If you have just arrived , get a general idea of how much
people are paying as the sellers are very quick to know
who is a "newbie" in town and who isn't . This
way you will help avoid the first day rush to buy and then
find you paid 2 or 3 times what you should have. Before
you start bargaining , always have a price in your head
that you won't go over . ( Generally 1/4 to 1/3 what the
starting price is ) Don't be too shy about this way of shopping.
The first rule is don't give a price unless you intend
to buy. Once you give a price...no matter how small, you
have started the process of bargaining and if the seller
agrees on your price, it is considered very rude to then
not purchase the item.
Once you have found something you like and the seller has
given you a starting price you then offer a counter attack
price. ( Your counter offer should generally be 1/5 to 1/4
what the seller is offering ) They will of course , claim
that this is too low (which it is ) and that they will not
make any money from the sale. They will then make a counter
offer lower than their starting price , and away you go....As
a guide , if the seller comes down in 10,000 you go up in
5,000. The best bargainer will walk away with the best price.
Remember as you get closer to your intended purchase price
, you maybe haggling over a few cents...but don't let this
worry you, as the Balinese are very good at haggling . If
it is a few cents over your intended purchase price and
the seller will not relent.....who cares...get it !
*Note : If a price is offered in Dollars....It is always
US$ unless first stated. If buying something small, always
double check it before you hand over your money as the street
sellers are very good at sleight of hand and you may end
up buying a watch that isn't working or your finest silver
bracelet is now a piece of tin. ( This is not common practice
, however it does happen )
If you do not want to engage in a bargaining contest and
are not interested in the seller's wares , do not make eye
contact with the seller or stop and browse through a hawker's
offers.
Bali
Traditional Markets
The best place to bargain. You will
find one of the largest outdoor markets at Kuta. Remember
to bring cash as not many of the market stalls have credit
card facilities.You will find that there are hundreds of
small shops all selling similar things and a great place
to try out your new found bargaining skills. Wood carvings
, silver wear , cassette's / CD's and DVD's, Tshirts and
sarongs are a few of the items laid out to tempt you. Generally
the t'shirts are copies and therefore bring a cheaper price
than the originals but they do make great last minute gifts
for friends stuck at home. For as little as 25,000 Rp each,
you can bring an armful home and the quality is still fairly
good.
Denpasar
The Kumbasari Market near the river gives an interesting
overview of an Indonesia market with household wares and
clothing on the third level, spices and dried goods on the
second level and traditional market in the basement.It can
be a bit dark in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanuddin,
a whole street of gold shops, selling 18-22 carat gold jewelry.
Not far away from jalan Hasanuddin is jalan Sulawesi where
all manner of fabrics are available. The whole street consists
of fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware
stores in between.
Kuta
Kuta Art Market has a multitude of shops selling a wide
variety of goods including, sarongs, handicrafts, jewelry,
clothing, furniture and leather goods. You can find some
good pieces if you look carefully and smart bargain.
Sanur
Sanur's main shopping street is Jalan Danau Tamblingan and
it is more peaceful then shopping in Kuta. Sanur has an
interesting variety of shops with lots of nice restaurants.There
are still a few hawkers but they are not as aggressive,
except at the beach market. You can find woodcarvings, sarongs
and other handicrafts in Sanur Art Market.
Sukawati
Sukawati has a new art market and a traditional market on
the main road and side streets. Set in a two-floor building,
the market sells everything from statues to dance costumes,
all at reasonable prices. A large assortment of woven baskets
can be found here along with Balinese ceremonial items made
from colorful "Prada" - gold painted cloth. These
include dance costumes, fans, umbrellas and clothes worn
at tooth filings and weddings. Bargaining is a must.
Mall
& Designer Stores
Stores like : Reebok , Nike , Hugo
Boss , Animale are just the tip of the iceberg for what's
available in Kuta Square..the location of the largest grouping
of Name brand apparel shops on Bali. As these shops have
to compete with the markets just outside their doors , you
will find specials and sales on all year round. Some of
the sales are up to 50% OFF and in some cases for old stock
, 70% OFF. Although there is NO bargaining involved ( Phew
you say ) The prices offered are 1/4 to 1/2 what you would
pay at home. The stores are also air conditioned and are
worth a pop in just to have a browse and cool off.
Duty Free Shopping
Plaza Bali and DFS have duty free shopping outlets in Kuta,
Sanur, Nusa Dua and the airport in Bali. They have a wide
range of designer label boutiques. Bare in mind some products
in Indonesia don't have a high duty, such as cigarettes.
Carrefour Store
Situated on the bypass Rd to the Airport.. At Carrefour
you will be able to stock up on many everyday items available
in "Bulk" Great if you have a large family or
there are a few of you. Carrefour stocks everything from
electronic equipment, fridges, Microwave ovens to noodles,
beer, soft drinks, water, fruit and vegetables.
Factory
Outlets
Once you leave the hub's of Kuta
or Sanur, you will find that each small town you visit produces
its own type of goods. A small selection of these small
towns and factory outlets can be visited in a days Trip
to Kintamani ( Bali's still active volcano ) The tour driver
will no doubt take you to one of his family or friend's
shops(as they will get commission if you purchase) so if
you would like to visit a particular area or shop its best
to advise him before you start your journey.
Shopping
in Bali Villages
BATUBULAN
Home for Stone carvings : Traditional stone sculptures carved
from soft Volcanic rock. If you have the time in bali ,
they will carve requests.
UBUD
Home for paintings : The centre of the artistic scene in
Bali. Originally the home of paintings in Bali but a walk
along the main street of Ubud will find stores selling clothing,
antiques, jewellery, homewares and handicrafts. There are
also numerous Temples, ancient sites and of course, great
restaurants around Ubud. You may need a day or two just
to relax away from the bustle and take it all in.
CELUK
Home of Siver and Gold smiths : Huge stores hosting a wide
variety of intricately designed pieces of jewellery. Bargaining
is a must however the best deals can be found in the side
streets where the silver and goldsmiths work and live. Earrings,
bracelets rings and brooches are just some of the pieces
on offer.
TEGALALANG
Home of the Woodcarvers : This village and the nearby villages
specialise in the carving of the soft woods into sculptures.
Spend some time watching these very talented craftsman at
work and using only chisels and sand paper, they create
statues from a few inches high to several metres.
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