Taxi & Transport Scams in Surabaya, Indonesia

How it works

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.

How it works

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.

How it works

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.