Just returned two days ago from 10 nights at kuta. Thanx to the bali forum i think i was as prepared as i was ever going to be. Tips for those leaving soon, when ariving at Denpasar airport, DONT let anyone take your bags. There are portrs there to offer you help, but it will cost you, my friend payed 15dollars aus just to get his bags carried 10-12 meters. If it is your first time in bali, and you arrive at night, then dont panic, it looks so much better in the daylight. also they drive a little different then us, like no seatbelts, or roadrules, againg dont panic, you will be fine. As for Hawkers in Kuta, just reading some of the postings people still think there are Hawkers, well im sorry but the only people hassling you in the street now, are TRANSPORT, and everyone will ask, and maybe some HASISH, its meant to be fake anyway. However WARNING there are a few trying to sell it, and there is a racket with then police, it might cost you a small fortune to get out of, so id just leave it. Also dont even brush your teeth in the water, that how easy it is to get Bali Belly. People in Bali are very kind and friendly, however there ways are different than ours, if you dont want something, dont barter for it, i nearly got bashed as i bartered what i thought was too low so i wouldnt have to buy the item, and then he agreed to that price, well he didnt like it when i said i didnt want it, kicked me out of the shop and swore at me all the way up the road. my fault, thats there ways over there. Best buys are in the mountains, try and get a driver to take you to the volcano and there are alot of hawkers still there.
Leather goods are cheap, playstation games are a little over $2.00, but the decks are about the same as here. Clouthes are cheap, but every shop has the same stuff. Legian st, poppys lane11, are best shopping, but when you are sick of trying to barter(and you will be) then off legian st opp Sari Club(look for big sign with SC) go done lane with troppo Zone Head Quarters and the last shop on the right(all the way down) there is a lady selling stuff and you dont have to barter, she gives you the best price to start with, and if you buy enough she will throw in something for free. Please after spending there, leave her a little change as she doesnt make much off each item, only about 5000 rupia 1dollar AUS. When walking down the lane, pass all the other shops as they will try and hassle you to buy from them, but this lady simply says hello, and gives you the best, friendly smile that anyone in the whole of bali can offer.
have a great trip to all, and i hope that i have been of some help.
Oh yeah also a tip, take the shoe size of all those you wish to buy gifts for, or simply take a pen and paper and trace around the foot. They can make shoes to fit you exact size, good quality too. Also for good prices on jakets, dont pay more than about 85-90 Aust as they will try and sell it for higher. remember nothing is fixed, and you will find that you are refusing to buy somethings over $1.00 where in Aus we wouldnt worry, good luck, simply have fun.Watch the ARAK it can cause funny reactions.