Beware! Uncover the Bali money exchange scam that countless tourists are falling for
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Isn’t travelling wonderful? We meet new people, see amazing sights, enjoy different cuisines and immerse ourselves in a cultural baptism of sorts. Sometimes, it can feel like we've stepped into a wormhole and emerged into another universe. It's an exhilarating ride, isn’t it?
It’s all fun and games in paradise... until a scam artist decides to rain on your parade.
Now as regular readers of the Seniors Discount Club know, we’re big proponents of learning from the experiences of others so that we don't have to walk in their shoes, especially when it's down a potentially tricky path.
Today's cautionary tale is brought to you by an unfortunate Australian traveller who fell prey to a popular money-changing scam in Bali.
An Adelaide resident had the good fortune of coming across a well-informed local who sprang into action and saved her from a potentially significant cash loss. She then took to a popular Facebook group for Bali holidays to warn other travellers about this tricky scam that has caught many an unsuspecting tourist.
As she explains, the scam involves unscrupulous money-changers pulling a quick sleight of hand while counting out your exchanged money.
‘Counted the money three times and then later in the day, my driver said “check money now”, and I couldn’t believe it, it was much less,' she recounted.
When she realised she had been scammed, her driver turned into a knight in shining armour, sternly telling the money changer to return her cash or face the police.
Other commenters in the Facebook group shared similar experiences, likening money changing in Bali to a magic trick due to the smoothness with which money seemingly 'disappears' during the process. They praised the driver's actions and shared tips and tactics on how not to be fooled.
One clever commentator shared a tip: ‘They count out IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) correctly first time then when you are checking your AUD they count the IDR a second time and that’s when they drop a big note down into their lap! You can have fun with them, as soon as they count your money out put your hand on it! I’ve caught them every time!'
Some others explained how the scammers usually keep the cash on a counter with fine slits–and voila! In a tap or two, some notes get cleverly pulled back onto the changer's lap.
The old hands at the Bali money-changing game have one golden rule: never let the changer touch the money once you've counted it. Never. Let it be known that the counting table is a no-retouch zone once you've verified the amount.
According to an article written by Choice, prepaid travel money cards are a popular option (they can be ‘loaded’ with multiple currencies). However, readers should be mindful of the associated fees. It’s also suggested that travellers utilise a separate low-fee credit or debit card connected to an account with relatively little money to reduce the risk of potential scams.
Travel credit cards can also be good options as they often come with free travel insurance, although generally, these policies have certain limitations and can’t be relied upon exclusively.
Finally, if cash is necessary for overseas trips, it’s important to be mindful of safety precautions and shop around at various banks and other providers to get a good exchange rate. Converting your money at the airport, either before you takeoff or when you land, could mean spending much more in fees and margins, so only use these services as a last resort.
As always, remember to stay vigilant and smart, members of the Seniors Discount Club. Let the joy of exploration not be marred by scams.
How about you? Do you have anti-scam tips you think travellers could learn a lot from or any cautionary tales? Tell us below!
It’s all fun and games in paradise... until a scam artist decides to rain on your parade.
Now as regular readers of the Seniors Discount Club know, we’re big proponents of learning from the experiences of others so that we don't have to walk in their shoes, especially when it's down a potentially tricky path.
Today's cautionary tale is brought to you by an unfortunate Australian traveller who fell prey to a popular money-changing scam in Bali.
An Adelaide resident had the good fortune of coming across a well-informed local who sprang into action and saved her from a potentially significant cash loss. She then took to a popular Facebook group for Bali holidays to warn other travellers about this tricky scam that has caught many an unsuspecting tourist.
As she explains, the scam involves unscrupulous money-changers pulling a quick sleight of hand while counting out your exchanged money.
‘Counted the money three times and then later in the day, my driver said “check money now”, and I couldn’t believe it, it was much less,' she recounted.
Watch out for 'sleight of hand' tricks from money changers when travelling! Source: Shutterstock
When she realised she had been scammed, her driver turned into a knight in shining armour, sternly telling the money changer to return her cash or face the police.
Other commenters in the Facebook group shared similar experiences, likening money changing in Bali to a magic trick due to the smoothness with which money seemingly 'disappears' during the process. They praised the driver's actions and shared tips and tactics on how not to be fooled.
One clever commentator shared a tip: ‘They count out IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) correctly first time then when you are checking your AUD they count the IDR a second time and that’s when they drop a big note down into their lap! You can have fun with them, as soon as they count your money out put your hand on it! I’ve caught them every time!'
Some others explained how the scammers usually keep the cash on a counter with fine slits–and voila! In a tap or two, some notes get cleverly pulled back onto the changer's lap.
The old hands at the Bali money-changing game have one golden rule: never let the changer touch the money once you've counted it. Never. Let it be known that the counting table is a no-retouch zone once you've verified the amount.
Travel credit cards can also be good options as they often come with free travel insurance, although generally, these policies have certain limitations and can’t be relied upon exclusively.
Finally, if cash is necessary for overseas trips, it’s important to be mindful of safety precautions and shop around at various banks and other providers to get a good exchange rate. Converting your money at the airport, either before you takeoff or when you land, could mean spending much more in fees and margins, so only use these services as a last resort.
As always, remember to stay vigilant and smart, members of the Seniors Discount Club. Let the joy of exploration not be marred by scams.
How about you? Do you have anti-scam tips you think travellers could learn a lot from or any cautionary tales? Tell us below!
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