Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Semarang, Indonesia

All Topics about Semarang All Cities in Indonesia

1. Simcard Scammers at Semarang Airport

Unscrupulous individuals offering simcards at the airport may overcharge or provide faulty sims. Stick to official booths.

Official Booths: Located near exit, clearly marked with authorized logos.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may not offer official simcards or overcharge.
Check Sim Quality: Ensure the simcard works correctly before leaving the booth.

Some taxis may not have meters and attempt to overcharge. Use Bluebird or Grab taxi services.

Bluebird Taxis: Distinctive blue cars with official Bluebird decals.
Grab App: Book rides through the Grab app for fixed pricing and driver details.
Avoid Non-Metered Taxis: Non-metered taxis may overcharge or refuse to use meter.

Sellers may offer counterfeit currency in local markets. Inspect notes carefully and exchange money at banks.

Restaurants near popular tourist spots may overcharge. Explore local eateries in residential areas.

Residential Areas: Located away from tourist hotspots, offering authentic food at reasonable prices.
Avoid Restaurants near Tourist Spots: These restaurants may overcharge and offer less quality food.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for their favorite eateries to find affordable and delicious options.

Unauthorized guides may approach you offering services. Stick to official tour guides.

Official Tour Guides: Wear uniforms, have badges and registered with the local tourist office.
Avoid Unauthorized Guides: May not be knowledgeable or may overcharge for their services.
Check Registration: Ask for proof of registration and verify with the local tourist office.

ATMs with hidden cameras or card skimmers may be used to steal your information. Use ATMs in banks or shopping centers.

Bank ATMs: Located inside banks, offering maximum security.
Shopping Center ATMs: Well-lit and monitored areas, reducing the risk of theft or tampering.
Avoid Street ATMs: Street ATMs may be unsecured, making them easy targets for thieves.

Counterfeit goods are common in night markets. Stick to reputable shops or buy from the official merchandise stores.

Official Merchandise Stores: Located near popular attractions, selling authentic goods.
Reputable Shops: Shops with good customer reviews and recommendations.
Avoid Unmarked Shops: Unmarked shops may sell counterfeit goods or overcharge for items.

Hotels and hostels near tourist spots may overcharge. Use online booking platforms or explore further from the city center.

Online Booking Platforms: Offer competitive prices, user reviews, and secure payment options.
Explore Further from the City Center: More affordable options may be available in residential areas.
Avoid Walk-ins at Tourist Hotspots: Accommodation near tourist spots may overcharge for walk-in bookings.

Fake bus tickets may be sold at the station or by unauthorized ticket vendors. Buy tickets directly from the bus company's office.

Official Ticket Offices: Located near the bus terminal, offering official tickets.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: May sell fake or overpriced tickets.
Check Ticket Quality: Official tickets have a unique design, holograms, and serial numbers.

Some motorcycle taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Agree on the price before starting your journey.

Agree on Price Before Starting: Prevent any unexpected fare increases during the ride.
Avoid Unmarked Ojek: Unmarked ojeks may not be registered or overcharge.
Use Online Apps for Ojek Services: Apps like Gojek offer fixed pricing, safe rides, and driver details.

Some street food vendors may use substandard ingredients or overcharge. Choose popular, busy stalls with good hygiene practices.

Busy Stalls: Indicates that the food is popular and of good quality.
Hygienic Practices: Look for clean utensils, covered food, and gloves worn by vendors.
Avoid Empty or Dirty Stalls: Empty or dirty stalls may not maintain good hygiene practices.

Some unscrupulous sellers provide counterfeit sim cards or activate them with fake numbers. Buy from authorized dealers and ensure activation.

Authorized Dealers: Official shops of telco providers.
Ensure Activation: Check if the sim card is activated and working before leaving the shop.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may provide counterfeit or faulty sim cards.

Some money exchange outlets may offer lower exchange rates or charge hidden fees. Use reputable exchange services and compare rates.

Reputable Exchange Services: Look for licensed and well-established exchanges.
Compare Rates: Check multiple exchange services for the best rates before making a decision.
Avoid Street Money Exchangers: Street exchangers may offer lower exchange rates or charge hidden fees.

Some individuals may approach tourists for donations, claiming to be part of a charity or religious organization. Research before giving donations.

Research Before Giving Donations: Ensure that the charity is legitimate and registered.
Avoid Unsolicited Requests: Do not give donations to unknown individuals who approach you unexpectedly.
Check for Official Documentation: Legitimate charities will have official documentation and be able to provide proof of their work.

Some travel agencies may overcharge or offer fake tour packages. Use reputable agencies and compare prices.

Reputable Agencies: Agencies with good customer reviews, licenses, and registered with the local tourist office.
Compare Prices: Check multiple travel agencies for the best deals on tour packages.
Avoid Unmarked Travel Agencies: Unmarked or unregistered agencies may offer fake or overpriced tour packages.