Bali is magical! Stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences await. But like any popular tourist destination, it has its share of scams targeting unsuspecting travellers. Tourist scams in Bali range from overpriced taxis to fake temple guides, and knowing what to watch for can save you money, time, and stress.
This guide breaks down the most common tricks, red flags to spot, and practical tips on how to avoid scams in Bali.
Whether you're exploring temples, renting scooters, or enjoying nightlife, staying informed keeps you safe. Ready to explore the island worry-free? Booking reputable Bali Tour Packages with verified guides can help you experience it safely and authentically.
Most Common Bali Scams You'll Encounter
From money tricks to transport cons, here's how tourists get trapped in Bali tourist scams. Knowing these common tactics helps you stay alert and enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress or losses.
Your money is the first target. Exchange counters, ATMs, and even the cash in your wallet can become tools for scammers. Here's what to watch for when handling currency in Bali.
Bali scams often start with attractive currency exchange rates at small street shops. They'll count your rupiah dramatically, but through clever hand tricks, you'll end up with less money than expected.
Red Flags:
- Exchange rates are way better than official locations
- Overly friendly staff trying to rush the transaction
- Counting money behind a high counter where you can't see clearly
- They recount bills multiple times, claiming "accuracy"
- No proper licensing or company signage is visible
How to Avoid:
- Only use well-known exchanges like BMC or Central Kuta
- Banks are always your safest bet for currency exchange
- Count every single note yourself slowly before walking away
- If they try to take the money back to "recount," refuse politely
- Trust your gut if it feels sketchy, leave immediately
Danger Zones:
- Small exchange booths along Kuta's busy streets
- Unmarked shops in Legian with handwritten "best rates" signs
- Seminyak back alleys advertising unbelievable deals
- Any tiny storefront near beaches without clear branding
2. ATM Card Trapping Scams
Common tourist scams in Bali include sketchy ATMs that swallow cards or copy your details. These machines often look old, sit in dark corners, and have No proper bank branding nearby.
Red Flags:
- ATM located in a random alley or isolated spot
- No bank logo or official signage around the machine
- The machine looks damaged, outdated, or poorly maintained
- The card slot feels loose or has unusual attachments
- The screen shows weird messages or takes too long to respond
How to Avoid:
- Use ATMs only inside actual bank branches like BCA or Mandiri
- Avoid standalone machines near convenience stores or empty streets
- Always cover your PIN with your hand while typing
- Check the card slot for anything suspicious before inserting
- Consider using a Wise card for better rates and security
Danger Zones:
- Standalone ATMs in Kuta's back alleys
- Machines outside small shops in Seminyak
- Unmarked ATMs near Ubud's tourist areas
- Any ATM at gas stations without bank branding
You receive change from street vendors or markets that looks normal, but later discover the bills are fake. This happens in dimly lit areas where you can't inspect money properly.
Red Flags:
- Transaction happens in poorly lit areas at night
- Bills feel unusually smooth, thin, or waxy to the touch
- Missing watermarks or security threads when held to light
- Colours appear faded or blurry compared to other notes
- The vendor rushes you to leave immediately after giving change
How to Avoid:
- Learn what real Indonesian Rupiah notes look and feel like
- Check watermarks and security features under good lighting
- Count and inspect your change before leaving any vendor
- Use ATMs and official money changers for larger amounts
- Refuse bills that look suspicious and request replacements immediately
Danger Zones:
- Night markets across Bali with dim vendor stalls
- Roadside convenience stands in remote areas
- Small street vendors in busy tourist zones
- Late-night warungs with minimal lighting
Getting around Bali should be easy, but Bali taxi scams and transport tricks are everywhere. Drivers often exploit tourists who don't know local prices or how the system works.
4. Taxi Meter "Malfunctions"
Bali taxi scams come in two types: drivers claiming broken meters once you're inside, or airport freelancers quoting flat rates before you even get in. Both want to overcharge tired tourists.
