My sister is going to Bali for the first time and she asked me for some tips and advice. I thought I'd post it here also, someone might find it useful.
ARRIVAL
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) is $25US each (is staying more than 7 days). You can each pay, I hand over Aus fifty dollar note (your change will be in Rupiah) or you can get US dollars prior to leaving Aus and pay in US dollars. When you arrive you have to first pay for your Visa (line up at counter) where they will give you a receipt you then move on to the Visa line (line up behind the yellow line) they will issue the Visa then proceed ahead to immigration they will stamp your passport, when you are through all that it's out to collect your bags and through customs.
• VOA, Customs and Immigration can take awhile especially if other planes have landed at the same time (it can take a couple of hours) I suggest you walk fast to the Immigration etc. try and beat as many people as possible, it will save you time (please don't do this if your on the same flight as me).
• Don't let the airport 'porters' grab your bag, just say NO unless you lazy!
• They will put a white card in your passport (part of the immigration card you have filled in on the plane) Don't misplace it, it has to be handed over on departure
• Don't change money at either airport you will get a rate that ain't the best. You won't need any Rup until you hit the street. Be selective on who you use for money change there are some shady dealers over there. You can change at the hotel but the rate will be low, I guess use the hotel until you are comfortable. Kodak shops are usually ok.
SHOPPING
• When bargaining I always start at a third of the asking price and go up from there what you pay is up to you. If you bargain and then not buy standby for a heap of abuse as they take offence (and you will cop abuse).
• The stall owners have good memories, so if you say tomorrow they do remember! Best to say no thanks and move on.
• The best time to buy is early in the morning; you will get the best price if you are the first customer as they think it is a good omen for the rest of the day's sales.
• You can bargain at most stalls and markets the 'real' shops are usually fixed price, no bargaining!
• Matahari in Kuta is a bit like Myers/Kmart/Target if you want to buy real stuff as opposed to the copies you get from the markets etc. There is a big shopping centre in South Kuta (Discovery).
• Circle K are the local 'Milk bars' be sure to check your change as they have a habit of short changing.
• It's best to buy a pre-paid SIM card (in BALI). When ringing/texting home (if home is Aus) you use +61 then the number dropping off the leading zero. e.g. if you send a text it would be +61555666777 or if you rang a WA land line it would be +618555554444. If you have troubles ask where you bought the SIM card from, they are pretty helpful.
DEPARTURE
• You each need Rp150000 to pay at the airport, I always put it in the safety deposit box at the start and forget about it.
GENERAL
• Put tickets/Passport money etc in the hotel safety deposit box, I only carry enough to get me through the day unless I'm going out to buy something.
• I always have my Drivers Licence with me for identification purposes (in case of misfortune)
• I wouldn't recommend an over the shoulder bag for carrying your money etc there has been instances where guys driving past on bikes have swiped them.
• Always look where you are walking there is some big holes around; the footpaths get damaged by the rain.
• One way streets are not one way!
• Motorbikes use the footpaths beware
• The Bluebird Taksi's are the most honest; ask them to turn the meter on.