Bali Scams what the brochures dont say
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- čas přidán 24. 06. 2022
- With the return of the tourists, opportunistic scammers have also returned to Bali. Whilst scams and petty crimes are found throughout the world, Bali has a few old favorites that newcomers should be aware of.
If Murray says the guy is good. The guy is good! Murray deserves a seal of approval that he can hand out “Approved by Murray!”.
I went to Bali 5 years ago with my daughter. We bought heaps of stuff from street vendors. We got told to fuck off by vendor's if we didn’t buy from them, even though we showed them what we had bought from other vendors selling the same thing. They are NOT your friends 😂 they are after your $$$
Walking down the street in Kuta the first morning, looking for a massage as the flight took about 24 hours from door to door. Thought i was doing right by getting a salon that is on the mainstreet with a reasonable price. 60.000 irp for an hour. Once on the massagetable i felt one pair of hands, two pair of hands, three pair of hands. Turned around and sent two out of the room in the nicest way possible. They asked 60.000 irp each. After less then 15 minutes the leftover masseuse stopped and said that’s it. I laughed politely paid exactly the 60.000 irp which i would have at least doubled with a tip as the prices are extremely cheap to what we are used to. When walking off i made sure that she and her co workers saw me walking into Carla’s Spa (Which Murray recommended all along) and spend at least 3 hours there. After that made sure to kindly great the ladies of the scamming salon every day for 10 days straight while disappearing into Carla’s Spa for hours on end.
Omfg.
Where is Carla's spa
We liked Carla Spa in Seminyak near the square. There is a lane next door with a money changer. I was lazy one day and changed some Australian money there, he tried to short change me but my wife grabbed our Australian notes off him real quick and walked off.
I had been to Western Union in Kuta, receiving $1,500 USD and received it in IRD and the person giving the money shorted me 900,000 IRD. I went back the following day and complained to the manager, he watched the video and called the person into the office and confronted him about ripping me off by 900,000 IRD. He told the manager that he knew he shorted me and tried to call my cell number but that was a lie because the phone never rang. My guess is that he lost his job after that, with good reason.
is IDR not IRD
Dri 😁
Sorry mate, you got scammed a 2nd time. The 2nd scam was the boss pretending the worker did something wrong.
he probably got promoted.
I find they ask alot of tourists if they have been to Bali before. As soon as a tourist says no. They swoop so they can overcharge. So if its your first time say you have been twice before. They then don't swoop. It silences them. Tell your friends.
Thanks, I'm going for the first time, that's a good tip.
I've been all over Asia tons of times but never again.
Between scams,corrupt police ,dual pricing,and health issues I will only stay in Oz.
One hour to the Gold Coast,great food, amazing unpolluted beaches and no scams and covered by Medicare.
Bali was a hell-hole even back in 88.
Is the beachwalk shopping mall all fixed prices like the west?
@@petercee8991 Vloggers destroyed Bali along with all the money scammers, the drug dealers on every corner, the pollution, the greed, the disgusting beach clubs full of narcissists taking selfies and staring at their phones, the road rage, the Russian mafia, the hell hole Changgu, and the filthy water.
Bali used to be paradise- but that was decades ago. It's game over.
Erm, ... goooood.
Yes the malls are all fixed prices
I used to get ripped off by taxi drivers. I still would rather walk than catch another taxi. I believe blue bird is the way to go.
Yes, Bluebird it is, or breathe in, breathe out and walk.
This is a great video for the ten people in Australia that have never actually ever been to bali.
sarcasm doesn't translate to Bahasa Indo or Bali or Ostraylia
quick tip for the ladies going to bali, if the shopowner gets too close when my wife enters the shops she simply says 'if you touch me i won't buy anything in the shop'. it works like a treat
If you are asked now many days since you arrived in Bali tell them 3 days you will be left alone.
Great comments Murray. As for massage scams. Always keep you money under your body NOT in the basket below the bed. And don't go anywhere with strangers, say 'no thank you' often - no matter how tempting the offer may seem.
Good advise Muzza , this will help so many first timers to Bali . Well done mate your a Legend CHEERS
My wife and I are coming to bali in September, I appreciate your video alot.
Going on my 1st trip to Bali in a few weeks, learned a lot from your videos. Thanks!
