Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tasikmalaya, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
1. Golden Temple Scam
Scammers offer 'blessed' gold items at the Golden Temple. Avoid purchasing from unauthorized vendors.
- Unlicensed Vendors: Beware of sellers not affiliated with the temple.
- Overpricing: Gold items are often overpriced or fake.
- Harassment: Scammers can be aggressive, avoid confrontation.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Taxis may overcharge tourists. Agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Fixed Price: Always negotiate and agree on the fare beforehand.
- Metered Taxis: Ensure the taxi has a working meter.
- Shared Taxis: Consider sharing taxis to save costs.
3. Street Food Fraud
Unsafe or overpriced street food. Stick to popular and busy food stalls.
- Busy Street Stalls: Choose stalls with a high turnover of customers.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: Look for clean food preparation areas.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals about recommended street food vendors.
4. Fake Guides
Unlicensed guides offer their services. Only hire guides from recognized tourism agencies.
- Licensed Guides: Always verify the guide's license.
- Knowledge and Experience: Check the guide's knowledge about Tasikmalaya before hiring.
- Tourism Agency Affiliation: Ensure the guide is affiliated with a reputable tourism agency.
5. Counterfeit Goods
Counterfeit goods are sold at markets. Buy only from official retailers or verified stores.
- Official Retailers: Look for authorized dealers and shops.
- Packaging: Check for proper packaging and quality of goods.
- Price: Be wary of extremely low prices as they may indicate counterfeit goods.
6. Currency Exchange Scam
Dishonest money changers offer lower rates. Use banks or authorized exchange centers.
- Authorized Exchange Centers: Choose reputable exchange centers and banks.
- Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations before exchanging currency.
- Commission Fees: Be aware of commission fees and negotiate if possible.
7. Bogus Accommodation
Substandard or non-existent accommodations. Book through trusted platforms or agencies.
- Trusted Platforms: Use well-known online booking platforms.
- Reviews: Check the accommodation's reviews and ratings.
- Payment Methods: Ensure the platform offers secure payment options.
8. ATM Skimming
Thieves install skimmers on ATMs to steal card information. Use ATMs at banks or in secure locations.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks for added security.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.
9. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Restaurants overcharge tourists. Eat at local eateries or street food vendors.
- Local Eateries: Choose restaurants frequented by locals.
- Menu Prices: Compare prices with other restaurants before ordering.
- Haggling: Negotiate prices, especially for group meals.
10. Transportation Scams
Scammers may offer fake transportation services. Use only legitimate taxis or buses.
- Legitimate Transportation: Choose established taxi companies or official public transport.
- Prepaid Tickets: Use prepaid tickets for buses and other public transportation.
- Shared Transportation: Consider shared taxis or minivans to save costs.
11. Overpriced Souvenirs
Scammers sell overpriced souvenirs. Shop around for the best deals.
- Shop Around: Compare prices at multiple shops before buying.
- Negotiating Prices: Negotiate prices for souvenirs, especially if you're buying multiple items.
- Quality of Souvenirs: Check the quality and craftsmanship of souvenirs before purchasing.
12. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous vendors sell sim cards with hidden charges. Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers.
- Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards at official retail stores or from the provider's website.
- Check Included Services: Ensure you know what services are included in your package.
- Data and Call Rates: Understand the data and call rates before activating the sim card.
13. Friendship Scams
Scammers pose as friendly locals to exploit tourists. Be cautious when sharing personal information.
- Guard Personal Information: Do not share sensitive information with strangers.
- Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your intuition and avoid suspicious situations.
- Ask Locals: Verify the person's identity with other locals or travelers.
14. Tour Operator Scams
Unreliable tour operators offer poor quality services. Research and book through reputable companies.
- Reputable Companies: Choose tour operators with good reviews and recommendations.
- Itinerary Details: Check the itinerary details before booking a tour.
- Payment Methods: Ensure secure payment options are available for booking tours.
15. Begging Scams
Some beggars may use deception or manipulation to solicit money. Avoid giving cash directly.
- Donation Boxes: Use donation boxes at reputable institutions instead of handing out cash.
- Local Charities: Research and support local charities with proven impact.
- Caution and Awareness: Stay alert for signs of deception or manipulation when approached by beggars.