How does the Bali scooter rental damage scam work and how do I avoid it?

The scooter damage scam involves rental operators claiming pre-existing scratches, dents, or mechanical issues are your responsibility on return, then demanding inflated repair charges. Some operators also retain customer passports as security, creating significant pressure to pay disputed amounts. Protection starts with renting from established, well-reviewed operators rather than informal roadside stands, photographing every angle of the scooter on collection with timestamps, and refusing to surrender your passport, offering a copy or cash deposit instead. Bali's traffic conditions, road quality, and accident statistics also mean scooter rental carries genuine physical risk, and many luxury travellers are better served by a private driver for the duration of their stay.

Are there scams around Bali's temples and cultural sites?

Yes, several scams operate around major temples and cultural sites, particularly Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih. Common variations include unofficial guides demanding inflated fees, parking attendants charging non-existent additional levies, and individuals presenting themselves as priests offering blessings or sarongs in exchange for substantial donations. Legitimate temple visits have published entry fees, official ticket counters, and complimentary sarong loans included in the entry charge. Decline unsolicited guide services, ignore anyone approaching with offers of special access or private blessings, and confirm parking charges in advance. Booking temple visits through your villa concierge or a reputable tour operator removes most friction and ensures you receive accurate, fair pricing throughout.

What is the scooter rental damage scam and how do I avoid it?

The scooter damage scam involves rental operators claiming pre-existing scratches, dents, or mechanical issues are your responsibility on return, then demanding inflated repair charges. Some operators also retain customer passports as security, creating significant pressure to pay disputed amounts. Protection starts with renting from established, well-reviewed operators rather than informal roadside stands, photographing every angle of the scooter on collection with timestamps, and refusing to surrender your passport, offering a copy or cash deposit instead. Bali's traffic conditions, road quality, and accident statistics also mean scooter rental carries genuine physical risk, and many luxury travellers are better served by a private driver for the duration of their stay.

Are temple and cultural site scams something I need to worry about?

Yes, several scams operate around major temples and cultural sites, particularly Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih. Common variations include unofficial guides demanding inflated fees, parking attendants charging non-existent additional levies, and individuals presenting themselves as priests offering blessings or sarongs in exchange for substantial donations. Legitimate temple visits have published entry fees, official ticket counters, and complimentary sarong loans included in the entry charge. Decline unsolicited guide services, ignore anyone approaching with offers of special access or private blessings, and confirm parking charges in advance. Booking temple visits through your villa concierge or a reputable tour operator removes most friction and ensures you receive accurate, fair pricing throughout.

Common Scams in Bali and How to Avoid Them

Introduction

It is no surprise why Bali is a popular and favorite destination among tourists. With its lovely emerald water, happening beach clubs, and rich culture, Bali is nothing less than a tropical paradise.

Needless to say, with the beauty of Bali, there also come tourist traps. While some of these scams are obvious, the others not quite as much.

To keep you safe from such potential scams, we have drawn a list of 6 scams and how you can outsmart them.

1. Booking and Property Agent Scams

It is common knowledge that booking directly with the property is preferred by the properties for obvious reasons such as no commissions. However, it is equally beneficial for you as well. Avoid doing any deal with a stranger that introduces themselves as an agent to help you find a property that you like at a very low price. Scammers usually will offer you impossibly low rates for a property you like to pull you in a trap. Make sure you meet in person as many scammers are avoiding meeting in person.

If you think that you really need help from an agent, then make sure you know where the office is or ask the person you meet in the property to make sure that you get a real price. One point here is, the agent will never ever offer you a lower price than the owner or management.

2. Cab Scams

In Bali, cabs are almost the only source of public transport. Keep an eye out for the BlueBird cabs or you can download Gojek or Grab app to get an even cheaper transportation rate and the best service as they really care about review and service stars level. For Blue Bird Taxi, ensure the driver turns on the meter when you board the cab. If they do not agree, wait to hail another cab. If you do not go by the meter in cabs, the drivers may overcharge you for a short distance. But you might get a Blue Bird order on the Gojek app as well. If you get Blue Bird on Gojek, you will just pay the price on the app without having a price on the meter.

