Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[spitfire]

I have been very busy lately and forgot my wallet this morning. I borrowed USD 100 (he didn't have smaller notes) from a friend so I could at least do some groceries and buy a bottle of wine on the way home for our Indonesian friend that came for dinner tonight.

I went into a random money exchanger and got ripped off! I am sooo stupid I could hit myself!! I didn't go for the best rate, just needed Rups. They offered 9625.

I recounted the all the Rp 20.000 bills worth Rp. 900.000 when they were laid down, ok. Then he asked for change on a 20.000 note for the remaining part.... But that of course should have been another 3 notes of Rp. 20.000 insteadt of Rp. 6.125. Ergo, ripped off for about Rp. 60.000.

In one sense I can let it go, because you know this is what happens and the loss will not kill me. But it bothers me VERY much because of the principles! I feel stupid yes, it's my fault you can say, but it wasn't me who did something wrong! And if I let it go, it will happen and happen and happen again... Can we change that or should we bother to change that?

Well, sharing this already unloads me enough to sleep and enjoy my long weekend.

[BaliLife]

all in all 60,000 rups aint too bad.. But yeh, know the feeling.. It's the principle..

Ct

[widder]

last time I was on holidays a money changer tried to rip me off with a couple of re-count tricks, and when that didn't work he tried to charge me commission. I was so p.....d off, I just asked for my money back, after I got it, I threatend him with the police, and would you believe it, his "money changer" sign disappeared. I must admit, I was a little scared afterwards, since the hotel I was staying at, was opposite the guys shop. On the other hand I felt really pleased with myself, because I stood up to that b.......d. sometimes you get a win

[bolli]

It's not a matter of getting even, and it's too late now for you to do anything, but most dishonest money changers, when challenged will just give the original amount back rather than have the authorities involved.

[InAdelaide]

I think you should go back and thank the guy for ripping you off for 60,000rp.

Small money ......and when you are doing a much bigger deal in the future...it might be for land or a car or whatever.....from Bule or Indonesian....Many people believe if you are stupid enough to be ripped off... then they will rip you off......

....Being trusting is not being stupid , but being trusting in bali is hard to do....

[Sanurian]

Sounds like a good project for the Bali Tourist Police...

After all, they might be able to do something.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

It's not about 'revenge' - it's about trying to shut down shonky operators so it doesn't happen to someone else.
(I just smacked myself in the head for saying that.)

One day - but it won't be anytime soon.
Hope I'm wrong...

[Jimbo]

9625 seems a very high rate. Just checking if this is normal?

[spitfire]

It's high yes, but the Rupiah has devaluated a lot againts the euro and USD over the last weeks.

[patatje]

I had (about 9 years ago, first time in Bali) a similar experience in a wartel (Sanur) where I did an international call. After my call they charged me a lot of extra's even though the rates were published on the wall behind them. I refused to pay all the extra's and asked for the ticket. I just paid what I had to pay and left. A few minutes later I saw that I was being followed by 3 guys, trying to follow me unseen. I got a little scared and looked for people to accompany me to my guesthouse.
For me, they can try but I find that they have to admit when you find out their attempt to rip you off. In most cases they (and myself) can laugh about it. Same with bargaining.