Red Flags:
- They quote a price before you even say your destination
- The taxi has no clear company branding or looks unofficial
- The driver seems overly pushy about agreeing to their price up front
- Meter runs unusually fast or jumps in large increments
- The driver refuses to turn on the meter or says it's broken
- They keep lowering their price as you walk away
- Mentioning surprise fees for luggage or tolls after agreeing
How to Avoid:
- Always demand that the meter be switched on before starting
- Use only official Bluebird taxis with visible bird logos
- Book rides through the Gojek or Grab apps instead
- Walk away if the driver refuses to use the meter
- Pre-book private drivers for longer trips to avoid hassles
Danger Zones:
- Taxi stands outside Ngurah Rai Airport arrivals
- Kuta Beach and Legian areas, where unofficial taxis wait
- Legian's main tourist strip, late at night
- Outside popular clubs and busy shopping areas
5. Fake Gojek and Grab Drivers
Bali tourist scams include fake drivers wearing official Gojek or Grab jackets who approach you before your actual app-booked ride arrives. They'll demand cash payments at higher prices once you're already moving.
Red Flags:
- The driver approaches you before the app confirms pickup
- License plate doesn't match what's shown in your app
- The driver's face or name looks completely different from the profile
- They immediately ask for cash payment instead of an app payment
- Wearing the uniform but acting pushy or impatient
How to Avoid:
- Check the license plate, driver name, and photo match your app exactly
- Never get in with drivers who approach you before app confirmation
- Pay only through the app, refuse all cash payment requests
- If anything feels off, cancel and request a new ride
- Wait inside venues until your confirmed driver arrives
Danger Zones:
- Outside Canggu's Old Man’s late at night
- Batu Bolong area, where nightlife crowds gather
- Seminyak beach clubs after midnight
- Busy Ubud streets during peak tourist hours
6. Tour Packages with Hidden Costs
Street tour kiosks advertise unbelievably cheap day trips, but the actual price keeps climbing. Entry fees, lunch, and activities aren't included despite initial promises of "all-inclusive" packages.
Red Flags:
- Prices are significantly lower than established tour companies
- Vague answers when you ask what's specifically included
- No written contract or official booking confirmation provided
- They pressure you to book immediately with "today only" discounts
- Reviews are missing, or the kiosk has no online presence
How to Avoid:
- Book tours through reputable companies like WanderOn
- Get everything in writing: what's included, pickup times, and total cost
- Read recent reviews on Google or TripAdvisor before committing
- Avoid booking from random street kiosks with flashy signboards
- Ask specific questions about entry fees, meals, and transport costs upfront
Danger Zones:
- Roadside kiosks along Kuta's main streets
- Tour booths near Ubud's Monkey Forest entrance
- Street-level operators in Seminyak's tourist areas
- Unmarked stands outside popular temples and attractions
Suggested Read: Ubud Monkey Forest In Bali | Fee, How To Reach, & More!
Renting a scooter is one of the best ways to explore Bali, but it's also where many tourists lose money to fake damage claims and stolen key setups. Protect yourself before you ride off.
7. The Fake Damage Charge
Bali scams include rental shops blaming you for scratches that existed before you rented. They'll inspect your scooter dramatically and demand hundreds of thousands of rupiah for pre-existing damage.
Red Flags:
- No inspection was done when you first picked up the scooter
- Rental staff refuse to walk around the bike with you initially
- They don't provide any written damage report or checklist
- Suddenly finding multiple "damages" during return that seem old
- Aggressive tone and immediate demand for cash payment
How to Avoid:
- Take photos and videos of the entire scooter before leaving the shop
- Document every scratch, dent, and the odometer reading clearly
- Do the inspection together with the staff, and get it acknowledged
- Rent from reputable companies like Bikago that deliver and inspect properly
- Avoid shops that seem rushed or dismiss your inspection requests
Danger Zones:
- Small unmarked rental shops in Canggu and Seminyak
- Budget scooter stands along Kuta's beach road
- Rental places near Ubud center with no online reviews
- Any shop that doesn't provide helmets or contracts
Your scooter key disappears at the beach, and suddenly, a helpful stranger offers to fix it for a million rupiah. Sometimes keys are stolen intentionally, turning your misfortune into someone's payday.
