Browse 5 verified travel scam reports from Indonesia, submitted by real travelers. Learn about the most common scams and stay one step ahead before you go.
🗓️ Scam date: 19 May 2026
📝 Reported: 15 June 2026
The villa we booked was "unfortunately double-booked" when we arrived. The host drove us to his "sister property" — a damp room behind a family home, nothing like the photos. The original listing was still bookable online that same day.
🗓️ Scam date: 28 March 2025
📝 Reported: 13 April 2026
Our driver offered a "special wholesale silver factory, better prices than the market". The pendant we bought for $180 was identical to a $15 one we saw later. Drivers get up to 50% commission at these "factories".
🗓️ Scam date: 23 February 2026
📝 Reported: 23 January 2026
We booked a Nusa Penida tour through a slick Instagram account and paid the full amount in advance by transfer. On the day, no driver, no reply, account gone. Book tours through your hotel or with cash on arrival.
🗓️ Scam date: 9 June 2025
📝 Reported: 10 January 2026
The changer counted our money with fast hand movements, "miscounting" twice — each time in his favor by about 400k rupiah. The rate board was great; the hands were not. Count the money yourself, slowly, in front of them.
🗓️ Scam date: 25 July 2025
📝 Reported: 7 January 2026
We returned the scooter in perfect condition. The owner pointed to a scratch under the body and demanded 2,000,000 rupiah — "new fairing, painting". It was pre-existing. Film the bike from all sides before you rent, including the underside.