In Reply to: Bargaining posted by balibull on Wednesday, 24. June 2009 at 11:21 Bali Time:
I agree with balibull. I was in Bali this year and was horrified to watch the blatant scams that Japanese and European tourists suffered from touts and hotel staff. I was asked by the Balinese hotel staff in Indonesian to remain silent as I watched these rip offs occur.
I have been travelling to Bali since 1975 when $A = Rp 450 and I speak Indonesian. I always bargain politely with the locals and stick to my side of the bargain.
To earn the respect of Indonesians, it is important that fairness exist on both sides. To allow yourself to be conned, only proves to the Indonesians that you are an easy touch.