Each day's news bring us confirming evidence that the U.S. dollar continues to gain strength against many of Asia's currencies. And yet I do not see the prices charged by tour companies coming down. Surely, their costs (in dollar terms) have plummeted in places like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, or Korea. Their costs for lodging, local transportation, salaries, food, etc. have dropped enormously during the past 18 months. Are we being gouged by these tour operators? If you have a defense, let's hear it.

The way to beat it is to book directly with the hotels in the far east. It you call direct you can get a ocean view suite at the Four Seasons in Bali at a special package rate of $147 including breakfast and taxes. The least expensive room without tax, booking in the US, is about $187. An ocean view suite is over $400 booked in the US. <BR>Recently in Fiji last May, the rooms I checked into in Nadi for about 30% less than the rates quoted by tour companies or hotel representatives in the US. When currencies dive as they have in some countries in the far east you are foolish to prepay anything that is not absolutely necessary.

After several experiences we concluded there is serious discrimination/differences between charges for locals and N. Americans. We are charged double or triple the cost for locals. Check fares, fees, etc. with local agents in local currencies but keep asking if they can 'do better' or tell them you are comparing the costs to permit a decision.

Simple rule of thumb is to negotiate direct where ever possible, limited the amount of pre-pay as the Asian economies are going to get worse before they get better, forget about thinking that operators are discriminating against americans they are not it is the same for all tourists, yes in many cases locals may pay less - don't begrudge them that as there incomes in many cases have been reduced by upto 75% with the currency crisis, think about it in terms of whether you believe you are getting value for your money and enjoy your trip.

AMERICANS aren't being gouged -- STUPIDS are. Touts in Bali (as in most places) are equal-opportunity gougers, and don't discriminate by nationality.What's more, there are probably fewer gougers in Bali than almost anywhere else. <BR> <BR>Keep your wits about you, and bargain hard for everything. But also remember to keep smiling, be polite and speak softly. Balinese are the warmest people I've ever seen, and you will likely get bigger discounts for charm than for any bargaining skill.