Is Johor Bahru Safe in December 2026?

Taxi drivers in Johor Bahru frequently refuse to use the meter, especially for routes from the Causeway bus terminal or JB Sentral to city hotels. Quoted flat rates are typically two to four times the metered fare. Some drivers claim the meter is broken while others simply ignore the request to use it.

How to avoid: Insist on the meter before entering the taxi or use Grab, which shows the fare upfront. If a driver refuses the meter, exit and find another cab. JB Sentral has a fixed-fare taxi counter where you pay in advance at the official rate.

Money changers near the Causeway and in Johor Bahru city centre deliberately shortchange Singapore visitors by giving unfavorable exchange rates or miscounting ringgit notes. Some operate informal booths that look legitimate but are not licensed. The scam is especially effective on visitors who are unfamiliar with Malaysian banknote denominations.

How to avoid: Use only licensed bank money changers or ATMs for currency exchange. Count all notes carefully before leaving the counter. Compare rates at multiple changers and avoid anyone who approaches you on the street.

Johor Bahru's shopping malls, particularly KSL City and Johor Bahru City Square, attract large crowds of Singapore shoppers on weekends, creating opportunities for organized pickpocket teams. Thieves work in pairs, with one causing a distraction or bump while the other takes wallets or phones from bags. The border crossing crowd during peak hours is another high-risk zone.

How to avoid: Keep wallets in front pockets and use a bag with a zipper worn against your body. Be especially alert when someone creates a distraction near you in a crowded space. Avoid placing phones on restaurant tables or hanging bags on the back of chairs in food courts.

Unlicensed money changers near the Johor Bahru Causeway and around the bus terminal area use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists exchanging Singapore dollars for ringgit. Common techniques include miscounting notes, folding a note so it appears as two, or distracting the customer during counting. Some fake changers operate with official-looking signage but are not regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia.

How to avoid: Exchange currency only at licensed banks, official hotel money changers, or counters displaying a Bank Negara Malaysia license. Always count your money before leaving the counter and do not allow the changer to touch the notes after handing them over. Ask to see the current rate on a printed board before agreeing to exchange.

Street vendors and market stalls in Johor Bahru sell counterfeit branded goods including watches, bags, and electronics at prices that suggest they are genuine discounts on authentic items. Vendors sometimes show buyers a high-quality sample before switching to an inferior product during packing. Purchasing counterfeit goods is illegal and items can be confiscated at the Singapore Causeway checkpoint.

How to avoid: Do not buy branded goods from street vendors or unlicensed market stalls regardless of the stated price. If a deal seems implausibly cheap for a known brand, it is a fake. Be aware that carrying counterfeit goods back into Singapore can result in confiscation and fines.