In Reply to: TAXI PRICES posted by Nannbali on Monday, 3. July 2006 at 10:30 Bali Time:
Over the past quiet time the taxi drivers have not been making a living wage nor anywhere near. Many have sent their wives and children back to their village because they literally can't put food on the table in Kuta/Denpasar. I have also spoken to a few who are close to having to give up and return to their village because they are not earning enough to feed themselves and in the village at least their family has rice and vegetables that they grow.
So.....whilst I agree that tricks to get more out of a tourist by going the long way etc. etc. are not good, I can understand the implulse to do this. Before I get outraged at this kind of thing I must ask myself what I would do if I couldn't feed or afford medical help for my child or grandchild? I'm pretty sure I'd steal or loot or do whatever it took.
Now about the small change... Sometimes, of course, it's a ruse to get more but sometimes maybe the benefit of the doubt can be given because if you haven't taken any money today and had one fare yesterday and two the day before then you've paid your lease and petrol and eaten that night,from where then does the money for a float come?
I guess what I'm saying is try and have Rp.20000 or Rp30000 available for short trips and round the fare up. When you get in the cab act like you know your way about and ask to go "direct" with a knowing smile. Just don't expect them to have change for Rp.100000 for a longer trip or Rp50000 for a shorter trip. It just isn't going to happen as a rule. I find it best to just keep a sense of humour!!!!
As I've said before I used to be a taxi driver so depending on your point of view I am either biased about, or sympathetic to their plight.