In Reply to: YES_ Definitely charges 250,000Rp- posted by Island Of The Gods on Saturday, 24. February 2007 at 20:03 Bali Time:
wasn't going to weigh in, but seeing as others have...
If you think that your driver hasn't ever taken a commission you are seriously deluded.
And there is nothing wrong with drivers getting commission, as long as they don't take you to places that you don't want to go just so they get commission, and as long as they look after you as to prices.
The major income for any driver is commission. I know the going rate, and I know how they arrange and collect it. You will not ever know that it has been arranged or see money change hands. The only reason I know this is because my Indonesian husband once worked as a driver.
Taking commissions doesn't mean that your driver can't make sure you get the best price. If he is smart he will make sure you are looked after and he gets return business and referals. Even though he is getting commission he will happily take commission on a lesser amount and make sure you are not ripped off, if he is good at his business.
In the case of this fellow, if he is charging Rp250,000 including petrol then it is guaranteed he is getting commission.