Leaving Home Medical check the vaccination requirements with your doctor at least one month before traveling to Bali. Documentation -- make sure you have left a copy of your passport and ticket with a friend in case you lose it whilst away. Check you have a minimum of six months validity on your passport from return date and that you have the correct visas to enter Indonesia, if required. back to top Money All major credit cards are accepted in Bali. There are ATM locations, but not many. Generally Matahari Department Stores have them but travelers checques are easily exchanged and they are a good idea instead of large sums of cash. Take only a small amount of cash either in Rupiah or your own currency (you can change some at the airport at a reasonable rate) especially if you have not pre-booked your transport or transfer from the airport to your hotel. back to top Packing Clothing Take a big suitcase, as youll do lots of shopping in Bali. Pack light, comfortable clothing and good comfortable shoes as it is a tropical climate and most people do a lot of walking. The wet season is from November to February and this is when Bali is at its most humid. If you dont have such clothing, theres plenty to buy in Bali. Make sure you pack insect repellent and dont forget a hat and some sun block. back to top Customs/Immigration On arrival in Bali you will have to fill out a customs and immigration form. The white immigration form is in two parts. When you unfold it, fill in your departing details (from Bali) on the left hand side. Your arrival details are on the right hand side. It is very important not to lose the left hand side, as you will need it when leaving Bali - keep it in your passport until you leave Bali. When you have booked transfers to your hotel you will be met when leaving the airport building. Look for our hotel name (Kuta Beach Club Hotel), your name or the name of your tour operator, which will be held up on a sign. If you havent booked transfers, taxis are available to the left of the exit as you leave the airport. These are fixed prices in Indonesian Rupiah from the airport to all tourist areas. back to top Temples When visiting temples in Bali, dress appropriately i.e. no swimwear. At some of the larger temples you may be required to hire a sarong for a minimal charge. back to top Bargaining/Shopping When shopping in the traditional markets, you are able to bargain the asking price but some shops however do have fixed prices and you can usually tell these by their more western appearance. If in doubt though, ask the shopkeeper. When you do begin your bargaining the first price offered by the shopkeeper will usually be about double the price they eventually will accept. Offer one third to begin with and then meet somewhere in the middle. This of course varies from place to place and item to item good luck! It is very important that if you do name a price and this is accepted that you do purchase at this price. Shopkeepers can get quite annoyed if you try for a further reduction or walk away. Its also good to remember the value you actually bargaining over, 1,000 Rp is not a lot when converted to foreign hard currencies. Moneychangers can be found at our hotel reception and on the street around the Tanjung Benoa area. The best rates are on the street, although there are some traps to be wary of. Lately, a big trap has been rigged of faulty calculators in the Tuban and Kuta areas. Its best to check rates on your calculator or with a good old-fashioned piece of paper and pen. Current Exchange Rates are approx. US$ 1.00 = Rp 9,000 back to top |