Posted by Lynne on Saturday, 13. February 1999 at 00:52 Bali Time:
Just a reminder for those of you who don't research the archives. When you get off the plane in Bali, you will be greeted by a rush
of young men who grab your bags and/or airport carts. They expect
to be paid for this, even though they only pack your bags a few
yards. Carry your own bags if you don't want to have to argue with
them about money. My friends offered the porters $1 US which is about
7500 rupiah and they scoffed at it, wanting more. The same goes for
temple guides, they are persistent, and if you don't agree on a price
in advance, or insist you do not want a guide, they demand exhorbitant
prices for their services. Also, at the airport, all the money changers will be calling out to you. Just use your ATM to grab some
cash to tide you over if you need it. Don't tip the Balinese in
foreign coins, they are useless to them. We gave our maid a toonie,
Canadian two dollars, and were told that they could not get anything
for coins from the money changers.
Don't get me wrong here. I love Bali and its people. We spent a lot
of money there on shopping and tipping, but I prefer to spend my
money on honest people and not extortionists.