Destinations › Indonesia › Batam › Scams
Batam, Indonesia
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Batam, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Money changers near the ferry terminals advertising strong rates and then shortchanging during a rapid count, or applying an undisclosed commission.
Ferry terminal taxis refusing meters and quoting fixed fares several times the going rate to arriving day-trippers.
Contacts arranged online steering visitors to venues where inflated bills are presented and pressure applied.
Golf and resort packages sold by unlicensed agents where the booking is not honoured on arrival.
Bag theft at the ferry terminals during boarding crushes.
Day-tour operators quoting a package that omits ferry taxes and terminal fees, collected separately in cash.
Counterfeit branded goods and electronics in the shopping centres sold to visitors as genuine.
Seafood restaurants charging by weight at rates well above those quoted at the tank, with the bill presented after the meal.
Massage and spa packages sold at the terminal with add-on charges applied at the venue that were not part of the quoted price.
Hotel bookings downgraded on arrival with the original rate still charged.
