In Reply to: I agree with u charliebear posted by Nattsy on Monday, 18. June 2012 at 14:46 Bali Time:
I agree with you they are the biggest con artists out and a fool and his money are soon parted. I know at times, I havnt been vigilant s and have paid too much and been ripped off, but I soon learnt and thanks to this forum I have learnt quicker than without the wealth of knowledge which is shared in here.
Last month upon arriving at the airport, the friendly porter assisted us with our baggage and we has some and he did a good job. I had learnt from this Forum that 10,000 was suffient payment. As we walked a longer way than last trip and he lifted our bags on and off the scanner and took us straight to checkin, I handed him 20,000. He had the cheek to tell me that I should pay him 50,000. I looked him in the eye and said no 20,000 is plenty, to which he disappeared on his way to the next customer.
On this trip I did notice that the locals were a lot cheekier and asking for more rather than on previous trips when they were happy with what ever you gave them. I think CBB is making a valid point that perhaps we are easy targets and are giving too much to the "rich" paupers and thank you for providing your invaluable insight. Your post really got me thinking especially after I saw a really poor looking woman (I felt so sorry for her) late in the day, sitting on the ground. She was counting a fist full of money and had lots of red ones in there. I was dumb founded and instantly didnt feel so sorry for her anymore. My mind went into overdrive, was this her daily taking, or was this all her savings and all the money she had in the world. After reading CBB posting, I am thinking this may have been her daily taking.
Thank you for sharing this story and I am glad your Aunty and Uncle were the wise ones and didnt waste their hard earned money !