Red Flags:
- Someone appears immediately after you notice the key is missing
- They quote outrageous prices without calling the rental company first
- Pressure to pay cash right now, or "the scooter gets impounded"
- They claim the entire bike needs replacing, not just the key
- Won't let you contact your rental shop to verify the cost
How to Avoid:
- Never leave keys in the ignition, even for a quick stop
- Keep keys secured in a zippered pocket or small bag
- Contact your rental company directly if keys go missing
- Ask about lost key policies before renting the scooter
- Ignore "helpers" demanding immediate cash payments
Danger Zones:
- Busy beach parking areas in Canggu and Seminyak
- Popular surf spots like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach
- Crowded temple parking lots with minimal supervision
- Scenic viewpoints where tourists leave bikes unattended
Rental shops demand your passport as a deposit for scooters, surfboards, or villas. Later, they refuse to return it unless you pay high fees, leaving you stranded without essential travel documents.
Red Flags:
- They insist on holding your actual passport, not a copy
- No official rental agreement or company registration is visible
- They become aggressive when you suggest alternative deposits
- Vague explanations about why they need your passport specifically
- Other customers' passports are visibly stored behind the counter
How to Avoid:
- Never hand over your passport. Offer a photocopy or cash deposit instead
- Rent only from established businesses with verified online reviews
- Get a written rental agreement stating deposit terms clearly
- Take photos of your passport being held if you have no choice
- Report passport retention to your embassy if they refuse to return it
Danger Zones:
- Small scooter rental shops in Canggu without proper signage
- Budget surfboard rental stands along Kuta Beach
- Unmarked equipment rentals near Uluwatu and Padang Padang
- Any rental business operating from temporary street setups
Temple & Tourist Attractions Cons
Temples in Bali are sacred and beautiful, but they're also hotspots for scams. Fake guides, forced donations, and overpriced offerings target tourists who don't know what's actually required for entry.
10. Forced "Donations" at Entrances
Bali tourist scams include fake temple staff demanding mandatory donations before you enter. They'll show you a guestbook with higher amounts, making it seem official when it's actually a hustle.
Red Flags:
- Someone stops you before reaching the official entrance gate
- They insist donations are required, not optional
- A guestbook shows suspiciously high amounts from other tourists
- No printed tickets or official receipts are offered
- They become pushy or block your path if you hesitate
How to Avoid:
- Pay only at official ticket counters with clear signage
- Look for printed tickets or electronic payment systems
- Walk past anyone asking for money before the main gate
- Research the temple's actual entry fee online beforehand
- Politely decline and continue toward the official entrance
Danger Zones:
Suggested Read: Uluwatu Temple In Bali: An Ultimate Tourist Guide
11. Unauthorized Guide Hustle
Friendly locals in traditional dress(sarong) approach, claiming they're official temple guides. They give you an explanation of the site, then aggressively demand payment or guilt-trip you into tipping them heavily.
Red Flags:
- They approach you first without being asked
- No official badge, ID, or uniform from the temple authority
- Start explaining things without confirming that you want a guide
- They become pushy or guilt you with sob stories when asking for payment
- Quote vague amounts like "whatever you think," then reject small tips
How to Avoid:
- Politely decline by saying you prefer exploring alone
- Hire guides only from official counters inside the temple premises
- If you didn't ask for their service, you don't owe payment
- Walk confidently toward the entrance without engaging
- Research the temple online beforehand so you're informed
Danger Zones:
- Tanah Lot Temple entrance paths and parking areas
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), before the ticket booth
- Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi approach areas
- Any UNESCO or famous temple with heavy tourist traffic
Suggested Read: Goa Gajah Temple in Bali: A Whole Guide
12. The Offering Price Trap
Women outside temples sell small religious offerings, claiming they're mandatory for entry. They'll start at 100,000 IDR (₹538), then drop to 50,000(₹270) when you walk away. The actual cost is around 5,000-10,000 IDR (₹30-60).
Red Flags:
- Sellers insist that offerings are required before you can enter
- The starting price is ridiculously high compared to local markets
- They follow you persistently as you approach the entrance
- Price drops dramatically when you refuse or walk away
- No other tourists around you are buying these offerings
How to Avoid:
- Know that tourists don't need to buy offerings to visit temples
- Your entry ticket includes a sarong, which is all you need
- Politely say "no thank you" and keep walking toward the gate
- If interested, buy offerings from local markets at the real price
Danger Zones:
- Besakih Temple parking lot and entrance pathway
- Tirta Empul Temple approach, where vendors gather
- Uluwatu Temple outside the main ticketing area
- Any major temple with heavy tourist foot traffic
Suggested Read: Besakih Temple, Bali - Entrance Fee, Dress Code, How to ...
