In Reply to: GIFT FOR DRIVER ? posted by marklyn on Thursday, 1. December 2005 at 19:32 Bali Time:
I personally think you need to know somebody really well before you give large ammounts of money. If you do decide to give money it should be in an envolope for etiquette's sake.
This is one of the problems with giving large sums of cash. Gambling is a huge problem in Bali, well accross Indonesia really, usually a men's problem. I'm not being sexist here just trying to tell it how it sometimes is. You can sort of understand it. They think, one win just one win and my families problems will be solved. Well there is really only one overall winner with gambling isn't there? I have also been told if you are going to give money better to give it to the wife or mother in law, whatever. Also, again unless you have known somebody for a long time, if you want to pay for schooling, however uncomfortable you may feel, it is better to pay the school fees to the school and buy the uniform etc.
I'm not saying this is true in all cases but many people know somebody who has been disapointed to find money gone and not on what it was meant for.
Yes I agree with another poster, food is always good, and household appliances, kids bikes etc. Depending on your budget.
I hope this is not and unpopular opinion!!!!