Bali is safe and friendly, but like any tourist hotspot it has a few traps. Knowing them in advance means you keep your money and your good mood. Here are the most common scams and mistakes in 2026.
Money & transport
- Money changer scams — dodgy stalls with "no commission" boards short-change you with fast hands. Use authorised changers and count your cash.
- Taxi overcharging — insist on the meter, or just use Grab, Gojek or Bluebird.
- Scooter "damage" scams — some rentals claim pre-existing scratches are yours. Photograph the bike before you ride.
- Riding without a licence — police checks are common; you need an International Driving Permit, or you'll pay a fine.
- ATM skimming — use machines attached to banks, and cover the keypad.
Booking & tours
- Fake or unlicensed tour agents — book through your hotel or a reputable operator.
- Too-good-to-be-true boat deals to Nusa Penida — check reviews and return times.
- Overpriced "tourist" tickets — confirm the real entry price beforehand.
First-timer mistakes
- Cramming the itinerary — Bali's traffic is slow; two or three things a day is plenty.
- Underestimating travel time between regions (south to Ubud to Nusa Penida).
- Drinking tap water — stick to bottled or filtered.
- Ignoring temple etiquette — cover up and wear the sarong.
- Forgetting the tourist tax — pay the IDR 150,000 levy online before you fly (see our new rules guide).
- Leaving the e-Visa too late — Pakistani passports need it sorted before departure.
- Skipping travel insurance — scooters are the #1 injury cause; get covered.
The stress-free option
Every one of these disappears on a hosted trip. On our Bali group trip, licensed drivers, vetted operators, the e-Visa and the tourist tax are all handled — so there's nothing to fall for. See how it works →
Need help with a visa or trip?
Rashid Travel & Visa Consultants, Islamabad — visa consultancy, appointments, documentation, ticketing and tour packages. Honest help, embassy-ready files.