13. Child Bracelet Sellers
Common tourist scams in Bali include kids selling cheap bracelets at waterfalls and temples. They use practiced lines to pressure you, and buying one attracts more children who've been sent by adults.
Red Flags:
- Kids claim you're their "first customer" every time
- Price drops immediately when you refuse
- More children suddenly appear after you buy one
- They become persistent or block your path
- Using emotional phrases designed to guilt you into buying
How to Avoid:
- Politely decline and keep walking without stopping
- Avoid eye contact if you don't want to engage
- Remember that buying often encourages more children to approach
- Know that kids rarely keep the money themselves
- If you want to help, donate to legitimate local charities instead
Danger Zones:
Suggested Read: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali - How to Reach ...
Best shopping places in Bali, like Ubud and Sukawati markets, offer amazing finds, but tourist pricing is real. Vendors increase costs dramatically, and "handmade" items are often mass-produced. Bargain smartly!
14. The Double Price Game
Common tourist scams in Bali also include overpricing at markets. Simply, they sell a dress for 400,000 IDR(₹2,160), where locals buy the same item for 50,000-80,000 IDR(₹270-435) or even less nearby.
Red Flags:
- The first price seems unreasonably high for the item's quality
- Seller refuses to negotiate or acts offended when you counteroffer
- Prices aren't displayed anywhere, only quoted verbally
- Identical items at nearby stalls cost significantly less
- Seller becomes overly friendly before revealing the price
How to Avoid:
- Always negotiate! Start at one-third of their asking price
- Walk away if they won't budge; they'll often call you back
- Check the threading and stitching quality before committing to buy
- Visit multiple stalls to compare prices before purchasing
- Ask locals or your accommodation staff what fair prices are
Danger Zones:
- Sukawati Art Market stalls targeting obvious tourists
- Ubud Art Market main pathways with aggressive sellers
- Beachfront shops in Kuta and Seminyak
- Any market stall positioned directly on the main tourist routes
Suggested Read: Ubud Art Market In Bali 2025 Guide - WanderOn
15. Mass-Produced "Handmade" Items
Vendors sell factory-made goods as authentic handcrafted items. They claim everything is locally made by artisans when it's actually mass-produced imports shipped in from elsewhere in Indonesia.
Red Flags:
- The seller gives vague answers about who made the item
- Identical products appear in multiple shops across different areas
- "Handmade" items look suspiciously uniform and perfect
- The price seems too cheap for genuine handcrafted work
- The vendor can't explain the crafting process or the materials used
How to Avoid:
- Ask specific questions about origins and makers
- Visit certified artisan shops or curated craft markets instead
- Look for slight imperfections that indicate true handmade work
- Buy from workshops where you can see artisans working
- Decide if authenticity matters to you before negotiating price
Danger Zones:
- Sukawati Art Market mass-vendor stalls
- Ubud Market shops along the main tourist path
- Beachside souvenir stands in Kuta and Seminyak
- Airport departure shops targeting last-minute shoppers
Nightlife in Bali is vibrant and fun, but bars and clubs hide their own scams. Fake alcohol, inflated bills, and expensive taxis after midnight target partygoers who've let their guard down.
16. Fake Booze in Your Glass
Bali scams in nightlife include bars serving homemade arak (local moonshine) instead of branded vodka or gin. Poorly distilled alcohol can cause serious health issues, including dangerous methanol poisoning.
