What you need to know about Money...
The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah and you will become a millionaire the day you arrive. Once you have got your head around all the extra zeros it's fairly easy to work out the prices in your own currency.

Bring travelers cheques or cash but if you bring cash you should bring large denomination notes (ie US$100, AUD$100, NZ$100 etc) but be aware of the following: Notes must be the new ones with no tears or ink markings. Lower denomination notes may bring a smaller exchange rate. And always remember that many moneychangers are there to cheat you so be alert and watch them carefully. Never change money where the moneychanger is operating a booth inside another shop. The rate is usually higher and you may be short changed by sleight of hand. Use establishments which are authorized moneychangers only and count your money in front of the staff before you leave.

Getting Around Bali...
Taxis in the southern tourist areas are plentiful and cheap but make sure the cab has a meter that is working and ensure that the driver turns on the meter. If he refuses and tries to set a price, get out and take another taxi. Usually the act of opening the door or demanding he let you out is sufficient for him to suddenly realize the meter is, in fact, working again..

For day or half day trips you can negotiate for a minivan or 'bemo' but for just two or three people a taxi is often the most comfortable and coolest option. Bargain directly with a driver of a new looking taxi and you will be surprised at how cheap a 6-8 hour booking can be especially if you also offer to fill up his petrol tank.

Local buses are the cheapest way of getting about but they are usually overcrowded with people who could do with a shower and the bus will be hot and stuffy as none of them have such modern devices as air conditioning. They also have the rather charming habit of stopping with no warning nor do they attempt to move off the road so there is always the worry of a following vehicle running into the rear end.

Driving Yourself...
Providing you have a valid International Drivers License you may rent a car or motorbike. Both are cheap by international standards but there are a couple of points you should be aware of. Road conditions are dangerous! Indonesians do not sit for a license test, they simply buy it! Accordingly driving skills are low.

Nobody knows about, let alone obeys, traffic rules and early indications of turns and sudden stops are rarely given. Indonesians drive on the left side of the road, but with one wheel over the centre line, and larger or older vehicles have right of way. i.e. trucks and buses have right of way over cars, and a beat-up old Toyota has right of way over a new BMW, and cars have right of way over motorbikes and bicycles.

The roads around the southern tourist areas are extremely busy but even the scenic but small country roads have their pitfalls such as dogs, children, chickens, loads of sand, drying rice and the quaint habit the villagers have of sitting on the road for a chat.

As a visitor, in the event of an accident, you will be accorded the courtesy of being at fault (no matter what the circumstances) and you will be required to pay for any damage to either vehicle. As no less than 100% concentration is required when driving, the driver doesn't get to see much of the scenery, so if you wish to relax and take in the scenery it is far better to hire a car and driver, especially if your aim is a stress-free holiday!

Bali Holiday Activities : Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport General Information : Accommodation Guide : Surfing Tours Bali & Beyond :

Medical Services...
Indonesia, and therefore Bali, is a developing third world country and medical services are not to the standard of Western countries. Be wise, play it safe and arrange travel insurance with your ticket. There are two good clinics on the By Pass Ngurah Rai just past the Simpang Siur roundabout at Tuban/Kuta who can provide treatment, and if required can also refer you to the best local specialists and hospitals or, in the case of serious illness or accident, they can arrange a medical evacuation. These are the Australian B.I.M.C (Bali International Medical Centre) and the International S.O.S. Clinic. All taxi drivers know the clinics and can take you there without any problems.

Shopping....
Bali is a veritable Shoppers' Paradise, once again the centre being the Kuta area. For clothing (other than the t-shirt and shorts variety) start at Kuta Square which boasts a well stocked Matahari department store and lots of designer outlets such as Amarni, Polo and Calvin Klein at much cheaper prices than at home.

The trend over the last few years is for air-conditioned shops with fixed prices including the major surfing labels, but there are still plenty of small street front places offering a dazzling array of merchandise from gaudy woodcarvings to cheap holiday clothing to something you will fall in love with. Spend some time poking around - it takes time to spot the gems amid the junk, but believe me there are gems for everyone to find.

Sterling silver jewelry is a good buy - go to silver shops and you will be offered stylish, genuine sterling silver at very cheap prices - don't go to the so called Silversmiths if you happen to take a tour. The guide collects a 30% commission and the styling is generally atrocious.

Shoes, both men's and women's, handbags, men's business shirts, travel goods, CDs and surf wear should also be on your list.

Made to order clothing in both fabric and leather is another great buy. Bring your favourite jacket or suit and have it copied by a tailor or leather shop. Good quality at a very reasonable price.

Because labour cost is low, labour-intensive clothing is great value. Anything embroidered, beaded or sequined is fantastically priced. So load up with party-wear!

For sarongs, take a taxi to Jalan 66 (double six) and wander towards the beach, purchasing from the numerous wholesalers as you go. (You don't get "business price" for one or two items but prices are cheap. Go late morning so you can enjoy lunch at one of the beachside cafes on "Sunset Boulevard" or later in the day in time for a cocktail as the sun drops in the Indian Ocean and another tropical evening begins.

There are some really stylish boutiques in Seminyak that are definitely worth a look -it's cooler in the late afternoon, and then to Kura Kura Bar for a well earned drink.

In recent times some great homeware shops have opened and arts and crafts abound. Fakes - watches, sunglasses, perfumes and clothing - are everywhere. Whatever you feel about fakes, the watches go, the sunnies look cool, the clothing wears well and the perfume smells like its namesake for around two minutes. Don't buy the perfume except for someone you detest.

The shopping centre in the Galleria complex by the Kuta roundabout on the Sanur bypass road is a stylish addition. While not fully occupied by any means it's breezy, peaceful and boasts a Matahari store and supermarket, hairstyling, books, CD's, fabric, home ware, restaurants etc, plus a Planet Hollywood and cinemas. The newest addition to the malls in Bali is the Kartika Discovery Mall in Jalan Kartika Plaza in Tuban.  This very modern complex has a large Centro Department store as well as a Sogo Store, a large electrical store, a large number of small stores, a large handicrafts area as well as a huge number of every type of coffee shop, fast food and restaurants to choose from.

Having sung the praise of Kuta, good shopping is also to be had at Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua (Bali Collection) and Sanur but without the depth or variety.

Traveling in the Tropics - Heath Advice : Learn the Indonesian Language Basics : Bali Cruises : Bali Museums :