In Reply to: First visit! posted by Hammo on Thursday, 11. May 2006 at 11:08 Bali Time:
We use zip cable ties on unnescessary luggage compartments that we don't use and then a combination lock on the main zipper.
We use large number 6 Bali Bags to travel with as they weigh nothing. Apparantly these come in size 7 & 8 as well. They fit so much in, they are huge.
We take clothes we've grown out of to give away.
We take a small medical kit.
We use $100 Aus notes, that aren't graffitied or damaged in any way.
We also take a credit card and ATM card but they must say maestro on them or they won't work.
We don't change money at small dark and dingy or lane way places, we only use banks, kodak shops or department stores but still always check before leaving the shop.
We place notes in envelopes of what we want to spend for each day and take out of room safe daily so we keep track of how much we are spending.
We always lock up valuables in room safes or desk safes. Camera's etc..included.
This also helps cameras because of being in the humidity and heat and then air-con. room.
We photocopy our passports and credit cards before we leave and give a copy to parents at home and keep one separate from our passport when travelling in case of theft it can be replaced quickly.
We always give contact numbers of where we are staying to family at home incase of emergency.
We always use a Bali Pre-Paid Sim Card or you'll end up with a huge phone bill.
We never walk the beach of a night time, (just common sense)..
We make sure when we carry a money bag or hand bag it is on the shoulder or side away from traffic as there has been cases of motorbikes doing drive by theft. Also watch in large crowds for pick pocketers.
Always make sure you have comfortable shoes, don't try breaking in new shoes in Bali. Your feet swell with the heat and because of all the walking you'll get blisters.
You need shoes to go White Water Rafting, some places will sell them to you there but are more expensive.
We normally buy one DVD or Video of activities and then dub when we get home to keep the price down a bit.
Never brush your teeth or drink their water or wash your sinuses (yuk) but I know a traveller who got a nose infection because of it.
Never p*ss in the water at the pool bar....
Never say when you want to get away from a seller, tomorrow or I'll be back, cause they will remember you and hold you to it.
Don't ask a price if you don't want the haggle to begin.
Don't look in the eyes of the beach sellers if you want to get away quickly without buying, just put your head down and if talked to just
shake it no and keep walking. Sometime like in Sanur you have to cause no or no thankyou doesn't mean a thing.
Don't let children eat chewing gum walking around the streets, as they have a tendency to pull out and in the mouth with fingers and this caused cause a tummy upset from germs.
Strong black tea will help tummy upsets.
And last but not least - NEVER give your hubby the key to your room of a night time when he is busy in the pool bar drinking and then go out shopping without him, cause there's a chance you will come back and be locked out of your room with him curled up in bed snoring not hearing you..It is safer to leave at the reception..LOL...