Common Bali Tourist Scams and How to Avoid Them (2026)

Bali is safe — but scams are common

Violent crime against visitors is rare in Bali. What you are much more likely to meet is a small scam: an inflated price, a "damage" charge, a few notes missing from a pile of cash. None of them are dramatic, and all of them are easy to avoid once you know how they work.

1. Unmetered taxis and airport touts

At Denpasar airport, drivers will approach you in the arrivals hall offering a ride. Prices quoted on the spot are often far above normal. How to avoid it: pre-book a driver through your accommodation, use Grab or Gojek from the official pickup area, or use the official taxi counter and agree the fare before you leave. Details in Denpasar airport to Ubud.

2. Scooter rental damage claims

You return a rented scooter and the owner points to a scratch or dent that was already there, asking for money to fix it. How to avoid it: before you ride off, take photos and a slow video of the scooter from every angle, including existing scratches, with the owner watching. Check brakes, lights and tyres too. Never leave your passport as a deposit.

3. Rigged money changers

One of the most common scams on the island: you're shown a great rate, count your cash, and the attendant takes it back to "recount", slipping out a few notes. How to avoid it: always be the last person to count your money, and never hand it back. Full details in money changer scams in Bali.

4. Fake restaurant reviews

Many Ubud restaurants have thousands of glowing ratings that turn out to be fabricated, leading you to overpriced, mediocre meals. How to avoid it: read the reviews, not the score, and be suspicious of very high review counts. See how to spot fake restaurant reviews in Ubud.

5. Accommodation deposits on social media

A beautiful villa at a great price, advertised on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp, asks for a deposit by bank transfer. The villa doesn't exist, or it has been rented to several people at once. How to avoid it: never pay in advance through informal platforms. See how to book accommodation safely in Bali.

6. Fuel pumps not reset to zero

At some petrol stations, the attendant starts filling without resetting the pump, so you pay for fuel from the previous customer. How to avoid it: check that the display shows zero before the attendant starts, and say the amount you want clearly.

7. Unofficial temple "guides" and donations

At some popular temples, people near the entrance insist you need a guide, or present a donation book showing large amounts "given" by previous visitors. How to avoid it: buy tickets only at the official counter. If you want a guide, agree the price first. Donations are voluntary; give what you think is fair.

General rules that prevent most scams

• Agree prices before any service: rides, guides, massages, rentals.
• Count your money last, and keep small notes for small payments.
• Photograph anything you rent before using it.
• Be wary of anything urgent, "special" or only available if you pay right now.
• Ask your guesthouse; they know what normal prices are.