Money Matters??

Hello again! Hope you can help with a few more questions.

First, I know a lot of tourist destinations like to do business in US dollars. However, since the Canadian dollar is not trading well just now, we would prefer to use rupiahs. How much resistance is there to this? In the past, I鈥檝e actually had nationals not accept their own currency, insisting I provide greenbacks! Is this the situation in Bali?

Second, I assume from monitoring this site that haggling is acceptable, perhaps expected. Is there anything that is not negotiable? Finally, are there any nuances about tipping that we should be aware of?

Thanks again for your guidance!

Money Matters??

Bargaining is a fact of life in Bali. There are some fixed rate shops that like the US and Canada have sales. But you need to be prepared to bargain.

Here%26#39;s a very good money posting for Bali. In it the author talks about money, tipping, bargaining, etc. Filo has collected this through a long time going to Bali and participating in a different Bali forum.

www.filosbali.net/MoneyBargainingTipping.htm

Money Matters??

The currency used on the streets in Bali is rupiah. Take canadian Dollars in large denominations and change on the street.

Cheers,

David

bargain in rupiah. some may try in US$ but i stick to rupiah - this includes shops ie clothes, souvenirs, food (not restaurants usually) and hotel rooms and transport and activities.

i%26#39;ve never handed over any currency except rupiah.

Hi鈥o I should take Cdn dollars and exchange them for rupiahs in Bali for the best rate, is that correct? Is the airport the best place to do that? Why use large bills? Usually large denominations are denied because of the likelihood of counterfeits. So I can use rupiahs for all my cash transactions (the hotels have quoted me in US $)?

I read Filo鈥檚 commentary as posted by Goodspkr and am shocked. Is theft really that rampant? I鈥檝e traveled throughout Asia, including many of the developing areas, and have never felt like I had to take such measures. I find the thought of having to tout a money belt to avoid drive-by assaults rather frightening! I am thinking traveller鈥檚 cheques are the way to go!

Bartering not a problem, I like it.

Is tipping just common sense? Is waiting till the end of the stay ok for hotel staff, or should this be done throughout?

Take large denominations of Canadian dollars as you will get a better exchange rate for the larger notes. Change some money at the airport but you will get a better rate outside the airport, so only change a little at the airport.

Theft is not a great problem in Bali. Most Balinese are very honest (but they are wicked hagglers and I can gaurantee that their maths skills are better than yours, so be warned). Just take all the normal precautions you would anywhere in the world when carrying cash.

Most hotels, Department stores and larger restaurants will take credit card.

Have just read that Filo%26#39;s report and really, in all our trips to Bali, we have never experienced theft or know anyone who has been robbed. We have left money lying around in hotel rooms (sometimes intended as tips, sometimes by accident) and it has never disappeared. The housekeeping staff will only take money left as tips if you leave it on the bed, just like in the USA. The report is just scare mungering and needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I really question the motives behind it.

If an Indonesian is going to rip you off, it will be much more devious than out and out theft. It will be while haggling or changing money or through bribes (very rarely).

When haggling, only haggle in 1 currency, as I said earlier, assume that their maths is better than yours when it comes to currency conversion.

Tipping is not expected but gratefully appreciated. We try to leave about 5,000 rupiah a day on the bed for the housekeeping staff. Restaurants, unless the service is exceptional, we round the amount up to the nearest 50,000 or 100,000 depending on the size of the bill and don%26#39;t ask for change. If you wish to tip an individual in a restaurant, you must put the tip into their hand, not leave it on the table or add it onto the bill, as then it is split between all the staff.

Just relax, take all the normal precautions you normally would, and have fun.

Just came back from bali about a month ago. Addition to the tipping...definately tip if you feel it is deserving whether it is custom or not. We tip at home for less service and like most asian countries, the people do not get paid well. Tips are always greatly appreciated no matter how little.

Sounds to me they hear your accent and think ooo American dollar but your Canadian.... just change money at the changers to rupiah unless you know that what your paying for is say 100 and then in that case give them that your choice. Make sure all your money has no damage to it, and also when you hand it over at the money changers, cause they told me my money had a tear, it didn%26#39;t, they changed it for a damaged one because they cant use them, and count it and take a small calculator. When haggling they say a price, you then cut it by more then half of there asking, of course they wont accept, then work your way up to what you are prepared to pay... be firm but nice and move on to the next if your not happy

Hi there

First of all, rupiahs are accepted by everyone, everywhere in Bali. Although many hotels quote accomodation prices in US Dollars, they are more than happy to be paid the equivalent rate in rupiahs. If you come across any resistance to accepting domestic currency (which I seriously doubt you will), I would simply put my money back in my wallet and walk away.

Secondly, haggling (or bargaining aka %26#39;bartering%26#39;) is expected in markets, shops, on the beach, etc. Of course there are shops and department stores where there are fixed prices. Bartering is a skill and you should bargain graciously - with a smile, a gentle voice and a humourous nature, and should never be loud and/or aggressive. The aim is to have a satisfied customer and vendor. Never point to items of interest with you feet or pointed finger. This is considered rude, and don%26#39;t stand with your hands on your hips- this is considered an act of aggression. Think of what you are happy to pay for the item in question and aim for that, allowing for the vendor to make some profit. Personally, I never make a purchase unless I get a good feeling during the bartering process. If the vendor becomes snappy and agitated with me, I politely say no thanks and walk away. This bargaining process should be one of the highlights of your Balinese travels.

Thirdly, tipping is appreciated, NOT expected. Most restaurants add on 10-20% tax and service charges to your bill. So you do not need to tip. I do tip on occasion, but it is certainly not a requirement.

Fourthly, I take a combination of money sources with me. A small amount of Australian dollars, US dollars for the entry visa of US$25 per person, my Visa and my debit card. Personally, I hate the process of finding a reputable money changer and so just use the ATM%26#39;s located all over Bali. In Sanur there are a few ATM%26#39;s located along Jalan Tamblingan (the main street) and there are ATM%26#39;s in many of the %26#39;Cirle K%26#39; shops. Make sure that your card is linked to Cirrus/BCA/VISA etc and can be used worldwide. Then you just chose the %26#39;English%26#39; option on the ATM and of course the money comes out in Rupiah. Sometimes, you actually get a better currency conversion rate doing it this way, than by using money changers (who frequently charge commission). Be very careful changing cash. Go to a %26#39;real bank%26#39; like the one across from %26#39;Hardy%26#39;s Supermarket%26#39; on Tamblingan St.

Lastly, enjoy yourself. Have a look around at other properties (hotels) while you are there. They love to show potential customers around their rooms, etc. Don%26#39;t be afraid to ask for the %26#39;best price%26#39; - you will hear this phrase often. Use it.

Just an added note to all the other advice.

When haggling/barganing remember not to stress over 10,000 rp it is around a dollar. Dont pay more than what you are happy to pay. It doenstn matter if you pay $3 or $4 for a tshirt if you are happy to pay the price within reason you are in front. I thin it is always the case that you pay to much for your first few purchases until you work out local prices. Also dont start negotiaing on something you dont intend to or want to buy.

Changing money if you are looking to change cash the kodak shops are considered reasonably reputable. Street money changes are more likely to rip you off. There are heaps of kodak shops around. If worse comes to worse you can change money at most hotels although the rate is usually a little bit less. I always thing that for as little as $2 differnece it is sometime easier to change at the hotel