Posted by jc on Tuesday, 2. February 1999 at 19:18 Bali Time:
In Reply to: some questions and an experience posted by Vikki on Tuesday, 2. February 1999 at 08:13 Bali Time:
Dear Vikki,
In answer to:
1. I used my mobile in Ubud for phoning and receiving calls to/from Australia. Reception was perfect. Like one of the follow-ups mentioned, you do need to get international access on your mobe.
2/3. Costs were extremely expensive, ie A$3+/minute to make a call and something like A$2+/minute to receive, as those phoning from Oz pay cost within Oz - your mobe a/c is charged for THEIR call from Oz to Indonesia. I also did "call-collect" from various Wartel's and this is also an expensive call. Calling and paying from a Wartel seems to vary from Wartel to Wartel and can still be expensive. Since I've been back home I spoke to Telstra, and found another 2 options are preferable. A telecard, which you can dial any number from o/seas to Oz and the cost is put on your home account and the international homelink where you can make calls from o/seas to your home number also for zilch! (except when you come back home and face the bill). The Homelink is from around A$1.12/min and the Telecard is even cheaper. A mobe is probably good for emergency use only!
4. A good and fair gauge of taxi costs would be pricing from the airport taxi window. From airport to Kuta was around Rp13,000, from airport to Legian was around Rp16,500, airport to Ubud was Rp60,000. As in one of the replies the shuttle buses vary from Ubud to Kuta/airport Rp10,000 - Rp15,000. (takes a lot longer though!). You will still pay around Rp55,000 - 60,000 to go by taxi to Ubud from Kuta.
5. Sorry about your massage! I haven't heard of any cases like that but then again, there's one in every crowd! Did you read the posting on the forum from "Another Just Back" - DD posted Thursday 28.1.99. (Search the archives) DD talks of a "Milano's Salon" (not the same one I'm sure!!????)
Hope this helps, any more queries e-mail me.