[3_for_me]

So I am trying to get things organised for my solo trip to Bali in a few months. Last thing I need to work out is spending money. So for a gal travelling solo, meeting adult family/friends over there and intending to not go near any of the club areas and do some of the attractions(elephant safari park, bird sanctuary, tour up to the volcano, etc, maybe visit one market just for kicks, dinner out, etc) how much spending money should I be thinking to budget and where am I best to convert it(in Aus before I go or over there?) More specifically I have no clue about currency conversion so if anyone can recommend where i should go to minimise fees, etc I'd really appreciate it.

ETA: trip is 8 nights, 4 in Legian, 4 in Nusa Dua and one of the days in Nusa Dua is for my brother's wedding. On the way back I get to visit the airport lounge at KL, if anyone has any tips about what the airport is like there that would be great too

This post has been edited by 3_for_me: 15/05/2012, 10:21 PM

[ubermum]

I went to Europe and Malaysia last year. I didn't convert my money. Just left it in my bank and took my key card. I took money out all over the place without an issue at ATM's. I could check my balance online. Check with your bank, but if it is a major one you will be fine.

One thing I would recommend is having a back up card in case yours gets lost.

KL airport is big with a fair bit of shopping and places to eat. Nothing exciting though, you really could be anywhere.

This post has been edited by ubermum: 15/05/2012, 10:25 PM

[pinkpineapple]

I went last Nov. I changed $200 aus into rupiah before I went and took another 300 (I think) to exchange as I went. Heaps of places there to exchange money but stick to the legit places cos the others aren't always honest. I put big trips like Bali zoo, safari park etc on my credit card.

I exchanged my money at Australia Post because it had the best exchange rate. Don't forget your $25 US to get into Bali and need some rupiah to leave too.

I travelled with a 2.5yr so no drinking/partying

[3_for_me]

Thanks.

I have asked my husband to ask around his workmates to see if any of them have US dollars floating around that they might be keen to exchange with me to save the fees, he came back with about 5 USD last time he traveled and I reckon a lot of others would have small amounts that just aren't worth exchanging due to the fees.

I don't have a credit card, would I be alright using a visa debit card do you think?

[Codswallop]

Change your money once you are there. Take AU$ and only change at a licensed money changer. I always go to BCA on Jalan Kerobokan and there are lots of them around. Also you can use the Commonwealth and ANZ cash machines up there but the exchange isnt quite as good. All restaurants tours etc take credit cards but again the conversion rate wont be as good. It is currently around 10,000rupiah to the AU$ so it makes it very easy to work out prices. Ie 100,000 rupiah is AU$10.
I would say for food around $50 a day would be ample, this would cover cocktails with dinner and lunch both at a nice restaurant.
Tours etc look up online beforehand so you can budget.
You will need US$25 for a visa on arrival, the Thomas Cook money changer here in Australia will exchange it for you for no fees and today that would cost you AU$25.95 to get your
US$25.
If you want advice on places to eat etc look on www.tripadvisor.com they are a mine of information!
Happy holidays!
You will have a beautiful time

[Codswallop]

Yes you can use your visa debit card in Bali

[pinkpineapple]

I know what u mean about different money floating around. I think I have at least 10 diff currencies here.

I didn't pay fees for my $50!!

Heaps on money exchangers at the airport but I prefer having some on me to start with especially with a 2yo in tow by myself.

It's so cheap over there. Enjoy

[trishalishous]

We just use the local money changers (youre better off going into a 7/11 or circleK convenience store, than the small roadside moneychangers, as the official ones wont rip you off)
We (2 adults 1 child) spent about AUD$500 in just over a week, in Feb.

[Tobias'smum]

my mother in law goes about 3 times a year. there are lots of places best places are "kodak" ones places (they tend to sell films and batteries that dont charge a fee not as high as exchange but normally fee cancles that out. you def need $25 US for your visa when u get there stuff is so cheap there here $3 bottle water there as low as $0.30 converted.

Always drink bottled water (even for brushing teeth) and dont go drinking alone and get travel insurence. Watch for cabs Blue bird is a registered one - however it must have a blue bird and the name some only have the bird and they can be . if ithink of more i will let you know

[*mumof4*]

Bali travel forum

Please visit this website - it is an absolute WEALTH of information. By the time I got to Bali (my 1st trip), I felt like I had been there before! I knew the safe places to go to change money, great places to eat etc.

Don't bother changing money here - you will get a much better rate once you're there. Change a SMALL (say $50) amount at the airport in Bali - enough for your cab fare & something to eat - the rest, just do on the street. When changing your money, ALWAYS check before leaving the counter - the $10,000 & $100,000 notes are both pink, just a different shade, so easily confused. I always changed my money at either the Kodak shop near Dynasty hotel, or at the bottom of Matahari's (department store in Kuta Square).

With your tours/trips - book them over there - too dear online. If you wish to go on elephant ride, Please make sure you visit the one in Ubud

Bali adventure tours

There is another elephant park in Bali that all the tour operators want to take you to (coz they get the best commission) - from what I've heard, the elephants don't get treated anywhere near as well as the one in Ubud - it's owned by an Aussie, who rescued them from Sumatra & created a haven for them where they would be in as natural habitat as possible.

Anyway, visit the travel forum, ask as many questions as possible - all the board members are long time Bali travelers who are more than happy to help!

Love Bali so much, I've been 4 times in the last 3 years!! You will have a ball

ETA - you will find Nusa Dua soooooo different than Legian - a lot more upmarket, quieter but not as good shopping - do your shopping in Legian.

This post has been edited by *mumof4*: 15/05/2012, 11:49 PM