Medan Tourist Traps

Not all the taxi here have meters. You may be double sometimes triple charged for the ride. Do ask for a bluebird taxi if you need to.

Unique Suggestions: If you are going to take the tuktuk/motor taxi, offer half the price that they initially said.

Please use the blue or white taxi. It is a big car and will use meter. Don't use the yellow taxi which is smaller like Datsun and they will charge you 3 x. I was cheated by them from Jalan SM Raja to Grand Ascor Hotel about 2 km they charged me 40K rupiah. But from the hotel to the airport which is about 4 - 5 km and facing with jammed nearly fro 20 min the white taxi only charge me 45K Rupiah. Be careful, the traders along the road always try to chit tourists.

Fun Alternatives: Get local that you really know to get the correct fare.

OHMYGOSH.. this is terrible. really. they do not have the tariff that applies to all. OHMYGOSH again. each time you have to take a becak (tricyle) or a taxi, you will have to bargain til you both agree with the fair fare or else.. you will pay double (or worst.. triple) of the amount that you can negotiate. well, there are public transport but I will not suggest you take them unless you are going out with a local (s).

Lebaran or hari raya is a muslim yearly celebration and most medan folks will go for a holiday to lake toba.so if you plan to go there during this time, be prepared to pay more than usual

travelling to medan is cheap but not during lebaran..most of the hotel price are high it's hard to find a transportation unless you are willing to pay more

Unique Suggestions: book early

The money exchanger in Medan's Polonia International Airport does not open for business during holiday eves.

Unique Suggestions: It's advisable to withdraw Ruppiah from the ATM machines at the Domestic terminal of Polonia.

Fun Alternatives: Get enough Ruppiah notes before your departure for Medan from Jakarta or Singapore.