Thread: The Bali Minefield

Ever since years ago my maid first suggested she make my household purchases including beer at the local toko I have tried to take precautions to take advantage of the "Bali price". And, yes my maid took a small commission, but it was less than what I would otherwise have paid had I made the purchases personally.
It is a bit like walking through a minefield to avoid always being the sucker and paying more than the locals. The super markets work this deal by consistently charging more for products destined for purchase for foreigners, and I am not just alluding to imported items. Just take your shopping list and check it out.
Recently I stepped on my latest mine by innocently completing an application for a routine medical procedure at a Denpasar Hospital. Without going into great detail, I learned that there is a distinction made in the charges paid by foreigners holding different types of visas. The tip is always be a Kitas holder to get a lower charge. No document need be produced. This is a hospital conspicuously advertising their services to the expat community. I will happily be more specific in personal email.
It is often damned hard to not become a cynic despite loving this place so.

I have had various hospitals come to me with a printed sheet showing my commission if I take a sick tourist to their hospital.
These are on a sliding scale with locals being the lowest "reward". Next up the ladder is local tourists, this heads up the scale with Japanese tourists at the head. A bus or a hotel full of ailing Japanese tourists returns damn good money.

Originally Posted by bunny

Speaking a (basic) conversational level of Bahasa makes a world of difference with everyday purchases and life in general. I could not contemplate spending time here with out at least a basic understanding of the language. Even without Kitas, with basic language skills local prices will be the norm in most circumstances.

Or better yet speaking Bahasa with a sack over your head.

A sack over ones head ? maybe cosmetic surgery to remove the letters ATM that I have tattooed on my forehead might be a better option, The letters ATM must be in invisible tattoo ink that only people living in Bali can see.......?

How true all of the above!

My experience of a medical rip off was seeing the ambulance driver hand over 100.000 for my x-ray which i had to pay 350.000 for.

I have since become very wise to all of this and on my recent visit for my annual blood tests I went to Quantum medical centre in Denpasar...showed them my Kitas....paid a very fair price of 450.000...very nice place very nice people....same blood tests last year without kitas at my local medical centre and not as thorough?...820.000....I know where i shall be going for any medical attention!

Originally Posted by Markit

Bring the bus to eat at my house - the wife does a nice Salmonella special - I'll split it with you 50/50.

Does this come with a side dish of staphylococcus?

Originally Posted by Tamispecial

How true all of the above!

My experience of a medical rip off was seeing the ambulance driver hand over 100.000 for my x-ray which i had to pay 350.000 for.

I have since become very wise to all of this and on my recent visit for my annual blood tests I went to Quantum medical centre in Denpasar...showed them my Kitas....paid a very fair price of 450.000...very nice place very nice people....same blood tests last year without kitas at my local medical centre and not as thorough?...820.000....I know where i shall be going for any medical attention!

I was quoted 190.000 for a cholesterol blood test by Kasih Ibu.over the phone with no questions about my visa. At the payment counter the charge was 420.000 due to my admitting to a business visa on the application rather than a kitas. And the games go on!