email us:

MONEY

Currency in Bali
The currency of Bali is Indonesian Rupiahs. The exchange rates vary from day to day but generally £1 is Rp 12,000, US$1 is Rp 8,000 and Aus$1 is Rp 5,000.

Here is a handy currency converter

Many hotels and restaurants will take other currencies of course.

Changing Money
There are many banks and money changers and exchange rates vary somewhat. Beware of moneychangers on the street they are very clever at removing notes from the money they give you.

It is virtually impossible to change Scottish pound notes in Bali.

How to bring your money
Travellers cheques are accepted in many places but these days probably the easiest and cheapest way of transferring money is by using a credit card.

ATMs and Bank cards
There are many ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) machines across Bali that take Visa and Mastercard. You could also use a Maestro or Cirrus Card. Diners Club will probably not be much use in Bali. You will get the exchange rate on the day and the charge is minimal. Simply put money in your credit card account before you leave home, put your card in an ATM in Bali and it will give you Rupiahs.

For your personal security ATMs are situated in their own air conditioned booths with a closing ddor. The cards taken by the ATM are displayed on the outside of the booth.

Just one word of warning ATM machines in Bali return your card AFTER they give you the money and it is surprisingly easy to leave your card in the macine.

Banks
There are no international Banks in Bali. There are branches of HSBC and Civic in other parts of Indonesia but they cannot be accessed from Bali. There are many local banks however and branches are usually nearby. They provide a full range of services.

In emergencies the quickest and easiest way of transferring money (though it is a bit expensive) is through Western Union.

PRICES

Bartering
In many places prices are fixed but in many other places, particularly in shops on the street, you can barter the price. As a rough guide when someone asks you a price you offer about a quarter and end up paying a third to a half of what they originally asked for though beware some will ask many times an items normal street price.

Don't get upset simply take it as fun and remember you can always buy the item somewhere else.

Restaurant Prices
In restaurants prices are very reasonable unles you go somewhere really up market. You will find that restaurants are generally cheaper than hotel restaurant prices and a lot cheaper than the restaurants back home.

A main course western meal in many restaurants is between Rp 30,000 and Rp 60,000 (£2.50p to £5, Aus$6 to Aus$12) though if you go for imported Australian steak with all the trimmings it may cost you up to Rp 80,000 (£6 or Aus$16). Indonesian meals may cost as little as Rp 12,000 (£1 or Aus$2.50).

Beer
Beer is about £1 or Aus$2.50 for a large bottle. Bintang is the most popular beer but many prefer Anchor, Carlsberg, San Miguel or Heineken.

Wine
In many places these days a wide selection of wines is available. Most is imported from Australia and so the quality is high. Imported wine is more expensive than in Australia and about the same as in the UK. There are some local wines available, Hattons is probably the most popular and the Alexandria or white aga recommended. Bottles range from Rp70,000 (£7 or Aus$ 14) upwards but expect to pay around Rp 120,000 (£10 or Aus$25).

Taxis and Transport
There a re a number of taxi companies in bali and taxis are frequent and easy to get.

Watch the taxis. Our advice is to only get the light blue Bali Taxis they are very courteous and will be very honest with you, the phone number is area code 0361 701 111. With other taxis, particularly the white ones, make sure they put the meter on and if they say they haven't got change be firm with them.

When you arrive at the airport buy your taxi fare in the airport. It is usually a fixed price there.

You will constantly be offered transport if you walk down the street. Often these prices will be high but if you know what you are doing you can make some very good deals. If in doubt - take a taxi.

As a guide we often arrange transport for people for a day out. Our driver charges Rp 200,000 for a day, for this he will drive you anywhere you want to go on the island in an 8 seat new minibus. He will show you the sites and will protect you from overcharging hawkers.