An Australian travel guide has urged visitors heading to Bali to stay vigilant after warning about reports of phone and necklace snatching in some of the island’s busiest tourist areas, according to a report by Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.
The warning comes from Samantha, an Australian travel guide and content creator based in Bali, whose recent video has attracted more than 250,000 views. In it, she says she has heard increasing reports of tourists having their phones and necklaces snatched by thieves riding motorcycles in popular destinations including Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Uluwatu.
“If you’re coming to Bali soon, there’s one thing you really need to be aware of,” Samantha said.
Despite the warning, Samantha described Bali as her favourite place in the world and said the island still has plenty to offer visitors.
However, she said reports of snatch theft had become increasingly difficult to ignore.
“I personally know two people whose necklaces were snatched in Canggu. It’s really, really bad at the moment. I’ve had so many of my local friends warn me,” she said.
She encouraged visitors to avoid wearing visible jewellery, keep mobile phones out of sight whenever possible and carry bags or valuables on the side of the body furthest from the road to reduce the risk of thieves riding past on motorcycles.
DFAT urges travellers to remain vigilant
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also advises travellers visiting Indonesia to stay alert against opportunistic crime.
A department spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia that visitors should keep valuables out of sight, use footpaths where available, avoid walking close to the roadside and carry bags away from passing traffic.
According to DFAT’s Consular State of Play report, 182 theft-related incidents involving Australians required consular assistance during the 2024–25 financial year. The figure reflects cases in which Australians sought government assistance following theft incidents and is not a measure of overall crime in Bali.
Travel expert recommends insurance
Finder travel expert Angus Kidman said losing a mobile phone while travelling can quickly become more than just an inconvenience, particularly when travellers rely on their devices for maps, bookings and important travel information.
He encouraged Australians to check that their travel insurance covers stolen mobile phones and suggested carrying printed copies of insurance details and important documents instead of relying solely on a smartphone.
“If you can’t afford the insurance, you can’t afford the trip,” Kidman told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.
Police: Stay aware of your surroundings
Yahoo Lifestyle Australia also cited Kuta Police Chief Agus Riwayanto Diputro, who said many phone-snatching incidents occur when tourists become distracted while using their phones for navigation, creating opportunities for offenders.
He said street crime is a challenge faced by tourist destinations around the world and encouraged visitors to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when using mobile phones in public or walking near busy roads.
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