Ps.. junk shops everywhere. Quality shops are different. Surf shops are different. Supermarkets are different. Hard times. Be nice. Be carefull. Be safe. Be happy. Dont argue. Just smile keep walking.. smile and say thanks. Or thanks no thanks. Terima kasih.
We flew out March 20 , 2020. I can tell you the vendors were just wild the last two days before we left. We had vendors yelling at us to buy stuff . They were that bad on Kuta beach my Bali mate was telling them to leave us alone. Another great vid mate. Plenty of scams to be taken by if you don't know what you are doing . Can't wait to be there in October !
We’re there same time first trip with kids it was lots of pressure looking for a more relaxed holiday in August
@@davidbowen777 just got back from Thailand mate. It leaves Bali for dead ! Thailand is head and shoulders above Bali. Bali is close to Australia and cheap so you just get a lower calibre of tourist. Patong Beach was just awesome.
Never tell them your departure date
@@ubiquity069 Vloggers destroyed Bali along with all the money scammers, the drug dealers on every corner, the pollution, the greed, the disgusting beach clubs full of narcissists taking selfies and staring at their phones, the road rage, the Russian mafia, the hell hole Changgu, and the filthy water.
Bali used to be paradise- but that was decades ago. It's game over.
Can’t beat the money exchanges. Been all round Asia and would have to say Bali should be embarrassed at what these people try and do to tourists
On scams, always watch your purchase being wrapped or packed. I purchased presents which were packed. I returned home and handed them out. When 2 of the presents were opened they were not what I bought but cheap rubbishy substitutes. They are very good at scamming tourists.
That happened to me but l opened it when got back to my hotel 🤞
@@denisewaddington7100 . Unfortunately my 2 daughters in law got rubbishy presents. Very embarrassing because they thought I bought them cheap crap.
Where in Bali was this? Never happened to me in Ubud.
Aside from the scams I’m put off visiting Bali from the incessant traffic noise / pollution.
Every video I’ve seen it’s just relentless vehicle and bike NOISE.
Good on ya Murry keep up the great work your doing.I will definitely give you a buzz if I need to do some tours or where to change money.Take care and keep on doing what you do best.
Thanks for your honesty, I have learned a lot for my upcoming trip.
Hi, thanks for this video very helpful. Me and hubby are coming to Bali for the first time in September from the UK. Love watching your videos 😊
Heading to Bali in September with the family for the first time, started some research and found you Muz. thank you for your honesty I've learnt heaps thanks👍
Look us up on Facebook and let us know when you get here
Bali has overtaken Delhi as the most scams in the world for tourist. Bali has became toxic, dirty, crowded with so many lacking. Worst place to live in.
Great advice buddy lots of knowledge hope to see you in Bali in the future
Sending big thumbs up
Good hustle and tag line to promote your tour guide, how much of a kick back is he giving you Muz! Lol
Thanks Muzza for a great update. Yes we were fooled too in 2003, Karma Resorts Time Share. We missed the first half of Brisbane flogging Collingwood in the AFL GrandvFinal. But we did get 1 week free accommodation at the karma Resort in Candi Dasa. Rodney
We also received a weeks free accommodation in Phuket, proving it is NOT scam, it just isn’t for some people. My brother has been a member of Karma for years and always gets what they promised
You're not even safe from the scams in the airport which is really sad. We've been rented bikes we've taken straight to a mechanic for new brake pads, oil and just basic stuff like that. Thanks for Ketut's info.
On the other hand you'll occasionally meet people cool, like a Gojek rider I tipped for doing a really good job, the guy was so thankful, he gave me a big heartfelt hug, nearly tears in his eyes the whole bit., so knew he was genuine.
Great vid Muzza really hoping to meet up with you when we get over from Spain next year your vid’s have been extremely informative thank you. I have of course now subscribed.
Thanks heaps for this info Muzza, its very helpful as my mate and i will be over there for 2 weeks in september and havent been to bali for 7 years. But keen to be back, it will be my 5th time going to bali. Hopefully you will still be there still and grab a quick chat.
Having lived in Asia for 18 years now, I'm aware of the scams. I fell for the scrath card scam in Phuket, Thailand many years ago (2006). What a waste of half a day that was! Thanks for the information on Ketut as will be arriving Bali July 6th for a month. I've made a note of his details and will be contacting about tours and a motorbike. Very useful. Might see you around! Thanks again.
