Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

All Topics about Surakarta All Cities in Indonesia

1. Tamansari Watercastle Scam

Beware of guides asking for unnecessary tips at Tamansari Watercastle. Only pay official fees.

Official Fees: Know the actual entrance fee and do not pay more.
Unnecessary Tips: Refuse unasked-for tips or additional payments to guides inside the castle.
Guide Authenticity: Ensure your guide is an official one by asking for identification.

Beware of overpriced batik and wayang puppets in Laweyan. Negotiate prices or buy from reputable shops.

Negotiation: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, but respect the artisan's work.
Reputable Shops: Look for shops with good reviews and established reputations in Laweyan.
Authenticity: Ensure you're purchasing authentic batik and wayang by asking questions about the materials and origin.

Beware of fake items and overpriced goods in Pasar Gede market. Verify the authenticity and compare prices.

Authenticity: Check for official seals or ask sellers for proof of product's authenticity.
Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors before making a purchase.
Market Knowledge: Learn about common scams and haggling practices in Surakarta's markets.

Avoid unofficial transportation services charging exorbitant fees. Use official taxi or angkot services.

Official Services: Recognize and use only official transportation providers like Blue Bird taxis.
Fixed Rates: Know the standard rates for your destination to avoid being overcharged.
Safety: Ensure the vehicle is safe and in good working condition.

Avoid street food stalls with poor hygiene or suspicious practices. Opt for busy and popular stalls.

Hygiene: Look for clean cooking areas, fresh ingredients, and well-prepared food.
Busy Stalls: Choose stalls with many customers to ensure the food is safe and popular.
Reputation: Ask locals for recommendations or look up popular street food spots online.

Avoid unofficial currency exchange kiosks offering unfavorable rates. Use banks or official exchange offices.

Official Rates: Know the current exchange rate and compare it with the offered rate.
Security: Secure your money by keeping it in a safe place or using traveler's checks.
Location: Find exchange offices near hotels, airports, or popular tourist areas for convenience.

Avoid unofficial tour guides promising hidden gems but leading to overpriced shops. Use reputable tour agencies.

Reputable Tour Agencies: Research and book tours with well-established tour agencies in Surakarta.
Hidden Gem Guarantee: Ask the guide to show proof of their local knowledge and expertise.
Price Comparison: Compare tour prices with other agencies and negotiate when possible.

Be aware of overpriced drinks or services at Poncyok Beach. Carry enough cash and avoid isolated areas.

Adequate Cash: Carry enough cash to cover your expenses, but not too much to attract pickpockets.
Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated areas and avoid isolated spots for safety reasons.
Price Awareness: Know the average prices of drinks, food, and activities in Surakarta's beaches.

Avoid pushy guides or unofficial vendors at Candi Sewu. Stick to official paths and guides.

Official Guides: Only hire licensed guides from the temple complex.
Unofficial Vendors: Refuse unwanted offerings and only purchase items from authorized vendors.
Temple Etiquette: Respect the temple's rules, such as dressing appropriately and removing shoes.

Avoid unofficial tour guides or vendors offering sunrise tours at Borobudur. Book through official channels.

Official Channels: Book your sunrise tour with a reputable tour agency or the temple's management.
Unofficial Guides: Avoid individuals offering sunrise tours without proper credentials.
Sunrise Viewing: Ensure you reach the temple in time for the sunrise and find a good spot to enjoy the view.

Avoid performers asking for payments or pressuring you to donate. Enjoy performances but tip only if you wish.

Voluntary Tips: Tip the performer only if you find their performance worthy and want to encourage them.
Avoid Pressure: Ignore any attempts by the performers to force payments or donations.
Legitimacy Check: Verify that the performer has a permit or official authorization before giving money.

Avoid pushy guides at museums offering extra services. Only pay for the entrance fee and official guide services.

Entrance Fee: Pay only the stated entrance fee without any additional charges.
Official Guides: Use official guides provided by the museum if needed, and tip them accordingly.
Avoid Extra Services: Refuse any extra services offered by pushy guides or vendors inside the museum.

Avoid fake safety measures like overpriced taxi services posing as security vehicles. Use official transportation and security services.

Official Security Services: Recognize the uniforms, badges, or vehicles of official security personnel.
Avoid Overpriced Services: Ask for prices and compare them with the standard rates for transportation services.
Safe Transportation: Ensure the vehicle is in good condition, safe, and has seatbelts or other safety features.

Avoid unlicensed spas offering low prices for massages. Choose licensed and reputable spas with good reviews.

Licensed Spas: Look for a massage parlor with a proper license and certification.
Good Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings before booking a massage session.
Affordable but Quality Service: Find a spa that offers affordable prices while maintaining high-quality services.

Avoid restaurants with poor service or overpriced menus. Opt for popular and well-reviewed eateries.

Popular Restaurants: Choose restaurants that are often crowded and have a good reputation.
Fair Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants in the area before making a decision.
Quality Service: Look for friendly and attentive service during your meal.