The Great Bali Ripoff - Common scams and cautions

[@AdamEwart]

First time visit about three weeks ago. Our driver told us the best way to tell is AirCon vs no AirCon. The genuine exchangers have a proper neat office, with AC, whilst the dodgy ones have neither. Seems fair advice, I thought 👍

[@chrismiles8297]

You need to do a Vlog on taxi drivers too. There were so many taxi drivers that tried to fleece me, it was unbelievable until I woke up to the reputable Blue bird Taxis that have meters.

[@unflappable3551]

Even hotels aren’t safe. We used a credit card at a large five star hotel in Bali a few months ago and a staff member skimmed it. We received a call from our bank to say someone in Europe was spending up big using our credit card number. We only used it once at the hotel.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

wow thats worrisome

[@margaretconnors5879]

Wow

[@rockyfox1673]

Great video, good bunch of guys in the shop as well.

[@Sipods]

I agree with you. In Bali or Thailand for that matter I always use the ATM in the bank (in case of skimmers) and on the odd occassion I've had to change money, I use a bank. Although the guys you filmed, are obviously legitimate but you just don't know so the bank is the safe option.

[@hawkers94]

I;ve been stung by the ATM's rather than the money changers. Card scammers around Kuta and Legian.

[@stever1053]

Some ATM's have high fee for foreign cards and then a surcharge, be warned.

[@DarkstarDarth]

I have friends that said they will never return to Bali, everyone seemed to try to scam them. Also, when going into the pool at hotels take your valuables with you because they all have your room key to enter anytime. Happened to many tourist.

[@shanewall4470]

Tip for anywhere on the planet where they count money exchange "one last time"? YOU COUNT "FINAL TIME" right in front of them!!!

[@macsan1234]

I did and when i realised while shopping later that money was less than what i thought i went back to catch him the act and I did because then i asked to count money again and he refused to give me the currency. The key is once you count it should remain in your hands but they give a higher denomination so that you dont have change and it is counter again by them and then slipped into the drawer. One keeps the other busy talking

[@paulmurphy5204]

hi muzz, i have wise card got 10.700 IDR RATE, last year, what atm do u use n how much is withdrawal fee.thanks

[@wotsup67]

Been to Bali heaps of times and always use the glass door money changers. Not once have I been asked for identification.

[@rosie-777]

Waiting 😂no cheap Tuesday here anymore, petrol is crazy

[@jeffmathews9993]

WONDERFUL - cheers Bud , GREAT presentation ( fun ) and informative

[@G4M30V3Rtwzla]

ive seen quite alot of ur videos...me n my partner n 9yr old son are off to bali in august ur videos are pretty helpful thanks...plus i see ur gold chain is that the one that was nicked?

[@passportbro7]

always a good laugh with Muzza

[@alexanderwagner9524]

I used my Wise card to withdraw IDR from ATMs and never had a single problem during 3 weeks of Bali/Gili.

[@VanTran-ne4yf]

people from the US, Australia, Canada, UK complaint about scams in South East Asia a few dollar for exchange, taxi fare, restaurant . I myself never happy with it either but then I look at what happen in Australia. Every time people brough their car for service or repair , I promise you the motor mechanic try to scam you up to hundred of dollars. You need to change battery, time belt, replace brake pad,service cheap oil etc. So people need to open thier eye and think what happen in their country. it even worst up to thousand of dollar

[@aquasol333]

People in the US can barely afford rent right now because of inflation. Also, a 100K taxi ride being 1 million IDR adds up each time. I finally downloaded Grab after my first week here and the hotels said I couldn't use Grab in their neighborhood.

[@zentriffid]

Good point.

[@margaretconnors5879]

True

[@Golfr2020]

That is not a definition of a scam. That has to do with being wiser in choosing a better priced service.

[@AM-STM]

There is no excuse for scamming people people in Canada work very hard for their money and nobody can tell me. Oh it’s OK to get scammed with a few dollars no, it doesn’t work like this when I travel to Australia I always watch my money carefully. I’m not running a church organization to give free money to people I don’t care how poor destitute they are. The answer is no free money.

