Stay clear of Starbucks, ALWAYS take your own bags shopping and never use ATMs: What you need to do to survive in Bali without being scammed
- First time holidaymakers in Bali have been warned to do their research
- Balinese merchants have been known to communicate in code with one another
- Multiple scams could see tourists swindled out of their money in Bali
- ATM skimming is a well-known scam, as is colour coding shopping bags
First time holidaymakers in Bali have been warned to do their research before travelling to avoid falling victim to a scam.
Balinese merchants have been known to communicate in code with one another using colour-coded shopping bags, while ATM skimming and small-time scams can swindle tourists travelling to the region for the first time.
Daily Mail Australia takes a look at how to avoid some of the most common faux pas tourists make in Bali.
A relaxing trip to Bali can quickly take a turn with first time travellers susceptible to multiple scams
Avoid Starbucks
Bali is known for its great coffee culture and cafe options are endless, especially in tourist hubs like Seminyak and Kuta.
While travellers might be tempted by the allure of a Starbucks frappe or coffee, sourcing a caffeine hit from a local cafe is often far more rewarding.
The coffee culture is driven predominately by expats who decided to set up shop in the region, but avoiding the franchises allows holidaymakers a chance to test the local cuisine and get a feel for the culture.
While travellers might be tempted by the allure of a Starbucks frappe or coffee, sourcing a caffeine hit from a local cafe will be far more rewarding
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BYO shopping bags
Street merchants reportedly categorise shoppers right under their noses based on their haggling skills.
They often work with one another by bagging shoppers' items with different coloured bags to alert other stores about whether or not they will haggle.
One tourist said he noticed shoppers who were considered easy targets had their items placed in red plastic bags, while more aggressive bargain hunters were handed black.
Kristian Troy previously told Daily Mail Australia his taxi driver alerted him to the scam.
He said he put the theory to the test and was shocked by the results.
'When I gave in easy at one shop I was given a red bag, much to my disgust,' he said. 'I then bought the same item at another shop and really haggled and got a black bag.
Shoppers are encouraged to pack their own bags in order to avoid any version of the scam.
If they are given a red bag, Mr Troy said his taxi driver suggested he get rid of it immediately, so as not to alert any of the other merchants.
Street merchants reportedly categorise shoppers right under their noses based on their haggling skills
Choose ATMs wisely
Travellers in Bali have long been warned of scams involving ATM skimming.
But another scam involving ATMs inside mini-marts has seen tourists lose thousands of dollars - and they're unable to retrieve any of their money.
Professor Allan Manning, founder and executive chairman of insurance company LMI Group, on Tuesday said people should only use telling machines inside banks.
Some machines at mini-marts have been designed to swallow credit cards, and then when a customer reports the error to the shop owner, they are encouraged to enter their pin number to retrieve it.
'You can imagine what happens, as soon as you enter your pin, all the money in the account, or your daily limit at least, is charged and you do not get your card back, or any money,' Mr Manning said.
'If you have entered your pin number, the bank WILL NOT refund the money and you will be out of pocket.'
Travellers in Bali have long been warned of scams involving ATM skimming. But another scam involving ATMs inside mini-marts has seen tourists lose thousands of dollars - and they're unable to retrieve any of their money
Check the taxi
Blue Bird Taxis are known to be the most reliable and trustworthy in Bali, and tourists are recommended to download the app and order a cab - just as they would an Uber back home.
While Blue Bird Taxis are often available to hail down on the street, tourists are warned not to fall for look-alike cab companies.
Blue Biro Taxi and Blue Bire Taxi are two such examples of cars that model their looks and brands on the original, but the same level of service cannot be guaranteed.
Tourists are encouraged to pay attention to the meter regardless of taxi company to ensure they're charged correctly.
Other options are hiring local drivers for the day, which generally costs about AUD$50 for an eight hour hire.
Traffic in Bali is known to be extreme, so tourists are encouraged to plan ahead and leave plenty of time to arrive at destinations.
Blue Bird Taxis are known to be the most reliable and trustworthy in Bali, and tourists are recommended to download the app and order a cab - just as they would an Uber back home
