Posted by jc on Wednesday, 10. February 1999 at 18:21 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Bali communication posted by Svein on Wednesday, 10. February 1999 at 07:31 Bali Time:
My problem was similar, although you may find your mail doesn't reach there at all! I've sent so many parcels & letters over the past 5 months and only one got to them. I got their mail posted to me, although each time it had been opened and re-sealed! Very frustrating. Mail from Bali to Oz on average took 10 days, the one letter they received from me took 2 weeks. I've been through the frustration side and now we have come up with our solution. My friend considered sending via e-mail, but the thought of typing for an hour didn't appeal. Through a neighbourhood business we send faxes to each other and I have a 'home-link' to my phone where they can phone me for no charge (not call-collect, as that's very expensive). It's not too expensive to send and receive faxes at most Wartel's, that could be a good option for you.
I asked them to set up a bank account with a reputable bank and I deposit some money every now and then. But these transfers cost about A$25 each time and takes about 5 days to reach them. Some people may have mixed feelings about this sort of help/sponsoring but when we sit in our comfortable houses with our luxuries that is so insignificant when you come to know and love Bali, it's hard not to help friends who have put you up, showed you around, welcomed you, loved you and unconditionally put themselves out for you, SO WHY NOT!! My friend has just moved to a new house he's renting, it's quite small he says, but the rental is cheaper than where he was - it has no floor to it, so he's busy trying to find a carpenter to put a floor in - I'm glad I can help!!
jc