We found this guy from a facebook group. He posts regularly and seems legit – we made a deal – send the down payment – but then this guy just disappears.

People tend to gather all information online before they fly to Bali. We can get a lot of information easily just by searching for a destination that we would like to visit. Unfortunately, many of them are leading us to a scammer. To avoid unpleasant moments that will ruin your holiday, we will give you 5 important tips to avoid scammers in Bali.

#1 Book accommodation on a trusted site

Hundreds of luxury villas and accommodation spread across the island. You have to be cautious when you get a cheap offer that is far below the market price. Villa owners usually have their own website and list them on google maps. Provide them with phone numbers and social media pages so customers will be able to contact them directly. Best thing you can do for the first visit to Bali is booking accommodation directly on trusted websites such as Agoda, booking, or AirBnb. Book for one or few nights and then ask the property for a direct discount.

#2 Be wary of fraudulent money changers

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Money changers in Bali are easy to find and the small kiosk by the street is the one that you need to avoid. Always count your money before you leave and only  exchange your money in Authorized Money Changers.

Where to safely exchange money in Bali?
PT Central Kuta 
Head Office
Address                 : Jl. Sunset Road No.168, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Opening Hours     : 8:30 am – 08.30pm
Phone                    : (0361) 4741940
Dirgahayu Valuta Prima
Kuta
Address                 : Jl. Raya Kuta No.10a, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Phone                    : (0361) 752726
Denpasar
Address                 : Jl. Meduri No.21X, Sumerta, Kec. Denpasar Timur, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80236
Hours                    : 8:30 am – 16.00 pm
Phone                    : (0361) 237015
Ubud
Address                 : Jl. IB Manik, Petulu, Kec. Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Hours                    : 9:00 am – 21.30 pm
Phone                    : (0361) 977365
BMC Money Changer Legian
Legian
Address                : Jln Legian No.141, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Opening Hours    : 08.15 am – 21.30 pm
Phone                   : (0361) 730989
Kerobokan
Address                : Jln. Raya Kerobokan No.50/87, Banjar Taman, Kerobokan
Opening Hours    : 08.00 am – 11.00 pm
Phone                   : (0361) 737070
#3 Protect Yourself from ATM Skimming

Skimming are very popular in touristy area. Be careful when you make a transaction in an ATM and it’s better to use an ATM inside the Bank only. Setting withdrawal and transaction limits during your vacation is always good idea. When your ATM stuck in an ATM machine – do not call directly the call center’s number that displayed on the machine. Make sure you check on their official website for the correct number. Other things you can do is to locate the nearest Bank and tell them that your ATM stuck and usually they will collect  your card and give it to you in the next few days.

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#4 Taxi Driver Scam

Everybody Loves to get things done just after landing at the airport. To avoid hustle and bustle – ask your hotel for pick up service or use the official airport taxi that has fixed prices to each destination in Bali. Download Gojek and Grab app for transportation that have fixed price. But unfortunatelly, you cannot take Gojek and Grab at some location. Know your destination before you go and always prepare small money to get rid the driver that doesn’t have change.

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#5 Cek company reputation before you book tour, accommodation and transportation

TripAdvisor is still one of reliable sources to see the company reputation that you want to deal with. You might also like to visit the Bali blacklist group on Facebook for blacklisted companies and services.

 

When you travel anywhere in Indonesia, you will meet many friendly people along the way. But always be careful and do not fall and trust them easily just because they’re nice. So, are you ready to Travel in Bali?