Thanks for all the great information !!
Thanks Muzza. I reckon a good rule of thumb is, if it looks too good to be true, it is.
Hi Muzza , a couple of old scams , I don't know if this scam is still going, it involves the restaurants on the beach at Jimberan Bay , with the scales they weigh the seafood on as you pay by weigh, I put a litre bottle of water on the scales which weighs 1 Kilo, however the scales showed 2.5Kgs , i'm not saying that all the restaurants did this, but a number probably did, as every one I tested did.
The other scam years ago was the involved the Australian 1 Dollar Coin , the sellers in the market would ask if you had any coins as they turn the into bracelets, which they have on display for sale, most Australians just give them the coin, however the bracelets and not made from Australian Dollar coins , but are made of brass, the cooler coins then went to the porters at the airport who would ask Australian tourists when they are leaving Bali to change 10 dollar coins into a $10 Australian Notes.
Thanks Murray I will pass this onto the guys I'm travelling with in September October.
I just recently got back from Vietnam. Please all be aware. Things have changed in Vietnam. Desperate people do desperate things. Be warned. People need to do their research.
Cheers for this massively Murray! I am traveling soon and had no idea how to go about this. If I see you around I'll be sure to say hi to you both ❤️
Thank you for this information. Not sure if I can do a solo trip there but if and when I get company to visit Bali , this will be very helpful.
My favourite part of the video is when he is talking about proper helmets early in the video, and then later in the video straps on a helmet with no SNI certification and the head protection of an empty ice cream container hahahahaha. Crack up
Those who want the cheapest shopping of most things you see in the street go to KRISNA OLEH on Sunset Road- only a 10 min bluebird taxi ride from Kuta or Legian. Best to ask taxi to wait as it is only $4 an hour for them to wait & it saves you being harassed by the other ones as you come out. Everything is fixed price & less than half price you find on the street. Sarongs are only $3Aussie and kids clothing you will need another suite case they are that cheap and good. They have all the knick- naks
Great advice Muz....not only applies to Bali but also SE Asia in general...if not everywhere really (but with different risks in other parts of the world). Having travelled around ASIA a fair bit, key is for me: Common sense, awareness and dont make yourself a target. Be careful and BE RESPECTFUL.!
Muz, just want ti say thanks for the recommendation to visit Gado-Gado. We went twice for dinner. Great food, service, views and live music. Was a highlight of trip. Chez was great to meet too. We cannot wait to return. Met a ripping tour guide too that we will use and recommend to anyone. Not a shop, but organised everything and was ridiculously affordable.
The pizzas were crap there, they crank up the price and then make it half price - basic marketing. Go to La Casetta in Umulas for proper pizza bases 👌
Classic money change scam is to give you an enormous stack of small denomination bills assuming most people aren't tight arsed enough to count them. I was over there with a pommy mate, big guy, who had to get the best deal (read dodgiest exchange) and was tight enough to spend half an hour counting. We gradually assembled a group of nervous onlookers and before he finish counting the guy in the booth called us back and told us the deal was of. Gave my mate his money and insisted he count it before leaving (funnily enough, didn't bother counting the notes we returned to him). All a bit weird. We went round the corner found a bar and decided to have beer. It wasn't till i sat on the bar stool and felt i big lump in my back pocket we remembered half way through counting my mate had given me half the money they gave us because it was getting to much for him to handle with out dropping it or losing count. I stuffed in my back pocket assuming there would be no problem and this was just a tedious waste of time. I remember the beer tasted especially good after that.
Hi, I’m going to Bali soon staying in the Grand Inna Kuta, love getting my hair braided when on holiday …where would you suggest to be the best place or safest to look for someone?
Ps. Bali is fantastic. Dont be a loud mouth. Be happy be respectful. Get get discounts when you nice. Smile. Dont be angry. Dont argue.
so true, us westerners get way too emotional sometimes during haggling. It's not Balinese being disrespectful its just the culture to try negotiate.
Muzza, thanks for providing these videos. I'm doing my first trip to Bali and got in touch with Ketut who will help me plan some sightseeing.😁
thx mate, great videos, do you have any suggestions or hints re which or where to use ATM's etc ?
