Banking

Allegedly, Indonesia is wrought with fraud. Whether it be through the internet, identity theft or bank fraud. That being said, banking is a pain in the ass. However, I am sure it is not only in Indonesia.

Joint accounts don't exist here. Marni and I having all our money go into one account, while convenient for our banking at home, is not so wonderful here. The bank will only give us one bank card. Great if we are both in the same place.

Can you use a credit card? Only if it from and Indonesian bank. Can I use my debit card? Only if it is issued by a certain bank (never my bank). Many businesses will have three or more debit machines and depending on the card type, they need to pull out the phone line and try again.

Marni and I are trying to book flights to China. Great! China Southern airlines flies directly from Jakarta to Nanjing. We check the website- good price. Except you cannot actually book the flights online. Why? Their website only has limited seats.

So, we phone the airline and I am put on hold for an indefinite amount of time once they realize I speak only english. So, we phone again and hooray, we get service in english (after pressing 2). Then, we get the quote. More expensive then the website. Why? Because we waited a day. So, you cannot book on the website, but when you phone the next day you pay more. Great way to make a profit. Anyway, halfway through the phone call (on skype) the internet goes down. So, no actual tickets, yet.

Another wonderful thing that often happens is that even if you are lucky enough to get tickets for any airline online, they tell you that they cannot process a credit card that is not from Indonesia. Even more fun. Can I get a credit card? Yes, but not from the bank that I am required by NJIS to use.

But, if I am able to use a Canadian credit card I need to pay in person at there office.....in south Jakarta. Basically, our office is in Red Deer, please come down and pay it. But, it is time sensitive, as well. You have 1 hour. Not bad if you actually live in Red Deer.

Three days later, the tickets are getting more expensive. My blood pressure is increasing with every Yen, too.

So, I phone Garuda Airlines that also flies with China Southerm. I am told that if I go to the local branch I will be able to book flights there. Wonderful! I jump on an ojek, drive around the block and go to the Garuda office. When I ask the attendent if I can book a ticket on China Southern he points to the large letters behind him and says "Meester, this is Garuda." After not choking him I explain that I was told they could help me. So, he gave me the phone number to China Southern (which I already had).

Well, to make it short. We did get the tickets. We had to go to a local travel agent. The tickets were not too expensive. So, we are off to China on the 24th.