[@gumbie007gumbie007]

What was that dome thing you drove past

[@Karenanne247]

Thanks for the heads up Murray 👍

[@lesleygregory2558]

In the old days there were only money changes. Our ten years old son picked a slight of hand. Times of changed. Check rates and go for a reputable place or before travelling research options

[@juliettethomas8928]

I am coming for a month 17 Dec. Any ideas where I can hire a convertible jeep from a reputable company ? Thank you

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

I don't know if you can rent jeeps and I would never suggest a non local tries to drive here where there is no driving test and almost no rules. Too risky

[@BarinDo-o4q]

Thanks for sharing, a lot of scammers in Bali.

[@martymcfly4038]

Some solid tips there Muzza. Didn't know you can just ask for a better price. I have to find out if my bank charges for withdrawal

[@philspredatorhunter]

Great video. Can anyone please tell me if customs will let me into Bali for a 57 day trip. I plan on getting a new visa b4 the first 30 days are up but I want to double check if they will let me in on a trip over 30 days there. Thank you.

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

My mate got one of the new extended visas on arrival for about $150 Aussie this week

[@alanpartington86]

easiest way to know your notes, just take off the 4 zeros, that gives you the AUD amount

[@Steven-t9s]

It's okay for you Ausies but what about the rest of us?

[@debrarobinson-x6s]

I got ripped off by one of the sharks and fronted up the next day raging. I told them if I didn’t get all my money I was calling the police, he wasn’t happy but I got it.

[@fairlanewhip79]

I got my pickpocketed and they took my iPhone. I confronted the guy and within seconds I was surrounded by a bunch of Bruce Lee wannabees

[@Aussie-nd7si]

If you don't get scammed at a money changer in Bali, you haven't had the full bali experience. They smile at you not because they like you, it's because they are getting ready to eat you :)

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Crikey!

[@Karenanne247]

Hahahahaha 😂

[@TRTravels]

I've obviously have never had the full bali experience. Lol. Im smart and know wher to go.

[@tigergooner7214]

I've had the Bali experience last week 😅😅

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@tigergooner7214 Tell us about it!

[@bernardmarsh4133]

Hey Muzza. How does someone get in contact with you

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

[e-mail]

[@bernardmarsh4133]

@@MurrayWilkinson1 Cheers and a big Hello from Bali Reptile Rescue

[@bernardmarsh4133]

@@MurrayWilkinson1 is that also an email address?

[@dezlauman2153]

If you are changing a few hundred dollars. A better rate is negotiable from that on the advertised board. Check the real exchange rate on-line first.

[@stever1053]

I changed money at a so called book shop in Sanur which was also a money changer, he counted money out correctly but asked for small money as he only had large notes, while I was pre-occupied searching for the small notes he picked up the money to gather it together neatly, I gave him the 10,000 note and then recounted the money, of course he had dropped some behind the counter. I told him I wanted my Australian dollars back or I would call the Polisi he obliged, so be careful in Sanur, this was about 6 years ago maybe still there, on Tamblingan jl, where the road has bend not far from the market.

[@VK4VO]

Subbed Mr Muzz,,, Bali one of my favs too,,,, I have trip #4 coming up in July 2024

[@sydney2697]

Whatcha think the weather will be like in July/Aug?? A group of us are going for 1st time so we doing some research hahaa

[@Krahamus]

As someone who lives in Indonesia for 4 years now there are couple advises for tourists, use atm only at bank, like BCA they're ATM is always inside and have security present, never use money changers who have stalls, they always have to good to be true price's, true money exchange places have office like building.

[@stevemonssen3012]

Great info mate im coming over in march for the first time thank you

[@ToboeKey309]

Lots of scams in India just remember if anyone comes up to u ignore them and don't fuckin follow them all the people that come to u r fuckin scammers 🤣🤣

[@bettyboop7426]

Thanks,it only happened once to me in Kuta which I normally avoid 5 years ago I went to The Nest Beauty in Sanur,I had to pay by card. In the short time process happened I noticed a young French lady with her children The next day there was $3.500 that had been charged for a French Hotel,the lady must have skimmed my card in the short transaction time.Also,I believe the big influx of new expansion been causing a few issues and watched that podcast regarding that sad incident in resort this year. Either way Bali is relatively safe but people need to be cautious and looking forward to my next Nyepi next year 🍻

[@gary1477]

This year, there has been at least three cases of credit/debit cards removed from bags under massage tables. About $A3,800 is charged against each card, then the cards are put back in your bag. These thefts occurred in Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta.