Most atms I have found are good. I use Mandiri or BCA usually
Top vlog Murray, keep up the great work and enjoy the cold bintang,...Steven
Love the Bali tuxedo.
Watched your video thanks for making this video.
Another thing the brochures dont tell ya is the place is massivly overpopulated. I mean there isnt hundred metres of road in the whole place without people and shops etc
Muzza, have you gotten Bali beli? Is buying raw seafood risky ?
When changing money I always do it in multiples of $100, no matter if I change say 4 or 7 hundred! When they count the money on top of the counter they will pull the wad down below to " tidy up the wad" whilst they do this they will flick out a couple of notes,then hand you the money, recount the money on top AGAIN ,a few times this has happened to me and I have gone around the counter to see the notes on the floor !!!!
Great video, good help for new travellers cheers
Also if you are there for the first time be careful as the money comes out of the atm before your card. My friend and I were in Ubud and chatting about sarongs and left the card in the machine after taking the cash. It was a huge problem for us! But if you use an atm attached to a bank and go in they will open the machine and give you it back!
Loving the content Muzza the BIGGEST SCAM you didn’t mention is the taxis Blue Bird is the legit company & Blue Biro is the scam company claiming meter’s never work , you negotiate a price too go somewhere an on arrival that price changes significantly 😡
You can order via apps tho
Great advice 🙏
I’ve had heaps of massages over there and have travelled there a few times by myself and never had a problem with safety or theft. I guess I’m hyper aware too.
I don't believe you 🙄
@@d0min0danc1ng I don’t believe that you don’t believe me.
@@biancapomponio4099 i dont believe either of you..
@@MurrayWilkinson1 haha
a thing also to watch out for going into some of those shops is when they will try and split you and your wife up and put the pressure on to buy
Hello and many thanks 4 the massage scam info. When I'm in Ubud, I use Japanese Aiko massage...no worries.🦅
thanks mate, great post
What he said is all correct, very great information for new travelers to Bali
Thanks for the useful tips , heading to Bali in November as a solo traveler for a few weeks, IV been there several times before, but when your own can be tough at times, looking forward to doing some tours and embracing Bali 🛫🌄😁
As Indonesian don't go to Kuta beach, it's kinda overrated 👍🏻
@@drippingout6154 Thank you
@@drippingout6154 i don’t know if you will see this but is it a must for me to get a license for renting a motorbike. I really hope you will see this 😢🙏🏻
@@lawrencelim1115 nope
Hey Muzza what was the hotel that the 2 guys were at? Looks pretty alright.
Grand inna kuta
I just arrived from Bali. I have to say that everyone wants to get money from you and the worst by far are the taxi drivers, real scammers. I haven't had the same bad experience on the other islands.
We always purchase from Miss Debbie’s. Fixed prices. It gives you a good idea how much you should be paying at the market stalls. She’s located in Garlic Lane, Legian. Off Melatsi. We just used out card in restaurants or use the ATMs. Massage, we go to one that have lockers.
Thanks for the video, not ever going there anytime soon
Hi Murray, thanks for all your great work, just a quick question regarding entry to Bali from Australia there seems to be some confusion re special apps and declarations plus covid vax proof and insurance , are you able to clarify what is needed, I understand it is always changing. Cheers Fred
Hey friend did you find out what you needed to get in? Comin from usa
@@ChozenNYC Hi there, we arrived Sunday we had to show airlines and check in our covid vax international certificate, pay our visa at counter $50 Aud I think $35 US you just need to fill out custom declaration online up to 3 days before but take a screenshot of it so they can scan it ( We brought paper copies of everything) No test required no one checked if we had insurance but always a good idea. We were also told to download their app to enter shops etc bit like we all had at home but no one asked or we have not needed. Hope that helps. We have been here 12 times over the years (pre covid) and Bali is booming and great again
@@ChozenNYC sorry meant show our airlines in Australia covid vax due to Bali rules. Visa etc was all done at Bali airport
@@FandE5 so all i need is paper copy of vaccine and digital? Or either or? Than we need to purchase visa upon arrival or we can do it online? Just a checklist for me and my girlfriend traveling in march
1.
2.
3.
@@FandE5 so those two and that pinguli app thing if needed? Too easy!
