Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

All Topics about Surabaya All Cities in Indonesia

1. Street Vendors Scam

Beware of overpriced or counterfeit items at street vendors. Always negotiate prices and check quality.

Price Negotiation: Avoid fixed prices, always negotiate to get a fair deal.
Quality Check: Inspect items before purchasing to ensure they are genuine and of good quality.
Busy Time Awareness: Scams can be more prevalent during tourist peak hours. Plan your shopping trips accordingly.

Taxis may overcharge tourists at night or from certain destinations. Use reputable taxi companies and negotiate prices.

Reputable Companies: Choose taxis from well-known and reliable companies to avoid overcharging.
Night Travel Caution: Be extra careful with taxi fares at night, as overcharging can occur more frequently.
Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Unlicensed guides may offer their services at attractions. Ensure guides are licensed and reliable.

Licensing Check: Ask for a guide's license before hiring to ensure they are legitimate.
Reputation Verification: Research and read reviews about guides before hiring them.
Official Attraction Info Desks: Use official attraction info desks to hire licensed guides for reliable information.

Skimmers may be attached to ATMs to steal your card information. Use secure and well-maintained ATMs.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, crowded areas for better security.
Well-Maintained ATMs: Check the machine for any signs of tampering or damage before using it.
Card Monitoring: Regularly monitor your bank account for unusual activity after using an ATM.

Public computers at cyber cafes may have keyloggers or viruses. Use only secure internet connections.

Secure Connections: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection.
Reliable Establishments: Choose reputable cyber cafes with good reviews and proper security measures.
Sensitive Information Safety: Avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or bank details on public computers.

Some fish pedicure spas may use unhygienic water. Choose reputable and clean spas for foot treatments.

Cleanliness Check: Ensure the spa is clean, well-maintained, and has proper sanitation measures.
Reputation Verification: Research and read reviews about the fish pedicure spa before visiting.
Protective Footwear: Wear waterproof shoes or bring your own protective footwear for the treatment.

Unfavorable exchange rates may be offered at money changers. Compare rates and choose reputable places.

Rate Comparison: Compare exchange rates between different money changers before choosing one.
Location Selection: Choose central locations with many money changers for better rate comparisons.
Security Measures: Look for secure and well-maintained exchange counters, avoiding those that look unprofessional.

Fraudulent tour agencies may offer cheap deals with poor quality services. Research and compare before booking.

Reputation Verification: Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and research the agency's background.
Price Comparison: Compare tour prices offered by different agencies to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Service Quality Assessment: Look for details about the quality of service provided, including transportation, guides, and accommodations.

Some sim card vendors may sell cards with hidden charges or poor coverage. Buy from reputable stores.

Reputable Stores: Buy sim cards at official stores of the telecommunications company.
Coverage Check: Ask about coverage areas before purchasing a sim card to ensure it will work in your travel locations.
Hidden Charges Avoidance: Read the contract carefully and ask about any hidden fees or charges.

Street performers may ask for money, but their performances are not worth the cost. Be selective and support real talent.

Talent Assessment: Evaluate the performer's skill level before giving money.
Location Selection: Choose performances located in popular tourist areas, as they are more likely to be legitimate.
Free Performances: Enjoy free performances to support the local culture without supporting scams.

Some buskers may play music loudly to distract you from pickpockets. Be vigilant and secure your belongings.

Belongings Security: Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings while listening to buskers.
Suspicious Activity Awareness: Look out for suspicious individuals lurking nearby, as they may distract you while pickpocketing.
Crowd Safety: Stay in well-lit and crowded areas to reduce the risk of becoming a target.

Some transportation providers may overcharge or take longer routes. Research transport options and negotiate prices.

Research Transport Options: Compare different transport options, such as buses, taxis, and local transit systems.
Negotiation: Always negotiate prices before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.
Time Awareness: Plan your travel times and routes in advance to avoid longer, more expensive routes.

Some markets may sell counterfeit goods at lower prices. Be aware of the quality and choose reputable shops.

Quality Check: Inspect items before purchasing to ensure they are genuine and of good quality.
Shop Selection: Choose reputable shops with good reviews for a better shopping experience.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items across different shops to avoid overpaying.

Some restaurants may serve contaminated or low-quality food. Research and choose reputable eateries.

Reputation Verification: Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and research the restaurant's background.
Cleanliness Check: Ensure the kitchen is clean, well-maintained, and has proper sanitation measures.
Cooking Method Inquiry: Ask about the cooking methods used to ensure food safety.

Some individuals may claim they found your lost item and ask for a reward. Be cautious before handing over money.

Caution with Rewards: Be wary of people offering to return your lost item in exchange for a large reward.
Police Report Filing: File a police report for lost items and keep the report number on hand.
Item Authentication: Authenticate your lost item by checking its serial numbers or unique features before giving a reward.