[@bettyboop7426]

@@gary1477 Thanks, Gary, Ubud used to be better but times have changed.The only time I really feel Zen is in Bali,there is a resort run by locals in Ubud as I prefer locals in Ubud&start off in Sanur,Sydney to live is just so chaotic unless one can afford to reside in better areas,Thanks

[@mozartamadeus1580]

@@gary1477I was one of those victims. Luckily I got it back through the bank. Scary stuff

[@markhodson4763]

Is it safe to travel to Bali on your own

[@fireplace92]

I agree with you. I got scammed once in bali. Now I only used ATM or reputable money changer.

[@bourask307]

thank you I LIKE U CHANNEL VERY GOOD INFORMATION APPRECIATED FOR ALL U DO FOR HELPING PEOPLES TO BE SAFE .....✌

[@scottstyles7674]

G' Muzza, in Bali now. Change from Tassie, will try to make it to Longhouse We'd.

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

itsw called Stonewall, and we are there every wednesday, also do the seafood club on monday afternoons at the jimbaran beach

[@udinwow398]

I just found out about this case in Bali. except for cases of scammers in food which often occur in other areas which are also experienced by local residents... I will try to report this case to the local indigenous community for control.

[@paradise6606]

Why is it so loud there. That would be horrific for me to have to have all that noise population around me.

[@TRTravels]

Cause there are 4 million people living on a tiny island. Yes it's noisy, but the Balinese are beautiful people

[@paradise6606]

@@TRTravels I'm sure they are. And I'm sure they would like for all those bikes to be made quiet too.

[@TRTravels]

@paradise6606 it's the continuous beeping as well. The traffic is horrendous at times depending on the time of day. And beeping is how the Balinese communicate while driving/riding.

[@paradise6606]

@@TRTravels Thank you for explaining that to me. I know they do this in Italy also. I live on 119.18 acre ranch on top of a mountain filled with Redwood trees over looking the pacific ocean where there is absolutely no human noise what so ever. And all of my neighbors are on large parcel of land too. It is the most quietest place I have ever lived, and it is amazing with the wilderness all around me. But as I get older being a single woman, with no children to care for me. I often think of selling the ranch and moving where I can interact with humanity. Only I need some balance. I require silence being I had my fingers ripped in half long ways from a truck and trailer accident in my forties and was diagnosed with a disease call CRPS. So noise, lights, touch is to much stimulation for me to handle. Do you know of a place where the waters are warm to swim in that is not over populated and where I women like myself can grow old, and get the help she will need to do so? I need the universe to help me with this please.

[@Golfr2020]

Wow! I was in Vietnam and had no issues there on not to getting scammed e.t.c. Seems to me Bali is a bigger risk and head ache.

[@gary1477]

There is an Indonesian saying "Ada Gula Ada Semut". Trans Where there is sugar, there are ants.

[@hectorhaberfield3217]

Good video big Muz that’ll help a lot of new comers to Bali

[@Steven-t9s]

Is that right you can only get 1 million rupiahs out of ATM at one time?

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

@@Steven-t9s most will do 200 some will deliver 300. Don't do the 50k only ones as they charge you so much in extra fees and only deliver 1mill

[@Steven-t9s]

@@MurrayWilkinson1 I gave them up and had money sent direct from my UK account to the BNI bank in Kuta via Remitly transfer.7 million is a hell of a wad to fit in your wallet though.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Mate, how's your house shaping up? Care to give us an update?

[@oringo556]

Can you buy Condo's out there like I've seen in Thailand?

[@simonecasey633]

I've been to good money changers and didnt have to show ID. Just write my name and sign. Not keen on carrying my license or passport around ☹ can you show a photo of your license or passport?

[@anotherstellamoment2908]

Same, I've never put or shown my ID, never would. I've always been too good places. I'll never give or show my ID. I've been visiting since 1987.

[@simonecasey633]

@@anotherstellamoment2908 good to know. Thanku 😊

[@colme97]

Someone can tell me the best money exchange in Sanur? Thank you!!!

