God I need to wise up !!! I am just such a babe in the woods and I must make such an easy mark. I went off to get my Nepal visa extension this morning. Found the Dept of Immigration, walked in and a guy asked if I was getting an extension and handed me the form. There was a little room in front of the counter, so I duly sat down and starting filling out the form. As I was completing it, he came in, checked the form and took my passport and asked for 9000nrp. The extension needed a passport photo, which I didnt realise, but there is a place just outside the offices that take photo's, so he showed me to the photo place. There was also a little tea place next door and he said have 'chai' while waiting as it would take an hour. As I was sitting there I'm starting to get the feeling that something isn't right and then thought about the web site which I'm sure said $30US per month. I asked about the cost and was told it was extra for a 'service fee' as I was getting 2 months extension and usually they only give 1 month. Still not feeling happy I got up and walked back into the Immigration Office. This time I saw the sign with the prices, etc as they had conveniently sidetracked me from this the first time. I thought he worked for the Dept, so I asked him and he said come outside and talk. This time I wouldn't budge and said no, I stay here and talk. Turns out that no, he didn't work there. I asked for my money back and very sheepishly it was returned along with the real receipt for 4500nrp and the receipt for my passport. I went up to the counter with the receipt and explained what happened. Next thing I was ushered into the office, apologies abounded and passport was returned with a 60 day visa 'just for me' even though they usually of give 30 days extension at a time. It's fairly obvious that this whole scam is 'unofficially sanctioned' and I'm sure I'll see the funny side of this soon, but I am just so tired of being taken for a ride. Do I lose my basic trust in people and approach everyone with suspicion or do I keep being a target ?? I'm suppose there is a middle road, but I'm just so pissed off with myself at the moment and not thinking clearly. I don't want to be someone that has to double and triple check everything and not trust anyone, but on the other hand I've got to start being more aware of what's going on. Yet another classic 'dumb sucker' tourist story and I'm it, but I hope that someone else might read this and be prewarned.
I am very seriously thinking about moving to Thamel. The people I work with don't have to deal with these issues and know how to bargain and I suppose because they are local they are not targets. At least in Thamel I can speak to other 'foreigners' and get some hints and tip on all the scams, not to mention there are places I can go to after work to just find some company and wind down. Its all very well having the conveniences here, but if I have to swap broadband for dialup and gain some company on the way, its a small price to pay.