What scams and hassle patterns should Indonesia travellers watch for?
The main hassle is often practical rather than dramatic: transport negotiation, too-convenient tours, tourist-zone pricing, scooter issues and money moments when you are hot and tired. Keep the easy parts boring.
Answer
Indonesia’s traveller hassle usually clusters around predictable points: airport arrivals, taxi or driver negotiation, scooter rental, boat tours, tourist-zone pricing, money exchange, beach or activity offers and anything that sounds too convenient when you have just arrived. That does not make the country hostile. It means the same boring safeguards matter: use reputable operators, confirm the basics before moving, avoid rushed decisions with bags in hand, and do not let embarrassment push you into a bad deal. The more popular the area, the more the tourist economy knows exactly when you are tired. Plan those moments before they happen.