In Reply to: $$$ posted by Suzi on Sunday, 4. April 1999 at 16:05 Bali Time:
I think good points are made by all on the issue concerning tipping. I have to admit to being a little self-centered on this one. That is, not for a moment did I even think about anyone else being adversely affected by my inadvertent generousity (mistakenly tipping too much), let alone the socio-economic ramifications. The original question I think was "how much should I tip?" I think $1 USD = approx 8,500 IDR. Is 8,500 IDR too much to give the guy who takes your baggage from the lobby to your room? How about the waitress that pours your coffee? The guy that drives you from the village to your hotel not far away? Is 8,500 too much for simple services? Is half that amount more appropriate? No tip...sometimes? If I don't tip for these services at home, either the person was rude or I am being an ass-hole. Is there some kind of stanard? I don't want to come back feeling guilty.