In Reply to: First timers questions posted by Topenders on Sunday, 9. October 2005 at 07:49 Bali Time:
Tuban is at the lower end of Kuta but still within easy reach of the main drag. I stayed in Tuban on my first trip to Bali in 1990 and there wasnt much around there then. I would often walk into Kuta but it was a long hot walk. The area has been developed considerably since then and there are paved paths and lots of hotels and shops around. Taxis are a great wayt to get around and very cheap. Most of our journeys were only aorund 5-10,ooo rp which is aobut $1.50 AUs. I would usually pay with a 20,000 rp note and give the change a s a tip as some of the drivers are only paid a pitance and it works out to only another $1AUs. Soemtiems it seems to take a while to get to your destination but that is just the road system there. Lots of one way streets and it can get fairly busy at times. I would use them to get around as they are clean & fitted with seatbealts.
Money - Last time I was there in May I took Aus$ and just changed it at the hotel. Not quite as good a rate as some of the money changers but less chance of getting ripped off. I wasnt worth the hassle some times to gain a couple of $ extra in the exchange rate. Kodak shops are also good points for exchange. There are also heaps of ATMs around and I used these also. Next time I go in early Nov I will take less cash and use my ATM card.
Phone - I am told you can pick up a sim at a store in Matahari near the grocery section for around 70,000 Rp ($10 AUs) . I just took my phone and had it on international roaming. I am not sure what the cost was as I dont pay the bill. I know a few including me had some trouble setting their phones to the local system but I eventually worked it out and it was fine.
Camersa - I took both a digital and video camera. You can have you digital photos transfered to disks at the many photo shops. I didnt find it that cheap.
DVD shops are everywhere and they also sell the games.
Most offer deals like buy 10 get 3 frees. SOme of the DVDS are not great quality but when you are only paying about $1 Aus you cant complain. You can often view the videos in the shop before you buy them. SOme recomend watching some of the start middle and end ot see the quality. I didnt bother as when you are purchasing 30 or so it is pretty time consuming. YOu can hire DVD players which shops will bring to your room and set up and you could review the DVDs there. Most of these shops also sell games and there are heaps around you will have no problem finding some. Here is an email for Bali Gong which sells DVDs and Games there is a list of movies and games but it has not been updated since July. You and order and he wil deliver to the hotel.
www.baliforfamilies.com/baligong.htm
There are plenty of copy billabong & roxy items available at the markets. Sometimes they keep them at the back of the shop and you have to ask for them. If you want authentic surf gear and other items most of the shops are in Kuta square and fixed price.
I know a friends daughter bought roxy thongs from the shop for about $10 australian which I am told is pretty cheap compared to here.
We also purchased an electric kettle at Matahari for Tea and Coffee. It was $4 aus and worked fine. We took some powdered milk and coffee. All we seemed to get was UHT milk and I cant stand it.
Enjoy your trip. I am sure you will.