Question 1

What is the "Money-changer short-changing" scam in Ubud?

Accepted Answer

Unauthorized money changers advertising great rates short-change tourists through fast counting, rigged calculators, hidden 'commission', and sleight-of-hand that palms notes back out of the pile. Use authorized changers (such as PT Central Kuta) or bank ATMs, count the money yourself before handing over your cash, and never let the cashier re-handle the counted notes.

Question 2

What is the "ATM skimming and dynamic currency conversion" scam in Ubud?

Accepted Answer

Standalone ATMs in tourist areas carry a skimming risk, and machines offer home-currency conversion at a poor built-in rate. Use ATMs attached to bank branches, cover your PIN, and choose to be charged in rupiah (IDR).

Money & ATM Scams in Ubud

Money-changer short-changing

ATM skimming and dynamic currency conversion

Experienced a scam here?