There's a saying in indonesia that goes something like this..there's no shortage of smart people in indonesia but there is a huge shortage of honest people in Indonesia
even the indonesians admit this is true. so just be careful when you are in bali. little bit here and there really adds up. I've seen a british guy selling his suntan lotion in poppy because he's broke..maybe from being milked by the locals. ? 🤔
now..who wants some pisswarm beer? my cooler broke down. hey it's 5 clock somewhere, right ? 😀
cheers
@@d.k.1394 okay 👍🏻
Good video mate and so true what you said
Thank You so much Murray I love your video at least gave us some idea for being not trap to scramer I love your Tiki?(necklace)
Ps... thanks again muzza... good man.... smile.. be happy.... terima kasih ...
Great info Murray I am travelling alone in October and needed to get in touch with someone reputable
We did the same with Murray and he recommended us the best driver. Ask Murray about Made, he might share his contactdetails, otherwise contact me and i will. Made also appeared in some of his videos as a driver.
Made is an amazing driver. He is on Whatsapp on +62 878 6067 9699
Great info
Well done Muzza cheers 👍👍
Thanks dear I wil' Con tact them
What is that hotel you are chatting to the two blokes about the scratch card scam? Loving the vids 👍 Thanks!!
That was the Grand Inna Kuta.. FYI the whole family were very sick 2 days after this interview due to a parasite infection in the pool. Some required urgent and expensive medical assistance. I would think twice before staying there.
@@MurrayWilkinson1 thanks for the heads up!! We do have legian Village hotel booked, so will stay with that I think!!
Good on you Murray and Ketut
God bless
Good advice mate.
Will be in legian in jan muzza 3 days then off cangyu for rest. So carlas spa is good for a massage ay?
Much info from this channel, stay healty, ok terima kasih (jimmy s)
When I first went to a massage parlor in Bali my new necklace I bought in Hawaii went missing. I notified the lady at the front desk and asked around but it was gone. It was a good lesson for me to learn on first visit and first few days there. After that I suspected everyone that they were trying to rip me off, no matter if it were money or personal items I have. Which wasn’t far off, because ppl in Bali are so desperate for money.
How can you generalize the whole people just because of random 3/4 people who did that... who are everyone in Bali desperate for money here? you act as if all people in Bali depend on the tourism sector. From a bunch of people & me as a foreigner who grew up in Bali, how the heck does it only happen to you/ 4-5 people while others are fine. It was your bad luck maybe about your necklace
My partner had his cash in our room at the villa we stayed at. We had aussie money folded in a little clear sandwich bag. We only took our changed money out so left that in the room in the luggage bags that laid open on the floor with clothes and mess everywhere. I'm not sure if he tucked it away discreetly but we did realise one of the ten $50 notes was missing and we have no idea how it could have disappeared. We said maybe it fell out, but not possible in a folded bundle in a bag. I wonder if the house keeping took it. Of course we did not want to accuse with no proof and i didn't count the cash personally so i wasn't going to push for more investigation. House keeping came in on days we went out early and would fix the bed and change the towels etc... found many times they came in and did one thing but leave the rest... what did they spend their time doing in our room then? Things didn't look touched but i definitely felt like i could not trust people to not take valuables when life is hard there for them. A lot of people would give in to the temptation of easy money. It was upsetting but we definitely could have lost a lot more. Lock up your valuables and cash, you don't know who can't be trusted.
Timeshare guys hang around kuta square it’s is a scam if they tell you do a scratchy walk away say tidak means no 🌸
Really spot on video and perfect for first time Bali travellers. I went there for almost 2 weeks and just got home a few days ago. I can say i did not enjoy it there. The store people were so rude and scammy. Are you really going to try charge me $35 for this piece of wire ring? It was made of foil and cheaper than jewellery at a dollar store. Not only did he lean in and whisper it creepily in my ear so my partner wouldn't hear the price, he did it a few times as i looked at the rings and decided this junk wasn't even worth a dollar. Kept hassling me to offer a price. How do i even offer something i think it worth less than a dollar when you started at $35? I hope they actually start to struggle and realise they cannot scam people like that. These were young guys with shitty rude attitudes. I had one who remembered us when he tried rip us off on a bag. He wouldn't accept lower that his asking price and actually shooed us away when i said i won't pay more than x amount. Because we were in the same area for a week and walked down the same strip, when he saw us walk pass he said bag final price 30k... i was not even going in to look at it and he remembered us and continued to be rude as we passed by. He was actually sitting on a scooter in front of the store so i didn't see him. I was hoping to go in and maybe a different sales person would be in there and much more polite. But anyways, i walked down the street and ended up buying myself a quality handmade leather bag at a proper store for the same price he was asking for a cheap piece of plastic junk. Then i went back home to Australia and got myself a cute backpack for $18 that's not faking to be some mediocre brand. I disliked all the fake items and how they seem to think a designer name on a cheap piece of junk means it's somehow worth half the price of the real item. By the end of my time there, when i went into stores and i got approached with the same shit 'i give u best price', 'what price u want' etc etc i just ignored them and walked out. Better cheaper shopping at home! The boutique stores have really pretty things but the cost is the same as at home. Save your money and bag luggage.
