Shopping
I noted what I paid for everything – so that it could be a good reference for others. The information I had from people on the forum certainly helped me.
Our exchange rate fluctuated from 6300 to 6500 during our stay. As is often reported on the forum – be careful about what money changers you use. I look for the ones that have the bank logo clearly in sight, no outlandish exchange rates (as this is a dead giveaway for a con artist) and desks that don't obscure your vision. There are some very honest money changers out there – but equally as many bad ones, so please be on the look out for swapped bills, palmed bills, or even wonky calculators.
Also beware in mini marts – 3 times we were overcharged when buying numerous items. The worst example was being overcharged 20 000RP one night. You can buy cans of Coke and water in these stores much cheaper than in the hotel – eg 3200Rp versus 10 000Rp.
CD's – these are offered at many restaurants while you eat for 10 000Rp each or in some DVD stores at the same price. Don't forget to ask if there are any discounts for buying several – as they will offer free ones or some sort of discount if you ask. All the DVD's have gone down in price since my last visit. They are now 10 000 – 15 000Rp everywhere.
The cheapest place I found was across from the Green Garden Hotel. They were 10 000Rp with 1 free for every 5 you buy. Also their X box games were 10 000Rp cheaper than what I saw anywhere else. My suggestion if you are buying lots of DVD's or CD's is to buy a wallet to put them in. That way it doesn't take up too much room. Most places with happily take them out of the plastic holder and wrap them in the shiny plastic for you so they pack into the folders easier. I bought my wallet from Soft Comp in Poppies 2 lane for 20 000Rp. My other advise would be to hire a DVD player to check your movies out at your own leisure, I hired one for 100 000Rp for a week. Also ask the seller if the movie is a good copy – it can save you a lot of time.
Sunglasses – paid 15 000Rp each no matter what the type or where the shop
Mataharis had a great sale on while we were there – lots of items even 50 – 75% off. I bought character pj's for the kids, t-shirts, novelty pillows, underwear there all terrific buys. Bought a kettle at Mataharris on sale for 19 000Rp – great for coffee back in the hotel. We brought our own tea and coffee and snack foods for the kids from home, which was well used and was also good to have a small stash in your handbag for those ladies and children that beg on the street.
Girls hair platted for 20 000Rp each.
Also had extensions done twice. First time paid 50 000Rp for my daughter. This job was great but she wanted them longer. Second time paid 200 000Rp for the 3 of us, wasn't as happy with this job due to the front braided section – it started looking fuzzy after 1 day.
So.........If you are getting extensions I would make sure of the following before beginning..... indicate how long you want them, find out how many girls will be doing the work, indicate the colour and size of the plaits, discuss if having beads or not, and if braiding the front section back so it is off the face – make sure they add the extension into the braided section – otherwise it doesn't look at good and seems to go fuzzy quicker. Also insist on a 'good job' – most will agree to no payment unless happy with the job type arrangement.
I bought loads of Billabong and Quicksilver t-shirts that were 'black market' type sales. They had them hidden under benches etc. We paid 35 000Rp – 50 000Rp each for these t-shirts. Some are tagged XL were which harder to come by but definitely a better size.
I bought Paul Frank bags for 15 000Rp which was a hard haggle – but you could buy them easily for 20 000Rp.
Paul Frank tops we managed to get for 20 000Rp – but found a stall on Poppies 2 lane just after the first bend from the beach end that is fixed price. She sells them for 17500Rp. I would recommend this shop to anyone sick of bargaining, as her prices are good – no fuss. I think the shop was called Dewi Shop. I bought small bags there for 10 000Rp (great gifts) one was taken by customs though. Lots of placemats 5000Rp each, Shoes 20 000Rp, gathered top for 10 000Rp etc. The nice stretchy tops that are for sale everywhere are 15 000Rp – 20 000Rp in her shop to.
I bought the f*** y** lighters for 15 000Rp – but my aunt paid 10 000Rp.
Geneva on Jl Raya Kerobokan was a new experience for me. I bought a wooden fish for 7 000Rp, thongs for 20 000Rp woven hats for 12000Rp and was able to use Geneva and Dewi shop to help figure out prices when I was bargaining elsewhere.
Australian Coin Bangles were 5 000 – 10 000Rp.
Sarongs on Double 6 Road I got for 11 000Rp couldn't get them to go to the 10 000Rp others have indicated on the forum. Elsewhere I paid 15 000 for sarongs I liked.
Assorted tops I paid 15 000 – 20 000Rp for in stalls.
I paid 5 000 Rp for shell necklaces. I paid 10 – 15 000 Rp for some really really nice marble ones. However, as one word of warning I met an awful stall holder on Poppies 2 lane – in between the bounty and the beach and quite happy to warn others against what I consider to be the worst kind of Bali sellers – My mum had picked out a necklace and asked me what I though it was worth. I said – I have been paying 5000Rp for ones like that. He took the necklace and used the shell to hit me on my elbow, narrowly missing my youngest daughter's face, it didn't really hurt much – but shocked me more than anything else. Needless to say – we just left his store. Yet the next day when I walked past, a different guy from the same stall tried to get my to come and look and said everything was 5000Rp!!!! I just kept walking and said I didn't like his shop.
Watches – paid 25 000Rp for all watches except couldn't get Billabong man's watch for less that 30 000Rp
Perfume – paid 15 000Rp each
Bought satin type kimono 3 for 140 000Rp at Git Git waterfall – I have a feeling I could have got these heaps cheaper in Kuta – but it was an impulse buy
Size 3 bali bag for luggage was 25 000Rp
In Ubud Market
Bought sets of 4 painted pussy cats for 5000Rp – Sparkle ones were 8000Rp
Wood Elephants large size 2 for 60 000Rp
Wood Elephants small 2 for 30 000Rp
Pants 25 000Rp
Soap gift set 6 pieces 20 000Rp
Pussy cat door hangers – zig zag opening type for 10 000Rp each
Boxes sequined for 4 000 (med) – 5000 (large) Each
Quilted Rat bags 2 for 25 000Rp
Gathered top for my daughter 15000Rp
Photos – reprints 1000Rp each
From Digital Camera 1500Rp each
Whole roll developing 31 000Rp
I bought 2 flashing light balls on a rope for 10 000Rp
My best advice would be to only pack items you are willing to leave behind - it helps with the baggage weight and the balinese people are very appreciative of any donations that you leave behind.