visitors Unseasoned in Bali, relieved that they have traded any security fickle Customs and immigration Ngurah Rai suddenly be hit by the cacophony that is Indonesia.
Still inside the terminal, they must pass a wall screaming changers rate. These are almost the same and always lower than the rates outside, especially around Jalan Legian, Kuta shop, bar and massage band. Here, rates swing so wildly, smart travelers should go on red alert: how the Australian dollar may be useful Rp.9,700 at the airport, anything of Rp.9,999 to Rp.10,499 in Kuta, while banks websites cited less
in a traditional bank for the sale of 20 Australian impeccable polymer $ 50 note could give Rp.9,900,000. Not enough for the greedy. Two doors down blackboards spruik Rp.599 higher rates. An additional half million in Bali goes a long way. About 20 beers -. Or an equal number of plates nasi goreng
The Indonesian banks have security guards with batons, cashiers should be models parades and comfortable seating to soften skills the company gouging customers. (Unbelievers should check how much they will pay to buy back their dollars.)
So, let's do the "right thing" and give companies the little guys who are fighting in the streets. Intent fine - but flashes above every smile and charming Om swastiastu greeting should be the ancient wisdom carved in granite: caveat emptor buyer beware
.The scams work like this: Rates are annoyingly good and often end with an odd number, like 99 or 87. Let's say you just Rp.10,397. The friendly agent puts your thousand dollars on his desk, which was wet with coffee stains and fag ash dusted. So, your notes should be moved several times.
The figures are stabbed on a calculator. All agree - Rp.10,397,000. For beginners in the Republic this is a surprisingly large amount. Jokes about being a multi-millionaire are made. Everybody laughs. - A little too much enthusiasm
A nice young man saunters up. "Where do you come" Even if you answer "North of Siberia", the answer will be the same, "So, you know my friend, John" A mother with a breastfed baby wants to touch your skin white D. others come to hand.
Meanwhile storyteller apologizes for so many dirty old notes and these small cuts. "You know how it is Pak, many small businesses." A wink sympathetic eye and a few words.
so the 20, ten, five, two and 1,000 rupiah balanced mix while abroad trying to keep track.
Notes with a value nominal Rp.2,000 look like Rp.20,000 confusion. How to spot a fake? "No, no, all good." The tropical sun while whipping below.
"Aduh! There was an error, sorry, we'll have to count the pile again. "The baby starts to cry.
The continuous sales pitch." What is your job? Like Bali? Beautiful batik - how much you pay "
The discussion was polite and serious ?; it would be wrong not to take the questioner This requires a temporary withdrawal of the transaction
suspects aliens.. looking for a trice, a quick sleight of notes into large sleeves will be disappointed. Rio flights Knifepoint style are not the way we do things here.
hawkers Kuta require no such rude systems they rely on you, the confused novice, allowing you to be scammed
"please check.. OK of ? "So many zeros, is a ten or 100,000 Other people come into the shop a nearby mosque turned his speakers Everyone speaks in a language you do not understand;?.. Someone one he said "sucker"?
standing alone, straightening notes crinkled, fingering the filth, fearing germs. Try to remember that the battery seemed to have a shortfall of Rp.17,000, saying how much you love Indonesians - all of a sudden, it's too much and time to trust is really a beautiful family
"Madam would like an envelope..? Please note, there are many thieves in Kuta. Thank you for coming to our shop. Have a nice day. "Everybody shakes hands.
Only back to the hotel with more than 400 notes on up the bedspread did you realize you've been cheated. Where's the reception? Where was the office ? exchange Gang (track) six - or was it nine the left of the aisle No, the law Even if the steps are retraced dealers will be absent and nobody will remember?. you. "another shop, lady. Not here "
Do not expect sympathy. - Hotel staff smug tell you that you should have used them safely Service -. Even if it proposes that the dollar Rp.9,000 Police involves you are stupid for not going to a bank or an authorized exchange office gives recipes with a low rate. consumer protection? another joke, right?
not a happy hour, but you learned the penalty for avarice There are chances that you have lost a few hundred thousand, and what you're left with was probably a bit like the hotel rate after all -.. you came to Bali to experience something different
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