Denpasar Travel Guide

The doorway of Bali but not the heart. Unless you're in Bali for the night life avoid the area and go somewhere more interesting. Ubud is the next city and more relaxed (but more expensive). Keep your anti mozzie creams/sprays/oils ready! If you visit the area then remember prices are inflated for tourists. 200.000 is typically bargainable to 30-40.000. Every time a tourist doesn't bargain the more liberties the sellers take with the next person and the more locals get priced out of the island - indirectly killing the tourist industry. Has been quiet since the Bali bombings which makes it ideal for a more relaxing holiday. Good for both straight and gay travellers.

Be careful when changing money. There are some great cons. Always know exactly how much you should be getting in trade for your currency before you go to exchange it. Once you are at the desk make sure that you count the money more than twice, and always be sure that you are the last one to "touch" it and count it. If they see that you are not going to be easily fooled, often they will change the exchange rate and/or act like you are being difficult and call off the transaction. This is fine, as there are hundreds of exchange places. There are very legitimate ones that will do a straight deal. The Central Kuta chain is across the island and is honest and reliable, and have the same rates as the dishonest ones.

Tips: Do not let them rush you. Negotiate how much RP per your currency before you begin counting. Ask for larger bills. This makes it harder for them to trick you. You can be pretty safe if you know exactly how much you should get in RP before you even walk in the door. Don't accept torn or old bills and remember the RP10.000 notes look very much like the RP100.000 notes. If they pull one over on you, do not let it get to you. Just tell yourself with the exchange rate it really wasn't that much. Avoid the money changers down little gang (alleys), or ones that are a part of another shop, for example a camera shop or leather shop and you will generally be fine.