Tourists warned as Bali money exchange scam caught on video

This notorious scam in Bali has been likened to “magic” because of how easy it is to miss the moment tourists are tricked.

A money scam in Bali has been brought back into the spotlight thanks to a video of a currency exchange worker allegedly attempting to pocket 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah.

It’s not the first time Australians have been warned to watch out for the notorious scam, where tourists will walk away with less local currency than they agreed to.

Some have likened the scam to “magic” because of how easy it is to miss the money disappearing during the exchange.

The footage posted by influencer Lisa Anggara, who has almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, was also reshared by Canggu Bali News.

“Be careful of money changer scam near labrisa [La Brisa],” Ms Anggara wrote.

“He tried to slide 150k (about $14) behind the table while counting. Luckily my friend counted three times.”

Lisa Anggara said the money changer tried to steal 150,000 IDR. Picture: Instagram / lisaanggara

The man appeared to add notes from behind the counter back to the pile after being questioned. Picture: Instagram / lisaanggara

The woman in the video can be seen counting a stack of notes before questioning the amount. It appears the worker then quickly pulls out a few 50,000 IDR notes from behind the counter and subtly adds them to the stack of notes in his hand before counting out all the money again.

In July, an Australian traveller praised a Bali local on social media for alerting her to the scam, leading to many other tourists sharing how they had also been tricked.

“I used a non authorised user, countered the money three times and then later in the day, my driver said check money now (sic), and I couldn’t believe it, it was much less,” the woman posted in the Bali Bogans Facebook group.

Luckily for her, upon realising she had been swindled, her driver sprung into action.

“My driver drove me back to that person, and told him to give me my money back or he will call police (sic).

“ … He’s the best. He sees this happen all the time. This is one good reason to have a personal driver for your whole stay.”

As for the money changer, he gave the money back and asked them to leave.

Australian tourists advised other travellers to not let the money changer touch the money after it has been counted and make sure it is flat on the bench.

Others recommended playing it safe and going to a bank, their hotel, or a money-changing outlet that displays in-date business permits and licenses.

Tourists are recommended to change money at a bank, their hotel, or an authorised money-changing outlet displaying permits. Picture: Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

Australians urged to behave in Bali

It’s not the only warning Aussies are getting before travelling to the wildly popular island at the moment.

The Australian government has urged travellers to listen to Indonesia’s pleas to behave in Bali.

Bali has seriously cracked down on tourists not following its local customs and laws this year.

An official tourist dos and don’ts list was released, a hotline was established for anyone to dob in misbehaving travellers, a special task force was set up to monitor foreigners’ activities, and next year a tourist tax will be introduced.

Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts told news.com.au last week one thing that was “really clear” from authorities in Bali was their request for Australians to respect religious sites.

“If you’re going to a religious site in Bali, a temple or something like that, respect the dress standards,” he said.

“Don’t go for that Instagram shot in a bikini at that kind of location because culturally that’s not going to be appreciated by locals.”

Australians in Bali are being urged to behave amid a crackdown on tourists. Pictures: Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP

Indonesian Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini told news.com.au in October

her message to Australians was that they were welcome in Indonesia as they always had been, but to not take advantage of Indonesian hospitality.

“Tourists should always research any destination, in Indonesia or elsewhere, before travelling,” she said, adding their message was one of common sense.

“We ask that all guests respect the culture, local laws, customs, the nature and our people as responsible travellers.”

Referring specifically to two rules on the dos and don’ts list, Mrs Marthini said tourists should not be wearing bikinis to temples or riding motorbikes without helmets and ignoring other road rules.

“If you ride a motorbike, just as in Australia, you should have a helmet and a license for your safety as well as that of other motorists,” she said.

“If you go to a temple, just as you would if you go to a church or a mosque, dress respectfully.

“We ask that tourists respect local laws. Indonesians are very accommodating, warm and friendly, we ask that you respect them, not take advantage of Indonesian hospitality.”