How not to get rip off in Batam

I'm going Batam tomorrow again!!

Okays, this is probably the first Batam trip of the year, but I have been to Batam 3 to 4 times last year?

I was looking through all the old information and photos and I realised something: We always get rip off by people!

So these are the things that we need to take note of:

1. Take taxis away from the touts (those hanging around the hotels - they always charge 10,000 - 20,000 rupiah extra)

2. Always try to speak in Bahasa Indonesia or Malay (They will be friendlier and not charge so much if you attempt to speak in their language)

3. Make sure that you know their pricing before you bargain with them. If you tell them you are from Singapore, prepare to be tok by them.

4. Always ask for steamed food. If you tell them you want your stuff to be fried, they will be sure to give you lousy quality stuff (especially for seafood)

5. Don't eat at fast food outlets! I know there is A&W there, but seriously, the food there sucks. Try Malaysia's one if you really want to have it. Or just have the root beer float. Malaysia branches have switched to using recycled paper cups (which are damn freaking unhygienic)

6. Some places can be walked to instead of taking a cab. Like Yong Kee Istimewa Fish Soup Restaurant.

7. Most hotels will provide shuttle service to the major shopping centres, so you don't have to get a cab.

8. If you are interested to go back to Batam, grab the return tickets from the entrance of Nagoya shopping mall. They are much cheaper than if you get it from Singapore. Nett.

9. Eska spa provides free shuttle service from hotel if requested. They also have discount coupons to Wey Wey seafood restaurant if you are going there.

10. This is not exactly a rip-off, but please play at their arcade! It's super cheap there!! =D
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