Bali Scams: The Ones That Actually Catch Tourists

Bali is genuinely safe — with specific exceptions

I’ve traveled Bali multiple times and never felt unsafe. The scams that exist are more about overcharging than anything threatening. But a few are worth knowing because they catch even experienced travelers.

The taxi situation in Kuta and Seminyak

Blue Bird taxis are the legitimate metered option. The unmetered guys waiting outside clubs, restaurants, and tourist areas are charging 3–5x metered rates. Grab works in most of Bali now (though driver availability is patchier than in Vietnamese or Thai cities). In South Bali’s tourist corridors, always agree on price before getting in if you can’t use Grab or don’t have a Blue Bird — and triple whatever first price is quoted.

The money changer arithmetic

Some money changers in tourist areas use confusion tactics — counting out notes quickly, using a misleading rate board, or quietly palming notes during the count. Authorized money changers (look for the Bank Indonesia licensed sign) don’t do this. If someone is counting notes very quickly and chaotically, take the money back, count it yourself slowly. I once received IDR 300,000 less than I should have from a Kuta street-side exchanger. The legitimate PT Dirgahayu chain throughout Bali has transparent rates and no tricks.

Motorbike police “fines”

If you’re stopped by a police officer while riding a motorbike and asked for your license, there’s a well-documented pattern of officers suggesting you can pay an “on the spot fine” rather than going through official channels. The amount requested is usually IDR 100,000–300,000. This is unofficial and corrupt. Legally you’d go to a police station for an official ticket. Whether to pay the unofficial fine or insist on official channels is a personal decision — many travelers pay to avoid the hassle.

The spiritual healer scam

Less common but worth knowing: someone offers to take you to a “real Balinese healer” (balian) for a personal ceremony. The destination involves purchasing expensive offerings and sometimes persistent requests for “donations” to the healer’s temple. Legitimate balians exist and are wonderful; they don’t need touts to find clients.