Destinations › Indonesia › Jakarta › Scams
Jakarta, Indonesia
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Jakarta, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Dating-app contacts inviting matches to specific bars where an enormous bill is produced and staff prevent departure until it is paid.
Unofficial airport 'porters' and greeters taking luggage without being asked and demanding a substantial fee to return it.
Taxis with modified meters and drivers refusing to use them, particularly at the airport arrivals kerb. Licensed ranks and ride apps are the practical alternative.
Advance-fee job offers aimed at foreign nationals, requesting payment for work permits that never arrive.
Nightlife venues in the entertainment districts adding unordered items and undisclosed service charges to bills.
Counterfeit electronics and branded goods in the large city markets sold with fabricated warranty documentation.
Fake police and 'immigration officers' demanding to see documents and requesting an on-the-spot fine for an unspecified visa issue.
Pickpocketing and bag-slashing on crowded buses and at major transit interchanges during rush hour.
Shortchanging and note substitution at unlicensed money changers advertising unusually favourable rates.
Apartment listings taking deposits for units that are unavailable or misrepresented on arrival.
