Thanks for the offer. That is what FT is all about. Unfortunately I will not be in DPS, but actually have a method of getting cash to you with a FT friend who is heading to Denpasar after Singapore if it comes to that. For now I'll wait and continue other options.

Re: Garuda fare - Yes on-line, I am able to find less expensive options, but since the web-site refuses my US-issued cards and they have a toll-free number, I called it. Where else but India would one find the call center, certainly not in Jakarta or even Banda Aceh. Large unemployment in parts of Indonesia but Garuda in its quest to squeeze out the last rupiah outsources to India. India call center obviously knows that the call is coming in on the U.S. toll free number so apparently in Garuda's quest for cash flow, they quote fares in U.S. dollars. First go around (two different calls on two different days got the $240 fare. When pressed on the second call he came down to $170. "No, we do not quote fares in rupiah!", said he.

Interestingly, in my successful bookings with MH and PR using their toll-free numbers they actually gave me the internet price and in the case of PR one that was actually 900 pesos less. MH just annotated the PNR and had me call when the U.S. call center was open. They converted to ringat at the current rate.