Is Medan Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Medan, the capital of Northern Sumatra, is located in the northern part of Sumatra.

Medan is Indonesia’s fourth-largest city after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. With a population of about 2 million people, it is the largest city outside Java.

The city is full of contrasts – from old green areas in the Dutch style, with lawns and European houses to hundreds of new homes and lovely shops.

Many tourists use Medan as a quick way to travel to other places in Sumatra.

However, the city deserves attention.

Medan has many charming Dutch-Colonial Art Deco buildings, such as the Old Town Hall, Post Office, Grand Mosque, and many business buildings in and around Ahmad Yani.

Some of them are in terrible shape, but most of them retain their former splendor.

Warnings & Dangers in Medan

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The city is not too safe. The crime rate is medium, and incidents often happen with both locals and tourists. If you travel to Medan, you should take care of additional safety measures and always watch out for your belongings.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not safe and is not recommended for use by tourists. In the city, it is better to travel by car or taxi. Taxi is secure if you call from the application or take a licensed service. Make sure the taxi driver has turned on the taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many pickpockets. They can operate in tourist places and markets/shops. Be very careful, especially if you are distracted on the street. Often scammers work in pairs. Do not carry original documents and large amounts of cash. Do not shine with expensive jewelry.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The most frequent disaster in Medan City is a flood, which occurred almost every year over the last ten years. Climate change has caused increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall in North Sumatra in recent years. It triggers the occurrence of floods.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Unfortunately, armed robberies are quite common. Tourists often become their victims. You should be especially careful when traveling to Medan. It is better not to appear on the streets late at night and not to go alone.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Terrorist groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Types of attacks have included suicide bombings and small-arms fire, targeting public and crowded places.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The primary fraud in Bandung is associated with overpricing for tourists. Usually, white people of western appearance are immediately regarded as tourists and can offer you things and souvenirs at a price that exceeds the present time by 10. Also, fraud with the cost of a taxi ride is possible. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women are not advised to travel alone to Medan. Most likely, it will not be safe. If you are traveling solo, then take increased security measures. Do not go outside after sunset; only move by taxi.

So... How Safe Is Medan Really?

The crime rate in Medan is average.

In recent years, crimes have become noticeably more.

They are mainly associated with housebreaking and theft, carjacking, and vandalism.

There are minor problems with drug trafficking, as well as a high level of corruption.

You can usually walk around the city calmly, but, as elsewhere, you need to be careful, especially if you walk alone.

Sometimes thieves grab your bags and things right from your hands at intersections when riding motorbikes.

Try to stay away from intersections.

Be careful in alleys or in parking lots that seem dark and deserted; petty thieves with knives or firearms can rob you.

Do not walk alone at night.

Do not store valuables in your bag, anything that you really cannot lose.

You must be aware when you’re walking along the street, whether it’s on day or night.

Do not wear a “luxury” style outfit as it will drag anyone’s attention.

If you have an incident, contact the police immediately.

Although it does not work quickly enough, they respond to attacks on tourists quite quickly.

How Does Medan Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to Indonesia must obtain a visa from one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months as well as a valid return ticket.

Currency

The rupiah is the official currency of Indonesia. Issued and controlled by Bank Indonesia. It has sign Rp. The rupiah is divided into 100 sen, although inflation has rendered all coins and banknotes denominated in sen obsolete.

Weather

The best times to visit Medan for ideal weather are June to August. Average temperatures in Medan vary barely at all, and the weather feels hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year.

Airports

Kualanamu International Airport is an international airport serving Medan, Indonesia. It is located in Deli Serdang regency, 23 km east of downtown Medan. Kualanamu is the third largest airport and the fifth busiest airport in Indonesia.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Medan Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Indonesia - Safety by City