Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sangereng, Indonesia

1. Simcard Stall Scams

Some stalls offer cheap SIM cards but provide expired or faulty ones. Be cautious when buying from street vendors.

Avoid Street Vendors: Buy from authorized dealers or official shops to avoid getting a non-functional SIM card
Check for Validity: Always confirm the validity and activation status of the SIM card before purchasing
Read Reviews: Research local shops with good reviews to increase chances of getting a legitimate product

Some taxi drivers may overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps for safer fares.

Registered Taxis: Choose officially registered taxis with meters to avoid overcharging
Ride-Sharing Apps: Use apps like Gojek or Grab for precise fare estimates and secure payment methods
Negotiate Fares: Always negotiate fares in advance to avoid unexpected charges during the ride

Some money changers may give less than the agreed rate. Research reliable exchange centers beforehand.

Research Reliable Centers: Find reputable exchange centers with good reviews for fair rates and service
Check Rates: Compare rates between different centers to find the best deal
Secure Transactions: Choose exchange centers with secure storage facilities and CCTV cameras for added safety

Some accommodations may not meet the advertised standards. Book through reputable sites or visit in-person first.

Reputable Sites: Use trusted booking platforms for guaranteed quality and service
Visit In-Person: Inspect the accommodation before finalizing your booking to ensure it meets your expectations
Read Reviews: Check reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation

Eating contaminated or undercooked food can lead to illness. Stick to reputable restaurants and cook well-done meals.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose popular, busy, and well-reviewed restaurants for a higher chance of safe food
Well-done Meals: Ask for meals to be cooked well-done to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses
Bottled Water: Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne diseases common in some areas

Unlicensed tour guides may provide misinformation or lead you to scams. Hire licensed guides or reputable agencies.

Licensed Guides: Check for official licenses and credentials before hiring a guide
Reputable Agencies: Book tours through established agencies with good reviews for a reliable experience
Research Attractions: Learn about attractions beforehand to avoid being misled by unscrupulous guides

Some souvenirs may be fake, overpriced, or of lower quality. Research local markets and prices beforehand.

Local Markets: Visit local markets for a wider selection of authentic souvenirs at fair prices
Research Prices: Compare prices with online sources or local shops to avoid overpaying
Ask for Certificates: Request certificates of authenticity from vendors, especially for traditional crafts

Some public transport operators may charge inflated prices. Research fare rates and use official transport options.

Research Fare Rates: Find the standard fares for each mode of transportation before your journey
Official Transport Options: Use only official buses, trains, or boats to avoid being overcharged
Ask Locals: Ask locals for advice on the best transport options and fare prices

Some ATMs may have skimming devices installed to steal card information. Use ATMs located in secure areas and monitor your account closely.

Secure Areas: Choose ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy locations
Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your account balance and transactions for any unauthorized activity
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN to prevent keylogging attacks

Some locations are designed to overcharge tourists. Research attractions and compare prices with locals.

Research Attractions: Find out the real cost of attractions before visiting to avoid being overcharged
Ask Locals: Ask locals for advice on which attractions offer good value for money
Compare Prices: Check prices of the same attraction with different vendors to find the best deal

Some internet cafes may have keyloggers or spyware installed. Use reputable cafes with good reviews.

Reputable Cafes: Choose internet cafes with good reviews and secure connections
Secure Connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping
Password Protection: Use strong, unique passwords and never share them with others

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

Secure Belongings: Use a cross-body bag or backpack with secure zippers to keep your possessions safe
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables hidden from sight
Stay Alert: Remain aware of your surroundings and any suspicious individuals in crowded areas

Some shore excursions may be overpriced or fail to deliver on promised experiences. Research and book in advance through reputable companies.

Research Companies: Find out which tour operators have a good reputation for delivering quality experiences
Book in Advance: Book your shore excursion well before your arrival to secure a reliable operator
Compare Prices: Compare prices of similar shore excursions offered by different operators to find the best deal

Some touts may offer fake tickets or overpriced goods. Ignore unsolicited offers and negotiate prices carefully.

Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Avoid buying from pushy street vendors who approach you without your initiative
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices for goods and services before finalizing the purchase
Research Prices: Find out the average price of the goods or services you're interested in to avoid being overcharged

Some locals may give you their business card with fake contact details. Be cautious when exchanging contacts.

Verify Contacts: Always verify the contact information provided by new acquaintances before relying on them
Use Secure Messaging Apps: Exchange contacts through secure messaging apps for added protection
Trust Your Instincts: Use your instincts to determine if someone is trustworthy or not