In Reply to: Arriving on Saturday - A few questions posted by jaaustralia on Thursday, 10. January 2008 at 08:45 Bali Time:
Transfers to hotel: There usually are people standing out front behind a barrier with either your name on a sign or the travel company name.
Change money at the airport as you walk out after having your luggage inspected. The exchange rate is good and much better than in Australia. Do you have $US for your entry visa?
The beach at Nusa Dua is quite good, mainly for water sports, but usually the hotel pools are great for swimming.
Transport is easily available but you have to barter a price for bemo's( daunting for first timers and easy to get ripped off a bit ) and taxis are cheap. Use the light blue taxis and make sure they put on the meter.
Jimbaran Bay food is great but again, you can get ripped off a bit with what you order & what you actually get. There are many good and cheaper seafood restaurants around. If you organise a taxi or bemo to go there, the driver will take you to the restaurant of his friend and will also get a percentage of what you pay for your meal.
Ask a lot of questions of travellers over there and don't let on that you are a first timer. When you barter for things, start off at about 1/3rd of their price and settle at around 1/2 of their price. They will make money and you will get a good deal. Don't ask the price of anything unless you want to buy it. Decide you are going to buy first, then start bartering. They get very upset if a price is discussed and they say ok and then you say you don't want it. Remember, they don't make much money, they are very friendly & nice people, so be friendly, be fair but be firm.
There are also many places that have set prices which are quite good also.
There will be plenty of touts on the street handing out scratchies for you to win something, but it involves going to a presentation usually for timeshare accommodation. Just say no and keep walking, if you don't want your holiday taken up with these and you're not interested.
Hope this helps and have fun. John