In Reply to: Cost of living for locals posted by Pugs on Monday, 9. May 2011 at 20:21 Bali Time:
Sorry but .......these are not the actual facts re so many Indonesians [carefull about just accusing Balanese and generally those from Java apply].
As an employer of 17 staff the general facts as discribed by most are corect, they average 2 mill a month with salary, service and tips but also have a lot of time off for ceromonies and sick.
But lets now think of the thieving ones [actual money in pocket].......
Airport porters ......200.000 to carry a suitcase, do that 2 times a day at least and ......
Police catching foreigners at least 1.000.000 a day
Customs police ......alcohol etc. at least 500.0000 a day
Taxi drivers without meters can make well above the figures mentioned .....well over 700.000 a day
Taxi drivers with altered meters compared to BlueBird also make a fortune....well over 400.000 a day
Beggers [rent a baby] working for the mafia [most] make well above the standard weeks wage in 1 day
Hotel, bar and restaurant staff can make a lot of money if they play the game with tips and return customers with there hard luck stories
Money changers can make well over 2.000.000 a day stealing .....
Beach massage compared to salons can make over 300.000 a day, thats why they do it .... they are not stupid
and the list goes on
Those that live hear will attest to the above having been witness to so many foreigners that have been caught.
Point being ....they all apreciate your generosity and a very large proportion certainly deserve it ....please choose those that do and don't fall for the well known hard luck stories or outrite theft so many use