Red Flags:
- The drink tastes unusually strong or chemically off
- Bar has extremely cheap alcohol prices compared to others
- Bartender pours from unmarked or refilled branded bottles
- You feel sick faster than normal after just one drink
- The venue looks rundown with questionable hygiene standards
How to Avoid:
- Drink only at established bars and clubs with good reputations
- Order sealed beers or watch spirits poured from unopened bottles
- Avoid suspiciously cheap drink deals at unknown venues
- Stop drinking immediately if something tastes wrong
Danger Zones:
- Cheap bars along Kuta's Poppies Lane area
- Unknown clubs in Legian with aggressive promoters outside
- Beachside shacks offering unbelievably low-priced cocktails
- Any venue without visible liquor licenses or branding
Suggested Read: 30 Famous & Best Beach Clubs In Bali With Prices
17. Overcharged While Intoxicated
Bars intentionally overprice bills when you're drunk, hoping you won't notice or care. Your drink prices mysteriously double, or promotional deals suddenly don't apply anymore without a clear explanation.
Red Flags:
- No menu with clear prices displayed anywhere
- Bartender quotes different prices throughout the night
- Your bill total seems way higher than expected
- They rush you to pay without providing a proper receipt
- "Happy hour" or promotions end conveniently after you order
How to Avoid:
- Ask for prices upfront before ordering each round
- Pay after each drink instead of running a tab
- Request itemized receipts and check them immediately
- Designate one friend to stay relatively sober and track spending
- Check your bank transactions the next day for discrepancies
Danger Zones:
- Crowded beach clubs in Seminyak during peak hours
- Busy nightclubs along Legian Street late at night
- Bars in Kuta targeting visibly intoxicated tourists
- Any venue without visible price lists or menus
18. Club Exit Driver Cons
Taxi drivers waiting outside clubs after midnight charge triple the normal fare. This is among the most common Bali scams in nightlife, targeting drunk tourists wanting to get home.
Red Flags:
- Drivers quote prices 2-3 times higher than daytime rates
- They refuse to negotiate or use ride-hailing apps
- Multiple drivers surround you aggressively outside the club
- They claim Gojek and Grab aren't available in the area
- No official taxi branding or identification visible
How to Avoid:
- Pre-arrange transportation before going out for the night
- Share rides with friends to split costs fairly
- Walk a block away from the club to order through apps
- Stay inside the venue until your confirmed ride arrives
Danger Zones:
- Outside Old Man's in Canggu after midnight
- Seminyak beach club exists like Potato Head and Mrs Sippy
- Popular Legian nightclubs along the main strip
- Crowded bar areas in Batu Bolong late at night
Suggested Read: Potato Head Beach Club in Bali | How to Reach, & More!
Street scams happen fast. Pickpockets distract you with friendly conversation while stealing your phone, and strangers offering drugs or donations aren't what they seem. Stay alert on busy streets.
19. Distract and Steal Tactic
A friendly local starts a casual conversation while you're eating or drinking, and their partner quietly grabs your phone or wallet. It happens fast in crowded restaurants, cafes, and markets where you're relaxed.
Red Flags:
- A stranger approaches you unprompted while you're seated at restaurants or cafes
- They ask lots of personal questions to keep you engaged
- Conversation feels unusually long or overly friendly
- You notice someone else hovering nearby simultaneously
- They position themselves to block your view of your belongings
How to Avoid:
- Keep phones and wallets in your lap or secured pockets, not on surfaces
- Never leave valuables visible at restaurants, cafes, or market stalls
- Stay politely aware when strangers approach your group
- One person should always watch belongings during conversations
- Trust your instincts if something feels off about the interaction
Danger Zones:
- Bajera Night Market and other busy food markets
- Outdoor seating at cafes in Canggu and Seminyak
- Crowded beach clubs with closely packed seating
- Crowded Night markets in Gianyar and Sanur
Strangers offer cheap drugs on the street, but what you're buying is often fake, dangerous, or a setup for police extortion. Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties.
Red Flags:
- Someone approaches you randomly, offering substances
- Prices seem too cheap, or the seller is overly pushy
- They want to complete the transaction in isolated areas
- The product looks suspicious or poorly packaged
- Seller mentions they know the police or can "keep you safe"
How to Avoid:
- Simply don't buy drugs anywhere in Indonesia
- Understand that drug penalties in Bali are life-ruining
- Know that dealers sometimes work with corrupt officials
- Fake substances can cause serious health emergencies
- If approached, ignore completely and walk away immediately
Danger Zones:
- Gili Trawangan beaches and party areas after dark
- Kuta and Legian streets near nightclubs
- Canggu beachfront after sunset
- Seminyak back alleys and quiet side streets
People with clipboards approach, claiming they're raising money for orphanages, temples, or schools. They show fake donation lists with inflated amounts, pressuring you to match what "others" supposedly gave.