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

All the main ones are the same price but if you go there before midday you can often negotiate a better price than posted.. always use one with air conditioning and a bench NOT a hole to poke your head throigh

[@aussiewoman57]

What sort of anz card do u use there.. I have an eftpos card, and a visa debit card tia 🙏🏽

[@aussiewoman57]

Also which bank do u withdraw from thanks

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

Visa debit

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

Generally Mandiri

[@aussiewoman57]

Is there a mandiri around melasti st and what is the maximum u can withdraw in one go

[@aussiewoman57]

Funny how everyone is saying there are fees using cards in bali. Yet u say u don’t pay any with your anz debit card..

[@traceyattrill2966]

I still want one of the shirts your wearing muzza when is Fee going to have them for big boys ? lol Thats the one with cords some dark colours .

[@caveatemptor3400]

Is there any legitimate reason for showing I.D.?

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

Yes it is due to previous money laundering occurrences

[@caveatemptor3400]

@@MurrayWilkinson1 so they keep a record of every transaction corresponding to ID?

[@margaretconnors5879]

Great video....too many scams are in bali

[@Krahamus]

Because it is overcrowded with tourists, they try to use opportunities for those who are clueless, and didn't do any research prior to coming here, but in general scams are all over the world in touristic places, go to Madrid, full of thieving gypsies, plenty exchange places, with high % of rates, and they hide it well to not be seen, taxis also turning meters off, plenty of restaurants overcharge you, so yah its everywhere.

[@halitosis75]

Is it true only bogans visit bali??

[@janetackland493]

Interesting. Couldn’t work out how I got scammed. ❤

[@stevenhunter1338]

That gold chain is probably a years wages for them

[@darrengosling3477]

Appreciate your advice mate, maybe see you later in the year mate

[@anilpillai5398]

Chain & phone snatching is at peak I was going to hotel after having dinner at a restaurant and 2 assholes on bike snatched my chain when we went to police station there were already 4 people with the same incident and police is not ready to help you at all

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

It's bad again at the moment

[@anushareddy723]

Same my gold chain also snatched polisi will not take any action on anything,they will simply take complaint ,so many robberies will happen in bali,polisi people will not take action who r going to bali if time is bad it is risk , don't wear gold chains when your travelling its my bad experience 😥

[@TheVeganTravelShow]

100% always look for the place that looks like they take care of their workers

[@seanharwood974]

Cheers Muzz I’m going in March . I’ve been a number of times but thanks for the tip

[@orykahz3431]

beautiful Pounamu mate!

[@lindamarietravel]

Thank you for the advice and caution! 🙂

[@CCCCCreative]

Yes, i too got scammed in bali, i had 500 but when I handed them the money and they counted, it was only 400. I was tempted by the higher exchange rate. I reported to policed nearby but he said he couldnt help me because there was no evidence that I had 500. So, beware guys.

[@fraserpayne5720]

Muzz six months ago I was given 2 2000 notes in stead of 2 20000 notes on Bali but I got it changed with our trouble

[@petergonderman4610]

Hi Muz, how’s that Harley going.I’ve got a suggestion,take the missus out on it.Make a great vid. Love you content😊

[@petergonderman4610]

I meant to say I love your content

[@petergrady8848]

all true trust me yes bank machine is the best option or as he shows you if they dont lay the money down just likr he shows keep up the good work

[@anushareddy723]

Are u from bali??

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

i have lived here for nearly 2 years now

[@tigergooner7214]

​@MurrayWilkinson1 Wish I met you last week have the same surname as you ❤️ 😊

[@ajmk22]

Good job! You helped us and learned even something g after all those years. Too funny. Good on ya. Terrible about your attack !? Gees. Start a HIRE A HUSBAND service. For when you’re in trouble. We can call you to come in and help! With permission from your lady of course. She can come too. More help the better. Have a bigger bloke who knows the ropes is far less stressful as a solo female traveler

[@anushareddy723]

Be careful when ur visiting bali,i was there for 2 weeks in bali and my cab driver is so good and he is genuine with us,before returning to bali 1 day befor my gold chain got snatched by Robbery, we given police complaint no response from them ,where roberry done this cc camera also there informed to bali police no response,its not good doing this kind of things for tourist people,when ur visiting don't carry ur objects visible anytime robbery will come and take ur items, its my bad experience

[@darkhors316]

The perpetrators are usually people from outside Bali.