3. Exorbitant Tour Guide and Entrance Fees for Temples

Like with every popular tourist destination, Bali too has unreputable tour guides that attempt to make extra money by ripping tourists off. Do not fall for their tricks as they talk you into hiring a guide and paying a high entrance fee. Instead, bargain if you wish to purchase a ticket and enquire if the guide is licensed.

If you go alone without a tour guide, don’t be surprised if you need to pay some money at the entrance. You need to know that most tourist destinations including temples will ask you to put in some money just for a contribution and most temples don’t charge you a fixed amount. So if someone asks you for some money before you even reach the entrance, better ignore them.

4.Ticket Scams

As unfortunate as it is, corruption is rife in Bali. Bali’s traffic police is known to target tourists riding scooters or driving cars and slapping them with fines and tickets for trivial offenses. Fines can however be settled through paying enormous bribes.

To avoid getting ripped off, ensure that you always wear a helmet while riding a scooter, do not break traffic rules, and always carry your international driving license with you.

5.Souvenir Scams

Some souvenir markets in Bali are a go-to for trinkets and souvenirs. But every good thing comes with its own traps. If you want to get a great gift from Bali for your loved ones back home, do not buy from places that sell overpriced souvenirs. Make sure you can compare the price from one store to another store until you understand the common price of the stuff you want.

Instead, look out for authentic Balinese markets that are less popular among tourists to find the real good stuff! Not only will you get great prices, but you will also find rare art pieces.

Bali is everything phenomenal and beautiful and almost zen-like. Do not let these scams rob you of a magical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is the most common scam targeting tourists in Bali?

The most widespread scam involves money changers offering exchange rates significantly above the market average, then short-changing customers through sleight-of-hand counting techniques or rigged calculators. The scam typically unfolds in small, unauthorised exchange booths in Kuta, Legian, and parts of Seminyak, where the operator counts the rupiah quickly, slides some notes back under the counter, and recounts the diminished pile as the agreed amount. The fix is straightforward: only use authorised money changers displaying the official PVA Berizin licence, ideally branded operators like Central Kuta or BMC, count the cash yourself before leaving the counter, and never exchange money with anyone approaching you on the street.

2.How do I avoid being overcharged by taxi and transport drivers in Bali?

Use the Bluebird taxi network, identifiable by the genuine bird logo and the Bluebird app, or book through Gojek and Grab for fixed transparent pricing. Unmetered taxis at airports, ferry terminals, and tourist hubs frequently quote inflated rates and refuse to use the meter. Be cautious of imitation taxis painted similar blue colours but operating outside the Bluebird group, as these often charge two to three times the metered rate. For longer journeys and full-day hires, book a private driver through your villa or a reputable operator at pre-agreed daily rates. Avoid agreeing to vague pricing structures or accepting drivers who suggest detours to commission-paying shops or attractions.

3.Are ATM scams a real risk in Bali and how do I protect myself?

Yes, ATM skimming and card-trapping scams remain a genuine risk, particularly at standalone ATMs in tourist areas and outside small convenience stores. Skimming devices fitted over the card slot capture your data, while trapping mechanisms hold your card inside the machine until the scammer retrieves it after you leave. Use ATMs located inside bank branches during business hours wherever possible, particularly BCA, Mandiri, and BNI, and avoid standalone machines on quiet streets. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN, check the card slot for unusual fittings before inserting, and notify your bank immediately if your card is retained. Carrying a modest cash float reduces the frequency of ATM use and exposure to risk.

5 COMMON SCAMS IN BALI AND WAYS TO OUTSMART THEM

Introduction

1. Booking and Property Agent Scams

2. Cab Scams

3. Exorbitant Tour Guide and Entrance Fees for Temples

4.Ticket Scams

5.Souvenir Scams

Frequently Asked Questions

OriVista Team

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