Bali Things to Avoid

Immigration : geckobttn6.gif - 1422 Bytes
Make sure that when you fill in the immigration form and you proceed through customs in Bali , that when you are given a small piece of the form ( COPY ) back in your passport that you don't LOSE it as this may cost you a major headache and some cash when you go to leave Bali. You need it then !!!

Local Water : geckobttn11.gif - 1436 Bytes
Make sure that the water is boiled before you use it. This includes personal hygiene like brushing your teeth. Bottled water is very cheap from the supermarket and is available in 4 Ltr down to 300 ml sizes. Drinks with ICE , I have never had a problem with but I dont eat the ice after the drink is finished.

geckobttn8.gif - 1431 Bytes Money Exchangers :
Watch when they count out your money. Have your own calculator. Exchange in $50 or $100 dollar increments so its easy to work out the exchange rate in your head if you dont have a calculator.
EG : $100AUS at an exchange rate of 5200RP to the dollar will be 520,000 RP

geckobttn5.gif - 1428 Bytes When Bargaining :
Never make an offer on a item with no intentions of purchasing it. Once you have made an offer , you have started the negotiation process to acquiring the item. ( commonly known as bargaining ) It's a very big insult to NOT purchase the item once you have made an offer especially if you get the item down to the price you offered. ( see : Shopping for the "art" of bargaining )

Hawkers : geckobttn3.gif - 1438 Bytes
If you are walking the streets and you don't want to be hassled by the street hawkers , avoid looking at their wares and eye contact with them ... be polite , say no thank you , smile and keep walking.

Arguments : geckobttn6.gif - 1422 Bytes
Avoid a heavy confrontation with the locals. This is seen as a loss of self control and is looked down upon in Asia.

Drugs : geckobttn9.gif - 1456 Bytes
DON'T !!! Its very simple...don't buy any drugs from locals - this includes marijuana. The police have locals that will sell you the drugs , pocket the money and then report you , get the drugs back from the police and resell them to another sucker. The penalties in Bali are VERY severe and the prison certainly isn't a luxury condominium.

geckobttn11.gif - 1436 Bytes Alone at night :
Avoid the back streets if you are under the influence. Although I have never had a problem traveling at night , I have never traveled the back streets drunk either. It's just a precaution I think is worth mentioning.

Bag Snatchers :
Unfortunately there are more and more petty crimes in Bali. Avoid walking on the footpath with a bag over the same shoulder as the road is on. There are reports of people on motor bikes riding past and grabbing your bag from your shoulder and riding off into the sunset while you are picking yourself up off the road. While on the subject - take care of your bumbag and watch out when little children surround you selling postcards and beads.

Balinese rice offerings : geckobttn4.gif - 1418 Bytes
The streets at night will be littered with good luck offerings to the gods by the Balinese people. It's nice to avoid standing or kicking their offerings. I think it's a basic politeness to respect their beliefs.

geckobttn2.gif - 1427 Bytes Car Insurance :
Don't drive a car or ride a bike without insurance. Insurance is obtained from the point of hire. Also carry the vehicle's registration papers with you.