In Reply to: last minute advise needed posted by lindylou2u on Tuesday, 25. July 2006 at 13:21 Bali Time:
1. Try Mayang Jewellers, next door to Matahari, Bemo corner, Kuta Square. I've had my wedding, engagement and eternity rings all resized, a bracelet fixed for the daughter and the daughter had a ring cut off her finger by them and resized. Can't remember prices but about half what you pay in Australia and very good quality. They will check the diamonds for you and give you back your jewellery looking like new.
3. We used Optik Seiss on the left hand side of the Discovery Mall as you enter for new specs for husband. He had his old specs with him but they did a free test and he actually needed a stronger prescription. New lenses made and placed in old frames, they were so good he ordered another pair. Again I haven't the reciepts but about third of cost in Australia.
4. Phone cards are readily available everywhere over there. Your phone has to be unlocked, you can check this by placing someone elses sim card in it whilst in Australia. If it works then you are OK. The girls or boys will put your Bali sim card in and set it all up for you. Take your passport with you and get it registered, free. Remember to take your phone numbers with you if they don't stay saved to the phone. My phone is so old that the numbers are saved on the sim card and so when I remove it I lose all my numbers.
5. The driver we use has a small white van, air-conditioned. He is married, 2 kids. Speaks very good English and will take you where you want to go not where he thinks you should go. He can do the sit and wait whilst you shop or the tours! E-mail maowijaya@hotmail.com or his phone over there is 08 185 66820. His van is not brand new and he doesn't have an esky and cold water but he really could do with the work. Give him a try one day and see how you go.
Another tip is to cut and paste all the good bits you read and take the info with you in a little book. Good Luck and have a great time.