Red Flags:
- They approach you on the street with printed materials
- The donation list shows suspiciously high amounts from foreigners
- No official identification, charity registration, or website provided
- They become pushy when you ask questions about the organization
- Payment is cash-only with no receipts or documentation
How to Avoid:
- Politely decline and keep walking without engaging
- Research legitimate charities online if you want to donate
- Ask your hotel or accommodation for verified local organizations
- Real charities don't collect donations randomly on the streets
- Never give cash to clipboard collectors in tourist areas
Danger Zones:
- Ubud's main streets near Monkey Forest
- Kuta beachfront and busy shopping areas
- Outside popular temples like Tanah Lot
- Seminyak sidewalks near restaurants and cafes
Bali online booking scams and fake police stops target tourists in different ways. Scammers create fake accommodation listings to steal your money, while frauds dressed as officers demand cash fines on the spot. Both prey on confusion and fear.
22. Fake & Misleading Property Listings
Bali hotel booking scam operations range from completely fake rentals to real properties that look nothing like their online photos.
Scammers post attractive listings at suspiciously low prices, pressure you to pay quickly, then either disappear with your money or deliver a dirty, poorly maintained place with hidden fees.
Red Flags:
- Rental prices are significantly lower than similar properties in the area
- Photos look professionally staged, overly perfect, or stolen from luxury sites
- Host pressures immediate payment before property viewing or video calls
- Recent reviews are missing, fake-looking, or suspiciously generic
- They only accept untraceable payments like wire transfers or cryptocurrency
- Making excuses about why you can't see the place beforehand
How to Avoid:
- Book only through trusted platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda
- Read recent reviews carefully and check the host's profile history
- Reverse image search property photos to verify they're authentic
- Request a video call tour before paying any deposits
- Use payment methods with buyer protection, never direct bank transfers
- If the deal seems too cheap or perfect, investigate thoroughly first
Danger Zones:
- Facebook marketplace and WhatsApp-only rental deals
- Unverified local classifieds and tourist forum listings
- Instagram DM "exclusive offers" from unknown accounts
- Properties advertised only through screenshots without official documentation
People dressed as police officers stop tourists, claiming you broke traffic or local laws. They demand immediate cash payments as fines, hoping you're too scared or confused to question their authority.
Red Flags:
- They approach you aggressively without proper police vehicles nearby
- Demanding cash payment immediately on the street
- No official identification badge or unclear uniform details
- They threaten arrest or deportation if you don't pay instantly
- Refusing to take you to the police station for official processing
- The "fine" amount keeps changing during the conversation
How to Avoid:
- Always ask to see official police identification and badge numbers
- Politely insist on going to the nearest police station to pay
- Real fines come with official tickets, not cash-only transactions
- Stay calm and don't let fear pressure you into paying immediately
- Take photos or note down their details if something feels wrong
- Contact your embassy if threatened or unsure about the situation
Danger Zones:
- Quiet roads in Canggu and Seminyak during scooter rides
- Tourist-heavy areas in Ubud and Kuta where foreigners stand out
- Late-night streets when fewer witnesses are around
- Remote beaches or isolated parking areas
If something goes wrong during your trip, having these numbers saved can make all the difference. Keep them handy on your phone before you need them.
Essential Emergency Number:
- Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112
- Ambulance: 118 or 119
- Fire Department: 113
- Search and Rescue: 115
- Natural Disaster Help: 129
- Local Directory Assistance: 108
- Consulate General of India in Denpasar, Bali: (+62-361) 259 500, 259 502
Tourist Scams in Bali - Final Thoughts
Yes, scams exist in Bali! But so do incredible sunsets, warm-hearted locals, stunning temples, and unforgettable experiences.
Don't let fear of scams overshadow your adventure. Stay aware, protect your belongings, and trust your instincts, but also stay open to the magic this island offers. Balance caution with curiosity, and you'll have an amazing trip.
