Being Money Smart In Bali With A Toddler
Bali can be a relatively affordable destination, but it’s still important to be money-smart in Bali. On my recent trip to Bali, I learned a few things which I wish I had known before. I would love to share those tips with you. I traveled with a toddler so could not compromise on accommodation. Being Findependent does not mean cutting on travel and experience. The reason we want this independence is so we can travel freely, but be conscious of expenses on these trips.
Understanding Bali Money
Using Cash
When traveling to Bali it is important to plan beforehand how much cash you would need at hand. As for Bali, I would say the more cash the better. Use credit cards at places with no surcharge. Most tourist spots you visit in Bali have an entrance ticket. The price for foreigners can range from 50,000 IDR to as much as 190,000 IDR. The last three zeroes are irrelevant, so much so that most people in Bali don’t even bother to mention it. So they would usually say 50 instead of 50,000.
Always have your currency exchanged in the country you visit, instead of your home country for better exchange rates. The denominations of currency in Bali range from 100 IDR to 100,000 IDR. If you go to a money exchange make sure you count it right. Please use only those currency exchanges that are authorized. Usually, the conversion rate would be similar across exchanges. If you notice a rate too good to be true, then it is a red flag. I did notice the rates are usually a bit better around noon.
Using Cards
If you are not fond of carrying cash, use credit cards for purchases or debit cards to withdraw money from an ATM. But please make sure you check with the vendor about any surcharges associated with the credit cards. The surcharge is usually 3%. Also, ensure that the credit card or debit card you use does not charge an international transaction fee. We opted for a ‘Latitude No International Fee’ credit card and a ‘Macquarie Bank No International Fee’ debit card.
An ATM withdrawal should always be done with a debit card. Credit cards used to withdraw money will mostly have additional fees associated with them. For a debit card at most, you would have the pay an ATM transaction fee, fixed at about 50,000 IDR. Use a Credit Card at a vendor POS in order to be safe in case of any kind of fraud. A no transaction fee debit or credit card belonging to Visa or Mastercard has its own exchange rates easily visible on their website. The difference in the rate of conversion at the money exchange and on the card is usually 2 to 3%. So if you can buy something using a card with no surcharge then opt for a card, else cash is preferred for better rates.
Money Smart Travel
Another major expense on a trip to Bali can be travel. With a toddler using a scooty is not an option due to safety concerns, and it is much more convenient if you use a taxi, a taxi driver can also act as your guide and let you know the best route to follow your itinerary. Also since you have a toddler you may prefer a taxi with a car seat. The usual rate for an 8-hour trip is 800,000, and then 100,000 for each additional hour, but we were lucky we got recommended a driver Made (pronounced Maa’day) Transport & Tour Services.
Made and his cousin June took care of most of our trips, charged reasonably, and had car seats, cold water, and all parking expenses included in the cost, which was usually 700,000 to 800,000 per day, depending on the distance. They were also well acquainted with the top touristy destinations, ensuring a very comfortable time on the road. Contact him at +62 812 393 1887, and tell him Jijo sent you.
Money Smart Accommodation
As for accommodation, this is one area that would be for each their own. We stayed at two hotels(for transit) and two resorts(one average and one premium). My in-laws have a Karma Club Membership which helps us to have stays booked using points, and our accommodations at Karma Candidasa(Average)(4 Days) and Karma Kandara(Premium)(3 Days) were booked using that. Both locations had Breakfast included. Karma Candidasa was alright and was expected. We opted for the cheaper resort for the initial 4 days where we did the bulk of our traveling to different spots in Bali. Karma Kandara was an amazing resort, and we mostly stayed at the resort to relax and enjoy their events, spa, etc at the location.
On the night we landed in Bali we booked the night at Novotel Hotel(280 AUD for 3 adults) which is just next to the Airport, the breakfast was not included but was just about 150000 IDR (15 AUD). On the last day, we booked ourselves in at the Hilton Garden Inn(85 AUD) which is also close to the airport, we stayed for the day for our midnight flight. Both hotels were alright and met our purpose.
The cost of accommodation can greatly vary depending on how high-end, or economical locations you opt for. But if you are planning a 5-day + trip, it is good to split your accommodation into two areas, one close to places like Ubud & Kintamani, and the latter half closer to Denpasar to cover this region, and stay close to the airport as you approach your date of return.
Money Smart Food
Our culinary experience in Bali was very varied. Although we did not go to any street vendors as we wanted to avoid any probable sickness, we did hit McDonald’s(17 AUD for 2 ), KFC(39 AUD for 5 adults), and Dunkin Donuts( 6 AUD for half a dozen), and also some premium restaurants like Vincents(150 AUD for 5 adults), and Locavore(1200 AUD for 5 adults). Locavore was the only fine dining that allowed a toddler. One thing to take into account while eating out is all premium restaurants charge a 10% Service Charge and about 11% Government Tax over the total bill. These amounts can easily add up. You need not tip if there is already a Service Charge. Also usually bottled water is more expensive than fruit juice, so best to carry your own.
Money Smart Destinations
Bali has a number of kid-friendly destinations ranging from Temples, and Rice Terrace Garden to Monkey Forest. We restricted our sightseeing to the first 4 days, we intended to relax in the last 3. Most locations in Bali require you to buy tickets and of about 7 we visited only 2 allowed us to purchase tickets with a card at no surcharge, 1 allowed with a surcharge of 3%, rest were strictly cash. Please ensure you have sufficient local cash to avoid running to the nearest ATM. Below is for reference as of our trip.
Pura Tirta Empul Temple Only Cash
Ceking Rice Terrace Surcharge On Card
Monkey Forest Card No surcharge
Besakih Temple Card No Surcharge
Batur Natural Hot Spring Only Cash
Penglipuran Ancient Village Only Cash
Uluwatu Temple & Kechak Dance Only Cash
Conclusion
Above are a few ways of being money-smart on your trip to Bali. This way you can make the most of your trip without breaking your bank. Subscribe to my newsletter for more such budgeting tips, and ways to earn and save money to be Findpendent.
And before I forget the most important thing is to carry a converter for your gadgets, the Indonesian power points are weird :). We found the below on Amazon (affiliate link), in case you are interested. Click here or the image below
