(translation: “”Can better price?”)

That is one additonal phrase that any visitor to Bali should know, besides the usual thank you (terima kasih), numbers one to 10 (satu ke sepuluh), how are you (apa khabar), and harga berapa (price how much).

“Bisa kurang” is a useful phrase to wield when shopping in Bali, especially at the pasars (markets) and some shops. It is a taken that you have to bargain when shopping at the market: the locals expect it, and it is a way of life here as well as in most Asian countries.

But unlike Singapore, you will discover that in many of the one-storey shops one-storey shops lining the roads of Bali, there are no price tags on goods. This is usually an indication that the price is quoted based on the currency owned by the person shopping. One of the first questions the shopkeeper will ask when you enter is “Where are you from?”

The most expensive price is reserved for the Japanese, which I have been mistaken for many times, while Europeans and Australians are quoted a slightly lesser amount. The going rate for Singaporeans is about 30 per-cent more than what the Malaysians, Indonesians and long-time Bali expatriate residents are quoted, which is already 10 to 20 per-cent more than what the locals will pay.
Note: These are approximate estimates.

Of course, being able to speak the language helps in securing a lower price or better bargain: “I pay Rp80,000 (approx. €5.35/ S$10.70) for bag but I get this scarf free, okay?”

It is better still if you prove to be a savvy shopper: “I just asked at another shop at the other side and they asked only Rp20,000 (approx. €5.35/ S$2.70) for this shirt but you ask for Rp30,000?”

For untrained shoppers, it may seem silly to be haggling over a difference of Rp5,000 (approx. €0.35/ S$0.70) or Rp10,000 (approx. €0.65/ S$1.35). For those of us who are used to life here, we know that the scarf you paid Rp90,000 (approx. €6/ S$12) for costs less than Rp5,000 per piece, especially when they buy in bulk to sell. Thus, the seller still makes a huge profit even if you bring the price down by Rp5,000.

In all honesty, the fun in bargaining is the process itself. The shopkeepers delight in this game of ‘I know how you think’ as it keeps their thought processes working. Many times, once the right price is struck, they feel happy at having made a good deal out of a sale and more than anything else, their wide smiles are a sight to look on.

Have I been effective in passing off as an Indonesian living in Bali? On first glance, everyone speaks to me in either Japanese or English. Then when I reply in Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesia langauge), everyone thinks I am from Sulawesi or Java and start rattling off in Bahasa Indonesia.

I have to confess that my understanding of the language is much better than my speech abilities, so most times I have to quickly think on my feet to formulate an answer that passes off as authentic Bahasa Indonesia!

However, this charade has helped in securing slightly better deals when I go shopping.

Take for example the time when I went shopping for sarongs at the pasar in Ubud. The opening offer was Rp170,000 (approx. €11.40/ S$22.70) for a traditional print sarong, and Rp120,000 (approx. €8/ S$16) for a block colour sarong with a little embroidery detail.

After exclaiming “Mahal!” (expensive) and asking “Bisa kurang?” after saying “Satu motif aku mau beli dua biji.” (each pattern I want to buy two pieces), Ibu asked the defining question: “Ibu dari mana?” (Where are you from?) My answer of Java brought the prices down to Rp30,000 (approx. €2/ S$4) for the former and Rp45,000 (approx. €3/ S$6) for two pieces of the latter. Of course I made the purchase!

At a shop selling copy DVD movies, the worker could not reduce the price of Rp15,000 (approx. €1/ S$2) per piece but could offer me two free pieces for every five purchased. That works out to Rp150,000 (approx. €10/ S$20) for 14 pieces or about Rp10,715 (approx. €0.72/ S$1.45) per piece.

I did not make the purchase in the end because I could get 12 pieces for Rp100,000 approx. €6.70/ S$13.35) at shops in Legian, Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Denpasar and Sanur. This works out to about Rp8,335 (approx. €0.55/ S$1.10) each. Even adding the cost of bensin (fuel) at Rp4,800 (approx. €0.32/ S$0.64) per litre for travelling elsewhere to buy the DVDs, it would still be more economical to buy them elsewhere outside of Ubud.

And in case you are wondering, DVD movies, television drama series (Monk, Lost, Heroes etc.) and music albums are more easily available than the original ones here in Bali. Go figure!

Even if you cannot pass off as a Balinese or Indonesian, try to at least speak the language so that you can engage in some banter with the local shopkeepers. They always appreciate it when others try to learn their language and engage them using Bahasa Indonesia.