[@anushareddy723]

@@darkhors316 i really surprised polisi people we informed that where roberry happened infront cc camera also there ,no action at all ,If something is happened my life will be in risk

[@darkhors316]

@@anushareddy723 i do apologize… next time, in everywhere place, please do not wearing any precious jewellery during your vacation / holidays. We never know when the crime happened to us. But the jewellery in our body is a trigger for crime happen.

[@anushareddy723]

@@darkhors316 that's true ,very easy to identify thiefs but polisi will not do that ,they are encouraging them,if polisi is punishing next time it will happen in bali

[@Daniel.Catanzaro22]

Thank you for the information!

[@jitusahab]

It happen with and my wife noticed and we yelled back and fight back to get our money back and got our money back this is real scam in Bali be careful also selling towel in front of temple to enter temple is also scam many temples. Don’t need it

[@nickbunt9967]

I got scammed 10 thou on an Aussie 50- I just laughed and took the lesson. Part of the experience.

[@therichtershow]

thank you for the heads up

[@surf01er66]

Great job......thanks

[@timmurdock7864]

Thanks for the vlog

[@halitosis75]

Avoid the bali scams fly to maldives or Seychelles ❤

[@tigergooner7214]

I got Scammed last week but retrieved the money 💰 back 😊

[@hamba7039]

hi murray i've suscribed yr vlog

[@richardgroom8391]

the whole bloody island is a scam

[@jarrodwaddington266]

I’ve never been asked I’d unless going into bank there

[@nickcoudounellis9668]

This is our second time to Bali and my last time. We only came as we were offered a good deal Thailand is a far better destination. We travel there 3 times each year

[@FrantBucek]

Thanks to your KZbin. I got slight of hand scammed 1mbaht from a $300 exchange. I went back and recovered my money thanks to seeing that was a possible recourse.

[@rodneybradbury2880]

Been bali many times years ago i stopped going there because its a very dodgy scamming place and hawkers drive you crazy. I go to Thialand now much better all round.

[@tigergooner7214]

I don't bring any jewellery to Bali anymore Muzza 🇮🇩😊

[@eli_manguala]

channels get popular giving bali a bad reputation. it has never happened to me it's like everywhere in the world you need to be concentrated while handling money keep your valuables safe. why do i need someone to tell me that

[@jimmy_flaps]

Winny showing the ropes!

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

Who is winny

[@margaretconnors5879]

The bali people are lovely

[@ciarankelly4338]

What are the Bali police and Bali Tourism officials doing about all of this- this will hurt the reputation of Bali and people have many other choices to visit. Bali Hotel Association take action!

[@udinwow398]

Don't hesitate to report to the police. Usually fraud is not carried out by native Balinese, but by immigrants from other regions

[@larrymastro9635]

come on Murray why don't people just change the money they need in Australia or at Hotel in Bali

[@MurrayWilkinson1]

@@larrymastro9635 hotel rates are not as high as authentic money changers

[@jeanmansfield9230]

I was scammed in 2012 at a crappy changer. Im sure he did the drop thing. It was near posers bar. Never again.

[@kenc3288]

Ditto for the Philippines..🥴🥴

[@AussieTVMusic]

I got scammed in Bali in 1984. I had to literally give the shirt off my back to pay for the taxi after I paid some scammer before I got the taxi.

[@tyzon00800]

And you going to give them your passport no and drivers license no yea right

[@johnexpatthailand2142]

Take your wedding rings off?

[@fraserpayne5720]

That could of cost me 1.5 bintangs lol

[@DreamConundrum]

I know Indonesians who have gotten caught in this scam.

[@paulhanahoe-sp4hn]

Good to see you wearing your gold chain again

[@mrbbkk]

I wont go there

[@Tony-ns4rn]

Can you speak a little bahasa Indonesian

[@Glen-t7x]

I remember you now talking to me and my wife at Y bar. I’ll be in Bali Monday

[@colinjones5100]

One of the biggest scams in Bali was Marcia Langton there on holidays after losing the referendum. Poor thing having to take an overseas holiday because of the stress of being PART aboriginal. I bet the Govt paid for her holiday!