Common scams in Southeast Asia and how crew avoid them

Gem scams, "the palace is closed", tuk-tuk detours, money changers and rental damage claims in Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur.

Plenty of crew know the Bangkok gem scam by name and still fall for a friendly stranger. The scams below come from government travel advice from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK.

Bangkok and Phuket

"The palace is closed." New Zealand's foreign ministry describes someone near the Grand Palace who says the area is closed for some reason, then offers to take you elsewhere, such as a gem or tailor shop. Walk to the entrance and check for yourself.

Tuk-tuk detours and gems. According to New Zealand's embassy in Thailand, tuk-tuk drivers receive a commission for taking you to a factory or shop. Canada says merchants in gem and jewellery scams sell lower-quality items at inflated prices, and the Canadian government cannot help you get a refund. Smartraveller says to agree the fare and route before you get into an unmetered taxi, tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi.

Rental damage claims. The UK Foreign Office warns against handing over your passport as a guarantee to motorcycle and jet-ski rental businesses, because companies may keep it to cover claimed damage. New Zealand advises you to document each scratch and dent before you ride, and Canada says not to use your passport as collateral. The Foreign Office also notes that bikes for hire in tourist areas are often unregistered, so riding them on public roads is illegal. Check that your insurance covers you.

Report a scam to the Thai Tourist Police on 1155.

Bali

Money changers. The UK Foreign Office says unlicensed changers may short-change you. A licensed exchange shows a Bank of Indonesia logo and a QR code, and the code lets you check the business name and licence. Count your notes before you leave the counter.

Motorbike rental. The Foreign Office reports more moped and motorbike accidents in Bali, and says foreign nationals in even a minor incident may be vulnerable to extortion. Canada adds that rental motorcycles are often targeted and stolen, and renters may have to pay for a replacement. Photograph the bike before you ride.

Cards, ATMs and spas. Card fraud is common, so keep your card in sight. Criminals have put fake phone numbers on ATMs to collect card details. Bali has also seen scams at tattoo parlours, nail salons and spas, so agree the fee in advance.

Fake spirits. The Foreign Office warns that methanol in counterfeit drinks has killed people, including drinks from licensed bars and shops. You cannot taste or smell it.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

The Foreign Office advises caution about free bus transfers that you did not arrange in advance. For taxis, it says metered cars from larger firms are reliable, and it suggests official apps such as Grab or XanhSM. Scammers claim to be from these companies, so book your whole journey in the app. Canada says card and ATM fraud is common, so use ATMs in public areas or inside a bank. It also says motorcycle taxis, called xe om, are not safe. See taxi and rideshare safety abroad for the checklist.

Kuala Lumpur

The Foreign Office says credit card and ATM fraud is widespread in Malaysia, and that strangers may offer tourists a spiked drink, even in reputable bars and restaurants. At the airport, pay for a taxi with the fixed-price coupon from the counter in the terminal. Elsewhere, taxis should use a meter. Thieves on motorbikes target bags in the cities, so see walking alone at night in a new city.

Habits that work in all of these ports

Keep your card in sight when you pay, and use ATMs inside banks.
Treat a stranger who tells you a place is closed and offers a lift as someone selling something.
Buy your own drinks and keep them in view.
Agree prices and routes before you get in or hand over a deposit.

If a scam works on you, report it to the local police and ask for a police report, which your insurer will want. Call your bank if a card is involved. Our guides to cards, cash and tipping abroad and emergency numbers for crew cities help with the next step. For port-by-port advice, see our guides to Bangkok, Phuket and Bali.

Hear it from crew

On Chocks has crew alerts for scams, pickpockets and aggressive selling in part of a city. Verified crew pick the type from a fixed list, other crew cannot see who posted, and an alert clears after about 6 hours. The app is not an emergency service.