I'm here now and I make jewelry, so have a good idea of what's real. I've been paying 200K to 280K IDR for silver rings with real gemstones. The gold plated ones are 300K. That's reasonable compared to what you get in USD. Also, saw real tahitian pearls and gold necklaces for about $600 USD.
@@aquasol333 Yes i got myself some beautiful jewellery at a boutique store. The prices i found were reasonable. Same as what i would pay here in Australia. The quality was worth the price tag, no need to haggle and the shopping experience was way better than the little shops. Some things were a little over priced still as we have so much available here at all price ranges and quality due to globalization but it was worth buying as a memory of the trip. I was disappointed that i couldn't find as much as i thought i would. Things that cost the same as buying at home i passed on as i wouldn't buy unnecessary items at home to begin with.
LACK OF COMMONSENSE isnt a SCAM, Stupidity is common
I like to try and buy mainly off the Balinese, I find the guys from Java can be the most pushiest and quite rude to woman too, most definitely do not like woman to argue back to them when they get rude. We arrive on the 9th for a months stay. 😁
Hey Muzza, Just arrived in Bali, where's the best place to watch origin in Kuta
Davis brother
I'll be there from about 5pm
WILL NEVER GO BACK TO INDONESIA AGAIN!!! Just got scam in Canggu Bali gojek rider agreed on 100,000 just to go from finns beach club to Boho Canggu. When i reached my destination he doubled the price.
What is the name of the camera you are shooting with?
Gopro 9
I been scared many times there
Thanks Muzz
ALSO BE VERY CAREFUL IF BUYING FROM ANY PROPERTY DEVELOPER, IF YOU ARE, EXTREME CAUTION AND NEVER TRUST ANYTHING THEY SAY
Yes Instagram is swarming with promotions to buy small villas in Bali with all the bells and whistles. Most are right on the beach. Pictures are 99% 3D rendering. Most probably not one stone has been built or land bought etc.
They do have a Gov't toursit office in Kuta he gave me free maps and gave me very good tips about various tours
How can you tell if it's a Balinese owned shop or someone from a different island??
it is hard to tell, but I ask them where they are from, have a chat etc. There are physical features more typical with Balinese than many other islands, but that is stereotyping a little
You should do a video on where to rent a quality bike in Ubud
Went in 98 just sick of the touts won’t leave you alone we paid for tour and the driver wanted more haven’t been back Thailand is a lot better
You remind me of that comedian who did Chopper Read takeoffs ... Heath 'Chopper' Franklin
He is my hero
@@MurrayWilkinson1 Will be over for a month from 19 July...if your still about...good to catch up for a drink or 2...
In bali on average a foreigner pays about 3 or 4 or even 5 times the price the indonesian locals pay. so for example that 100k rupiah street food the locals only pay for 20k. crazy isn't it? they're master in deceits and scams. Thailand is better.
I agree with you and I’m Denpasar born and bred. Despicable actually wouldn’t get away with this in the west. The media would be all over it. They assume all foreigners are rich and use that to justify theft. Aussie dogooders often defend such racism against their own by the Balinese scammers. It’s good to see the Aussies in this video for calling out this bad behaviour.
We will be traveling to Bali this June 2023. Thank you for the referral on Ketut. You have a good referral for a driver?
Ketut has several drivers at excellent rates
i'm so glad i went many times to bali in the 90s. Now i will not go there. Too touristy and expensive😢