Posted by Mike on Wednesday, 14. October 1998 at 15:11 Bali Time:
MONEY CHANGERS:-First of all, I think there is alot of confusion regarding money changers.There are two types, those who charge commission and those who don't.Those who do will offer a better exchange rate for your dollar but will take there commission off the top, whereas those who don't, have already taken their commission off before offerring their rates to you, so the most important thing you should first look for on the money changers exchange rate board are the words "no commision" because if it's not on the board, then commission is charged on top of that and that commission can vary depending on the operator, so stick to no commission money changers then compare a few before selecting the best rate. Also take a calculator with you and always count the money right there and then yourself before leaving.
BEST WAY TO SAY NO TO HAWKERS:-I found wearing dark sunglasses stopped them from seeing my eyes so they could not tell whether I was interested in their goods or not(even if I was peeking) and a simple wave of the hands no as well as continuing to walk, worked with the majority of them.The slighty more skilled try the conversation trick, in which they will ask you some question to get you talking in some way which usually makes you stop and that's all these salespeople(a fitting description I feel) need.
The other ones I encounted tended to be the children who would try to put something into my hand like a neckless or something.No they're not giving you a gift on behalf of the balinese people, if you don't give it straight back to them they'll expect you to pay for it.
HOW SAFE IS IT IN KUTA:-Very safe, there are high penalties paid for crime in Bali I was told.If a local gets caught pick-pocketing by police he can expect to get 2 yrs in jail as a result.And those supposedly drug sellers who yell out "hashish" on the side of the street at night tend to work for the police as well, because if they don't and are caught selling real hashish, then they're looking at 10 years in jail.
TRANSPORT OPTIONS:-I believe the three best transport methods are Taxi(meter only), charter vehicle and driver for the day(day rate) or rent a vehicle yourself.
Taxis are cheap in Bali as long as it's by meter-rate.Don't let the taxi-driver try and negotiate a fixed price he can take you there for because it will aways be more expensive than the meter.The meter starts at 2000rp at flag fall.
I believe the charter vehicle and driver are the best transport option especially if there is more than one of you(cheaper).You hire their vehicle and services and they also supply the gas and will take you anywhere you want to go for the whole day.Reception at your hotel will usually line you up with a charter driver or they usually tend to hang around outside your hotel ready and willing.Just make sure they speak good english and that you sort out the costs and from what time start and finish you require their services for.Generally a charter driver will ask about 200,000 rp, that's what I paid, but I have heard of people getting there services for 170,000rp per day so like everything it's negotiable.The last option is to hire the vehicle and drive yourself around.If you can handle the driving style there, by all means give it a go but just remember if you have an accident and you don't speak any balinese things can be difficult as countless tourists have found out.I'm not exactly certain how much a rental car is.Please correct me if I'm wrong but I was told it costs 90,000rp p/day + petrol on top.
I hope this information makes your holiday more comfortable and enjoyable.