Common Scams: 5 Tourist Traps to Avoid in Bali

The Top 5

Bali is generally safe and welcoming. But there are a few well-known traps that catch tourists every day. Know what they are and you’ll be fine.

1. Airport eSIM/SIM Extortion

The scam: Booths at DPS airport charge 300,000–400,000 IDR ($20–26) for a SIM card. That’s a 7–9x markup over what the same data costs online.

They know you’ve just landed, you’re tired, you need data, and you don’t know the local prices yet. They rely on urgency and ignorance.

How to avoid it: Buy your eSIM before you fly. The XL Tourist eSIM costs 45,000 IDR (~$2.80) online and gives you 14 GB. A BNE eSIM gives you instant data on landing so you don’t feel pressured.

Walk past the booths. Full eSIM comparison →

2. Money Changer Tricks

The scam: Unlicensed money changers in tourist areas offer rates that seem too good to be true — because they are. Common tricks:

Miscounting: They count the bills in front of you but palm a few notes, or count too fast and skip bills
Hidden fees: Advertised rate doesn’t include a “commission” they add at the end
Rigged calculators: The calculator they use is pre-programmed to show the wrong total
Bait and switch: Great rate on the sign outside, different rate once you’re inside

How to avoid it:

Use ATMs. This is the simplest solution. Your bank gives you the real exchange rate minus a small fee. ATMs from BCA, Mandiri, and BNI are reliable and everywhere.
Skip the airport exchange — the rates are among the worst you’ll find
If you must exchange cash, only use the big three authorised money changers (BMC, Central Kuta, PT Dirgahayu Valuta Prima). They have multiple branches, professional setups, and give fair rates.
Always count the money yourself before leaving the counter

3. Taxi Meter Scams

The scam: Taxi drivers refuse to use the meter, claim it’s “broken,” or quote a flat rate that’s 2–5x the metered fare. Some use rigged meters that tick up faster than they should.

This is most common with the freelance taxis outside the airport and in tourist hotspots.

How to avoid it:

Use Grab or Gojek — metered, tracked, no haggling, paid through the app
If you must use a taxi, Blue Bird is the only widely trusted company. They use meters and have a good reputation.
Always confirm “use the meter” (argo) before getting in
If the driver refuses the meter or quotes a suspiciously high flat rate, walk away

4. Overcharging at Temples and Attractions

The scam: Unofficial “guides” or ticket sellers at temples charge inflated prices, add made-up fees, or pressure you into buying things you don’t need:

Fake “mandatory” sarong rental at temples (you can bring your own or borrow one free)
Inflated “donation” amounts at smaller temples
Made-up “parking fees” collected by random people in the car park

How to avoid it:

Research the actual entry fee before you go (Google it or check travel forums)
Bring your own sarong — it’s respectful and avoids the rental markup
Be polite but firm if someone asks for an amount that seems too high
Official parking fees in Bali are typically 2,000–5,000 IDR for a scooter, 5,000–10,000 IDR for a car

5. Motorbike Rental Damage Scams

The scam: You rent a scooter, return it with a tiny scratch you didn’t notice, and the owner demands a huge payment for “damage” — often $100–500 for something cosmetic. Some scooters have pre-existing damage that gets blamed on you.

How to avoid it:

Photograph everything before you ride. Take photos and video of the entire scooter — every scratch, dent, and scuff — before you accept it. Send the photos to the rental shop via WhatsApp so there’s a timestamped record.
Check brakes and lights before riding
Rent from a reputable shop, ideally one recommended by your hotel
Make sure your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents

More on renting scooters: Motorbike Rental →

General Tips

If a price isn’t displayed, ask before buying/eating/using. This prevents surprise charges at restaurants, spas, and activities.
Learn the basics: “Berapa?” means “How much?” in Indonesian. Asking in Indonesian signals you’re not a clueless tourist.
Be friendly but firm. Most Balinese people are genuinely wonderful. Scams are run by a small minority who target the tourist corridors. Don’t let a few bad actors ruin your impression of the place.
Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is being overly pushy, walk away.