or with a trusted source before exchanging your currency.
6. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or serve spoiled food. Stick to well-known and busy food stalls.
- Busy Stalls: Choose food stalls with a lot of customers as they are more likely to offer good food.
- Food Quality Check: Observe the cleanliness of the food stall and check the freshness of ingredients before ordering.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on popular street food stalls known for their delicious and safe dishes.
7. Tour Guide Scams
Some tour guides may overcharge or lead you to less authentic attractions. Research and book tours with reputable companies.
- Reputable Companies: Book tours with established, reputable companies with positive reviews from previous customers.
- Transparent Pricing: Ask for a clear breakdown of tour costs and avoid guides who are reluctant to provide this information.
- Authentic Attractions: Research popular and authentic attractions in Manado before booking a tour to ensure an enriching experience.
8. Beach Vendor Scams
Some beach vendors may offer overpriced or poor-quality goods. Bring small bills and haggle effectively.
- Haggling Skills: Master the art of bargaining to get a fair price for your purchases.
- Small Bills: Carry small bills for easier transactions and to avoid being given change in overpriced, counterfeit money.
- Reputable Vendors: Choose vendors who are well-known and have a good reputation among locals and other tourists.
9. Bar Scams
Some bars may overcharge for drinks or serve watered-down alcohol. Choose well-reviewed establishments.
- Reputable Bars: Research and choose bars with good reviews from locals and previous visitors.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid bars during peak tourist hours to get a fair price and enjoy your experience without crowds.
- Check Drink Quality: Check the quality of your drinks by inspecting the bottles or glasses before consumption.
10. Accommodation Scams
Some accommodations may offer poor service or overpriced rooms. Research and book through reputable channels.
- Reputable Booking Channels: Book your accommodation through well-known, reputable booking websites.
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Travel during off-peak seasons to get better deals and avoid overpricing.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews and check ratings of the accommodations you are considering to ensure quality service.
11. Public Transport Scams
Some public transportation drivers may try to overcharge you or take longer routes. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey, especially for longer distances.
- Avoid Night Travel: Avoid traveling at night as it may increase the risk of being overcharged or encountering other scams.
- Reputable Transport Companies: Choose reputable transport companies with good reviews and a reliable reputation among locals.
12. ATM Scams
Some ATMs may skim your card or offer poor exchange rates. Use ATMs inside banks and avoid using ATMs at night.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.
- Avoid Night Use: Avoid using ATMs at night to minimize the risk of card skimming and other scams.
- Currency Exchange Rates Check: Check the current exchange rate online or with a trusted source before using an ATM.
13. Charity Scams
Some individuals may pose as charity collectors but are actually scammers. Be cautious and verify the authenticity of charities.
- Verification: Verify the legitimacy of charities by checking their registration and purpose.
- Avoid Giving Money Directly: Instead of giving money directly, donate through official channels or reputable organizations.
- Local Knowledge: Ask locals about well-known and trustworthy charities to ensure your contribution goes to those in need.
14. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Some massage parlors may offer subpar services or engage in illegal activities. Choose licensed and reputable establishments.
- Licensed Establishments: Choose licensed massage parlors with a good reputation among locals.
- Avoid Late-Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors late at night as it may increase the risk of encountering illegal activities.
- Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for trustworthy and enjoyable massage experiences.
15. Fraudulent Money Exchange Shops
Some money exchange shops may offer poor exchange rates or charge hidden fees. Research and compare exchange options beforehand.
- Research: Research different exchange options, including banks, official exchange booths, and reputable hotels.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Exchange your money during off-peak hours to avoid long lines and potential scams.
- Check Current Exchange Rates: Check the current exchange rate online or with a trusted source before exchanging your currency.