In Reply to: buying gold posted by karenbalibound on Monday, 18. April 2011 at 13:17 Bali Time:
Yes, the gold shops in Denpasar are definitely the place to go. Very little charged for workmanship and they weigh the gold piece in front of you and charge the daily gold price plus a little extra. Check the daily paper for the gold price before going. Nearly all the Balinese know the current price as so many invest in small amounts of gold rather than banking their savings. (I don't think they trust the banks).
The gold is nearly all 22 or 24 carat. I have bought and sold gold jewelery at the gold shops a number of times. Bought a thin chain one year then traded it in the following for a heavier one. They weighed it and then I paid the difference.
The shops are closed during evening prayers as most are owned by Muslims. Thet re open later and any local will tell you their trading times. Enjoy!