Quote:
Originally Posted by SEAJ
1)
I had to think twice before posting the following reply to you as I’ve had a lot of grief in the past for “exposing” the practices of the scammers and undeclared agents etc.
|
Well said.
On my first visits to Batam, as in some other places in the world, several times I noticed friendly people popping out from nowhere, always offering me to share a beer, or to accompany me, etc. Most of the times, they just want to bring the newbie to a place for chopping and earning some commission. I always deflected offers by smiling and playing naif (my advice: never start open confrontation with anyone)
Batam is a very safe place and 99% of people is wonderful nice, but scammers can be nasty. Just use your common good sense. If you feel you cannot explore Batam on your own without the safeguard of a taxi driver hired in Harbour Bay, better stay in Singapore and wait to have some more experience in travelling. Show you feel lost, and all sharks will approach.