⚠️ Bali scams to watch out for
Bali isn't dangerous, but these situations catch travellers out. What isn't a scam, and where to go if it happens.
Bali is not dangerous. But these situations catch travellers out — and each is quick to avoid.
Seven situations
- Fake money changer: no "PVA Berizin" board — walk away. Rates on a board, printed receipt, count it yourself.
- ATM dynamic currency conversion: decline the "guaranteed rate" and withdraw in IDR.
- Random airport taxi: ignore anyone shouting "taxi" inside the terminal.
- Cancelling a tracked Grab.
- Phone snatching near the roadside.
- Fake immigration and visa sites: the arrival declaration is only at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
- Fake Love Bali levy sites: the tourist levy is only at lovebali.baliprov.go.id.
If something sounds far better than everywhere else, check twice.
"Red zones" — not a scam
Near some temples, beach clubs and central Ubud, local transport cooperatives block app pickups. If Grab or Gojek shows no drivers, or your driver asks you to walk 200 metres to meet them, that is normal local practice.
Where to go if it happens
Tourist Police handle reports from foreigners about theft or disputes and produce the report your insurer will ask for.
- Tourist Police Kuta — theft, disputes, insurance reports: +62 361 7845988
- Tourist Police Ngurah Rai Airport — anything at DPS: +62 361 9351023
- Tourist Police Nusa Dua — Nusa Dua, Benoa and the resort strip: +62 361 7442622
Details change, so call ahead to confirm.
Verified 17 Aug 2026. Rules change — Visio can check your case on WhatsApp: +62 821 4222 200.