In Reply to: 1st time in Bali for The Lush! posted by 1st_time_in_Bali on Monday, 29. August 2005 at 11:52 Bali Time:
Just remember that any "duty" you are asked to pay will be going into the pocket of the customs officer. Whatever he may ask for, don't just pay it. Keep smiling and light-hearted about it and say that it's ONLY cheap wine and you're ONLY going to drink it yourself and his asking price may drop. If he does suggest a lower price, then offer lower still, just as if you were negotiating for a sarong.
Some years ago, I took in a suitcase full of wine. The customs officer was very friendly and welcoming, then asked me for AU$200. I went through the "but it's ONLY" thing and he dropped to $100. I offered him $20 and we settled on $50. A very fair deal for me and a great bonus for him. As they say in Bali, "Good for you, good for me".
We had clothes made at Janoko in Poppies 2 and shoes at Dolphin Leather in Jl Sahadewa [near Jl Melasti].