Posted by steve on Tuesday, 27. October 1998 at 09:41 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Look forward to hearing more... posted by Tina on Tuesday, 27. October 1998 at 07:19 Bali Time:
- you should not pay any more than 20-25,000 rp for basic items of clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, blouses etc at the markets and stalls. we found the best place to buy such items was at the Kuta Markets which is just near Kuta square (where the matahari is situated)
- beware of the money changers. we exchanged all money at the hotel as others staying at the same time all told stories of being ripped off by the street changers.
- take a small calculator with you to calculate the cost of things in your own currency. don't be hesistant to use it even if it takes a little time. offer below what you are prepared to pay initially and be prepared to walk away once your price is reached. if you get a good deal from a seller, you can always go back to buy other stuff later for similar prices. thay usually remember you.
- we took a half day tour to Ubud and looked at silver making, wood carvings, paintings, a temple and the monkey forest. it cost 125,000rp for 6 hours. the "guide" was a taxi driver who we met on one of our rides into kuta. remember to stipulate where YOU want to go and not where the driver wishes to take you as they appear to be on a commission with certain establishments.
- keep your money in a money belt or bum bag around your waist. take your time to count it out slowly when purchasing goods. one of the young street hawkers stuck his hand in my pocket one evening in legian street.
- a lot of shops sell genuine brand items such as versace, billabong etc. sometimes thay were cheaper than in australia, sometimes dearer.
i bought a pair of versace jeans and a versace shirt for the equiv. of $60 aud, which was a bargain.
- the leather shops can represent good value. i had a pair of black leather soled dress shoes made for 90,000 rp while my wife had two pairs of evening shoes made for 115,000 rp each. bargain hard and have them remade if they don't fit the first time. pay 20% deposit maximum. friends had a full length leather jacket made for $120 aud equivalent.
- if you get the time, go to Jimbaran bay for the seafood. it is expensive for bali but is a nice experience. head down around 5pm to beat the rush. a full snapper, two lobsters and a dozen of the largest prawns i have ever seen cost us approx. $40 aud. we couldn't eat all of the rice and accompaniments.
hope these tips help. i know you will enjoy your trip and look forward to a report when you get back.
steve