For Expat only : Be carefull with stranger

Agents here will tell you pretty much anything in the hope of making a sale; even when they is no realistic chance of doing anything at all.

Don't use agents, get on your bike and find a place.

Better find specialist like Expert Property Management

Hi Bella, I am sorry for the bad experience. And thank you for sharing it so we are well alarmed.

Jakarta is relatively safe place. Scams are everywhere, we just have to use common sense and keen judgement.

I have been scammed many times, not only in jakarta. Lesson learned the hard way.

I hope you enjoy Jakarta.

Bella, what is actually most preferred (as Pak Fred alluded) is to deal directly with the apartment management and avoid any third parties.

The same advice applies whenever renting any real estate in Indonesia, be it an apartment in Jakarta or a private villa in Bali.

My advice on this topic is always consistent…never book a long term rental here in Indonesia on the internet, rather, wait until your boots are “on the ground” and you can go there yourself.

In addition to avoiding the pitfall you unfortunately found yourself in, there are other advantages…

-You get to personally see the unit that will be yours before handing over any money.

-You get to check out the neighborhood, (web sites always show such pretty pictures, eh?) before handing over any money.

-You get to bargain in person, cash in hand.

Anyone moving to Indonesia is far better off booking a hotel room for a few months and doing their own homework regarding more permanent and long term accommodations while actually here. 

Sure, the internet seem like a wonderfully convenient and easy way to secure housing, but as you found out…it is full of nasty surprises as well.

One other word of advice…please ignore all those wonderful messages you will likely be getting over your hand phone.  Scamming tamu (which ironically means guest) is a kind of art form here in Indonesia, and it’s particularly troublesome as the scammers are often so nice and friendly.   

Finally, regarding reporting fraud to the police I disagree with your reluctance to do so.  While I can only speak of POLDA in Bali, my many years of experience has proven to me that the police can indeed be a very effective and honest way of dealing with these criminals.  This “Indonesian art form” is not something that the vast majority of Indonesians approve of, and when it’s attempted on them, justice is most often swift and decisive.  You have every right to ask and expect similar treatment for yourself from the police.

Good luck with your luck improving.

Yeah.. So far still enjoy jkt as well

Ubudian wrote:

Bella, what is actually most preferred (as Pak Fred alluded) is to deal directly with the apartment management and avoid any third parties.

The same advice applies whenever renting any real estate in Indonesia, be it an apartment in Jakarta or a private villa in Bali.

My advice on this topic is always consistent…never book a long term rental here in Indonesia on the internet, rather, wait until your boots are “on the ground” and you can go there yourself.

In addition to avoiding the pitfall you unfortunately found yourself in, there are other advantages…

-You get to personally see the unit that will be yours before handing over any money.

-You get to check out the neighborhood, (web sites always show such pretty pictures, eh?) before handing over any money.

-You get to bargain in person, cash in hand.

Anyone moving to Indonesia is far better off booking a hotel room for a few months and doing their own homework regarding more permanent and long term accommodations while actually here. 

Sure, the internet seem like a wonderfully convenient and easy way to secure housing, but as you found out…it is full of nasty surprises as well.

One other word of advice…please ignore all those wonderful messages you will likely be getting over your hand phone.  Scamming tamu (which ironically means guest) is a kind of art form here in Indonesia, and it’s particularly troublesome as the scammers are often so nice and friendly.   

Finally, regarding reporting fraud to the police I disagree with your reluctance to do so.  While I can only speak of POLDA in Bali, my many years of experience has proven to me that the police can indeed be a very effective and honest way of dealing with these criminals.  This “Indonesian art form” is not something that the vast majority of Indonesians approve of, and when it’s attempted on them, justice is most often swift and decisive.  You have every right to ask and expect similar treatment for yourself from the police.

Good luck with your luck improving.

Sur, thank You

Bm3 wrote:

Ubudian wrote:

Bella, what is actually most preferred (as Pak Fred alluded) is to deal directly with the apartment management and avoid any third parties.

These Third Parties are called "Calo" or "Makelar" in Indonesian

. Yeah... Well, there's nothing's wrong being an agent. But please being an honest and trustworthy agent.

bloody Hell!! Unbelievable!! *sigh

I only want to ask if anyone have had experience with century 21 heavans kuta bali.  are they trustworthy?

At least don't pay anything before u see the property and meet the direct owner. I never been touch with that agent before. My friend from UK was cheated last week *sigh. He never been here before, then looking for an apartement near JIS. The agent said he must pay US$5000 before meet the owner or see the apartement. But after paid, no more info till now till now.

Bella_Shu wrote:

At least don't pay anything before u see the property and meet the direct owner. I never been touch with that agent before. My friend from UK was cheated last week *sigh. He never been here before, then looking for an apartement near JIS. The agent said he must pay US$5000 before meet the owner or see the apartement. But after paid, no more info till now till now.

Wow some people really not thinking. Definitely best to use an established property agent. US$5,000 is too much to waste. Ready sad to hear he got cheated of so much money.

MikeWallace77 wrote:

Bella_Shu wrote:

At least don't pay anything before u see the property and meet the direct owner. I never been touch with that agent before. My friend from UK was cheated last week *sigh. He never been here before, then looking for an apartement near JIS. The agent said he must pay US$5000 before meet the owner or see the apartement. But after paid, no more info till now till now.

Wow some people really not thinking. Definitely best to use an established property agent. US$5,000 is too much to waste. Ready sad to hear he got cheated of so much money.

What I can say, they are dress up so nicely he said. In other side this is his first time. What u expect? Expatriate who never been here and never knew bout this country, met a guy who pretending to be nice and professional then cheating on him. Not all expat have much time to join expat forum. Lol