Question 1

What is the "Juanda Airport Taxi Overcharge" scam in Surabaya?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed taxi touts at Juanda International Airport (SUB) approach arriving passengers in the arrivals hall before they reach the official taxi counter and quote flat rates of IDR 350,000–500,000 for rides to central Surabaya — roughly two to three times the legitimate metered fare of IDR 150,000–200,000 for the 20 km journey. Drivers may claim meters are broken or insist a flat rate is mandatory at this airport. Some touts wear unofficial-looking uniforms or carry handwritten signs to appear credible. Use only Blue Bird Group taxis (blue cars, operating meters) booked at the official counter inside the arrivals terminal, or pre-book Grab or Gojek from the designated ride-hailing pickup zone outside. Never follow anyone who approaches you in the arrivals hall. Confirm the meter is running before the car moves.

Question 2

What is the "Becak Rickshaw Overcharging in Kota Tua" scam in Surabaya?

Accepted Answer

Becak (cycle rickshaw) drivers in the Kota Tua (Old Town) district near House of Sampoerna routinely quote tourists fares of IDR 50,000–100,000 for short rides that should cost IDR 10,000–20,000 for a local. Drivers rarely display fixed prices and will often begin pedaling before any price is agreed, then demand payment at the destination. Some will add extra charges for "waiting time" or a return trip the passenger did not request. Agree on a specific fare in rupiah before boarding — do not get in until the price is settled. Use your smartphone to show a map and agree on the exact route. If the driver refuses to name a price, walk to the next becak. For longer distances, Grab or Gojek motorcycle taxis are far more transparent.

Question 3

What is the "Ojek Motorcycle Taxi Price Gouging" scam in Surabaya?

Accepted Answer

Ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers who are not registered on the Gojek or Grab apps operate informally near Gubeng Station, Tunjungan Plaza, and Kota Tua and quote tourist fares of IDR 30,000–80,000 for short rides that the apps price at IDR 7,000–15,000. Some drivers refuse to use the app price when a foreigner books, claiming "the app price is for Indonesians only," and pressure passengers to pay a higher cash rate instead. Others agree to a price and then demand more at the destination. Always use the Gojek or Grab apps to book ojek rides — the in-app price is binding and drivers who dispute it can be reported. Do not negotiate with informal ojek drivers standing outside stations or malls. If a driver insists the app price does not apply to foreigners, cancel and rebook.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Surabaya

Juanda Airport Taxi Overcharge

Becak Rickshaw Overcharging in Kota Tua

Ojek Motorcycle Taxi Price Gouging

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