Posted by Curious George on Wednesday, 14. October 1998 at 17:11 Bali Time:
In Reply to: My Experience In Kuta posted by Mike on Wednesday, 14. October 1998 at 15:11 Bali Time:
First, Mike's tips about dark glasses is exactly right. I stumbled onto this technique simply because I was almost always wearing sunglasses and I noticed I was hardly encountering any hassles. I did a little experimenting with and sans glasses and the glasses were the key.
The biggest drag about the hawkers is that they are simply relentless, even when your only objective is to get from point A to B it's like running the gauntlet which brings me to technique 2. When you are on a pushbike you will not be asked to buy anything period. It is absolutely worth renting one (rp 10,000/day) and using it on any trip which would be longer than a few minutes walk. Also you cover the distance in much less time and there is no down side since you can ignore the one-way streets.
With regard to car rental. rp 90,000 should be a bit high. Go to P.T. Bali Travel Service right behind the Loji grocery store on Jalan Legian (across street from Peanuts Bar). Talk to Rosa (doesn't work on Sundays). Tell her Jon Dean sent you. Depending on supply and demand I would guess 60-70,000/day (Suzuki Jimny). phone (0361)751672. Ask for Rosa because she knows me and she speaks the best English and she is the most friendly. I don't bother with insurance. From what I understand there is a big deductible even if you choose it.
In general prices went up SIGNIFICANTLY for everything between May (1st visit) and September (2nd visit) as a reaction to the beating the rupiah took over the summer. The rupiah has recovered some lately so maybe inflation will slow down some.
Beware the money changers who use the magician's trick of misdirection. Once (and only once) After everything had been counted (several times) a guy started holding my $100 up to the light, rubbing it on the wall, sniffing it, etc. I actually followed his actions with my eyes and somewhere in there a few bills disappeared from my stack of Rp. Live and learn.
Now I count out (for example) 10 x 20,000rp notes and fold the 10th one around the other 9 making a little package. Now no bills can be swiped unless they all are and that is easy to notice. It also allows for a quick final count. I even put my little "packages" under an ashtray or whatever is available as an extra deterrent. I count and package the money very clearly so the money changer doesn't need to touch them again. You will not insult them when you do this. In fact some seemed to look at me with some admiration for understanding the game.
Finally, petrol (gas for us Yanks) is rp1000/liter or less than 40 cents/gallon. Almost an insignificant cost.