Jakarta Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Indonesia)

How it works

Unlicensed taxi drivers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport approach arrivals before they reach the official metered taxi queue, quoting flat rates that are three to five times the fair price. Drivers often claim the meter is broken or that tolls make metered fares more expensive. The ride into central Jakarta should cost roughly 150,000-250,000 IDR via metered Blue Bird taxi.

How it works

Money changers on Jalan Jaksa and near Tanah Abang market use sleight-of-hand techniques to shortchange tourists, folding notes or quickly recounting stacks to obscure the deficit. Some booths advertise favorable rates but add hidden commissions after the exchange.

How it works

Standalone ATMs in convenience stores and on side streets in tourist districts including Kemang and Blok M have been targeted by card skimming devices. Compromised machines are often identified by loose card reader components or small cameras positioned above the keypad.

How it works

Plain-clothes individuals claiming to be undercover police stop tourists near Glodok or Jalan Jaksa, demanding to inspect passports and wallets for "counterfeit currency" checks. The interaction is designed to identify where cash is kept or to extract a bribe.

How it works

Becak (cycle rickshaw) and ojek (motorbike taxi) drivers in Kota Tua and around Monas regularly inflate prices for tourists by five to ten times the local rate, sometimes demanding additional payment mid-ride. Unlike Grab/Gojek, these informal operators have no price accountability.

How it works

Individuals posing as licensed tour guides outside the Wayang Museum and Fatahillah Square offer free or low-cost tours that end at a relative's batik shop or art gallery where high-pressure sales tactics are used. Merchandise is often overpriced by 300-500%.

How it works

Tourist-facing warungs (small restaurants) near Kota Tua and Ancol add items to bills that were never ordered, charge for condiments listed as complimentary on menus, or present menus without prices then charge inflated rates. Bills are sometimes presented in a confusing mix of denominations.

How it works

Near the entrance to Istiqlal Mosque and around Monas, men place handmade bracelets on tourists' wrists without asking, then aggressively demand payment of 50,000-200,000 IDR, refusing to remove the bracelet until paid.

How it works

Budget accommodation touts near Gambir train station intercept travelers with offers of cheap guesthouses, taking a commission from substandard properties that bear little resemblance to photos shown on printed flyers. Some properties misrepresent their proximity to key transit points.