While Bali is generally a safe destination for tourists, like any popular travel spot, incidents of theft can occur. Whether it’s a pickpocketing incident or something more serious, knowing what to do if you get robbed is essential. This guide will walk you through the steps you should take if you find yourself in such a situation in Bali.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to do if you’re robbed in Bali is to stay calm. This might be easier said than done, but panicking will only make the situation worse. Assess your surroundings to ensure you’re safe, and if the thief is still nearby, avoid confrontation. Your safety is the priority.

2. File a Police Report

Once you’re safe, head to the nearest police station to file a report. In Bali, there are special Tourist Police divisions in key areas that handle cases involving visitors. Here’s where you can go:

• Tourist Police Kuta: +62 361 784 5988 – Location: Kuta
• Tourist Police Nusa Dua: +62 361 744 2622 – Location: Nusa Dua
• Tourist Police Airport: +62 361 935 102 – Location: Ngurah Rai International Airport

What to bring to the police station:

• A copy of your passport or ID
• A detailed account of the incident (location, time, and description of the thief if possible)
• Receipts or proof of the stolen items, if available

3. Contact Your Embassy or Consulate

If your passport, travel documents, or other important personal items were stolen, contact your embassy or consulate immediately. They can assist you in replacing your documents and guide you on what steps to take next. Here are some key contacts:

• Australian Consulate-General Bali: +62 361 241 118
• British Consulate Bali: +62 361 270 600
• U.S. Consulate in Bali: +62 361 233 605

4. Block Your Bank Cards and Phone

If your wallet, phone, or credit cards were stolen, it’s essential to block them as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized access. Call your bank or use their app to block or freeze your cards. If your phone was stolen, use your device’s “Find My Phone” feature to track or remotely lock your phone.

Popular Indonesian banks to contact:

• Bank Mandiri: 14000
• BCA: +62 21 235 88000
• BNI: +62 21 68888

5. Seek Assistance from Your Accommodation

Many hotels and resorts in Bali have security teams or partnerships with local law enforcement. Inform your hotel or villa of the incident, as they may be able to assist you by calling the police or helping with translations. If you’re staying in a homestay or a rented villa, the owner or manager can often provide advice on how to handle the situation and even accompany you to the police station.

6. Check Local CCTV Footage

Many areas in Bali, especially popular tourist spots, have CCTV cameras installed. If the robbery occurred in a public area, ask nearby businesses, restaurants, or shops if they have footage of the incident. This footage could help the police in identifying the thief.

7. Inform Your Insurance Company

If you have travel insurance, you’ll need to contact your provider as soon as possible. Most insurance companies require a police report to process a claim for stolen items. Make sure you:

• Keep a copy of the police report
• Document the stolen items and their estimated value
• Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company

8. Stay Alert for Scams and Common Tactics

While Bali is generally safe, petty theft and scams can happen in busy tourist areas. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Pickpocketing: Be cautious in crowded markets or festivals. Use a money belt or keep your valuables in a secure place.
• Bag Snatching: Thieves on motorbikes may try to grab bags from pedestrians. Walk on the side of the road furthest from traffic and avoid carrying bags loosely on your shoulder.
• ATM Skimming: Always use ATMs in well-lit, reputable locations like banks or hotels. Check for any unusual attachments on the machine.

9. Use Technology for Safety

There are a few apps and services you can use to stay safe and minimize risks when traveling in Bali:

• Find My Phone: For tracking your smartphone or erasing data remotely if your phone is stolen.
• WhatsApp: Many local services, including the police and your embassy, may communicate via WhatsApp in Bali.
• Google Maps: Save the location of your accommodation and key places like the police station in your phone to find your way back easily.

Conclusion

While being robbed in Bali can be a stressful experience, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference. By staying calm, filing a police report, contacting your embassy, and notifying your insurance provider, you can handle the situation with less hassle. Prevention is always better than cure, so stay alert, use common sense, and enjoy your time in Bali knowing what to do if an unfortunate situation arises.