In Reply to: A LOT of questions! posted by nyc_to_bali on Saturday, 17. July 2004 at 09:23 Bali Time:
Havent read your replies so some of these might be duplicate (sorry)
Your itinery sounds good - lots of variety - you might find it on the short side.... but if this is your first time to Bali it will be a nice taste.
you can prebook spas - I have never had any trouble just dropping in to the bigger ones. But better to be safe than sorry. Most of the bigger ones....Zen, Verona, Green Garden etc have web sites and you can book before you leave the US.
In regards to transport it will cost you about 200 000Rp per day to hire a driver for the whole day and wait for you while you go in and out of places
In regards to buying things from the US.... you dont really need to buy anything. Just do a thorough spring clean before you pack - anything you dont want anymore take with you to Bali, leave it all there. I took clothes, toys, bedding, shoes, toiletries etc. The Balinese are very appreciative. Only bring items you are happy to leave there - that way you have plenty of suitcase space for your return!!!
Lots of scams - make sure you be very very careful changing money. there are various cons including swapping currency for smaller bills, dodgy calculators, and palming bills. If the exchange rate looks better than others in the street it generally is a sign to be wary. Also most of the dishonest ones say authorised but dont have the bank logos etc. There are some honest money changers, many even have it written on their signs!! Watch out in Legian/Kuta the worst ones I found were there.
Every corner there seems to be someone trying to get you into their shop or to fill out a survey. Just keep walking and say "tiduk" which means NO.
Be very very careful swimming in the beach!!! If you have read recently - 2 of the young boys from the Camplung Mas Hotel drowned at the beach - it is very dangerous. I would swim in the pool if I were you and maybe just dip my feet in the ocean. There are very bad rips on Kuta Beach.
You will find loads of amazing gifts - including beautiful statues and carvings. unlikeley you will need to spend any where near what you have indicated though.
Met lots of americans in Bali just recently - nahhhhh dont worry about it just say your american
Have a great trip!!!