Question 1

What is the "Fake Park Entrance Fee Collection" scam in Flores?

Accepted Answer

Individuals dressed in ranger-style uniforms collect "entrance fees" and "conservation levies" from tourists at the dock before they board Komodo Island. These are not official transactions — the genuine park fees are collected at the official BTNK (Balai Taman Nasional Komodo) gate on the island itself. Victims lose money and may still be asked to pay legitimate fees on arrival. Pay park entrance fees only at the official BTNK gate booths on Komodo or Rinca Island. Demand an official printed receipt with the park service logo for every fee paid. Do not pay any "conservation fee" on the Labuan Bajo dock or on the boat before reaching the island.

Question 2

What is the "Money Changer Short-Changing" scam in Flores?

Accepted Answer

Informal money changers operating near the Labuan Bajo waterfront and market use fast counting techniques and intentional miscounting to short-change tourists converting USD or AUD to Indonesian rupiah. Some use deliberately confusing multiple bundle handovers to obscure the actual total. Use the ATM or your hotel reception for currency exchange. If using a money changer, count all notes yourself slowly before leaving the counter and do not allow the changer to take the money back to recount. Confirm the exchange rate displayed matches what you receive.

Money & ATM Scams in Flores

Fake Park Entrance Fee Collection

Money Changer Short-Changing

Experienced a scam here?