Money and Conversion
Money – This can be an issue for some guests. The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah (IDR). There are some good reliable money changers in Candi Dasa and they cash all types of foreign currency. There is a small bank branch in Candi Dasa with an ATM for locals only. Don’t risk using it as it often doesn’t work. Otherwise, there are ATM’s available for International guests at various locations throughout the village.

All hotels accept credit cards. So if you eat out, you can charge it. The local currency, Rupiahs will be needed only for minor purchases or for small cafés and restaurants. You should only need USD$1,500 per week in cash for incidentals and minor purchases. This can be exchanged at the money changers as required. After all, it is almost impossible to spend this much money on such items. Major purchases, eg: stone carvings or artwork can be paid for by credit card.

Currency conversion can be confusing. The easiest way to remember it is to remove the four zeros from the Rupiah amount. This changes it into USD/AUD dollars. Example Rp 50,000 becomes USD$4.00 and AUD$5.00. Please don’t leave money lying around in the Villa. It is just too tempting for some people, particularly when they earn so very little money in comparison to Westerners.

Each Suite at the Villa is equipped with an electronic safe. All valuables should be locked in the safe when not in use. Read the instructions on the inside wardrobe door before using the safe. If you require any assistance you should speak with your Villa Manager, Ni Wayan.

Balinese Culture
Language – Most Balinese people speak some English, however please take time to ensure you are truly understood and be gracious if the Balinese get it wrong. It does happen. If in doubt, please ask again until you are satisfied with the answer. It can be rewarding to make some effort to speak Bahasa Indonesia, the national language of Indonesia. A good web site for beginners is “Bahasa Indonesia in 7 days.” This can be found here: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/indonesian/percakapan/indonesia7days/indo7days_fs.htm

Respect for Local Customs
The Balinese people are deeply religious. Ceremonies are an integral part of daily life in Bali. When visiting local Hindu Temples please ensure you are appropriately attired. Always wear a sarong and scarf to cover your arms and legs when entering a local Hindu Temple. If you wish to know more about Hindu customs, then feel free to speak with your Villa Manager, Ni Wayan, she will explain it in more detail.

There are three temples on the grounds of Villa Pantai Bali. Two are located in the front and rear gardens and the main temple for the staff is located in the private courtyard at the front of the Villa. This temple and courtyard are off-limits to all guests.

Shoes
Balinese remove their shoes when they enter a house. Don’t feel that you need to follow suit. The floors are less slippery if you keep your shoes on.

Shopping and Tours
Shopping – Local shopping in Candi Dasa is limited to basic food items, cheap clothing, carvings and trinkets. The local Asri Store (Supermarket) has it all at fixed prices. They also have an upmarket clothing store next door too. For DVD’s and CD’s there is a DVD shop next to Artikas Restaurant. DVD’s are cheap and most are good to watch.

If you want to go shopping beyond the basics then a trip to Ubud is a good place to shop for a variety of clothing, artworks and jewellery. From budget items to upmarket brands. The local market to the designer label stores, Ubud has a great village atmosphere with a Western influence.

If you want to shop in a more Western style then a day trip to Kuta is a must. Discovery Mall has it all. It’s a one stop shopping extravaganza just like at home but so much cheaper. You can seriously burn your credit card at Centro or one of the many designer stores in the Mall. You should also try Mal Galleria on the By Pass Road behind Planet Hollywood at the big roundabout in Kuta, it has a good variety of designer shops and the Matahari Department store Bali Shopping. For shopping with a French influence you should try Carrefour on Sunset Road, Kuta. There French pastries are to die for!

These are only a few of the many shopping malls in Bali. There are many more in Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua, all designed to cater to Westerners styles and tastes. See our Services page for more details.

Wine and Spirits
Good inexpensive wine is a difficult commodity to find in Bali. The Villa does not sell wine, only beer. If you are a big wine drinker, it is recommended that you stop at Lotti on the way through from the Airport. They have a limited selection of local, Australian and European wines at reasonable prices. ie approximately USD$15.00 per bottle. Lotti takes cash, Amex or Diners only. Wine in local restaurants is very expensive in comparison. Beer and spirits are cheaper and more readily available in places like the supermarkets and general stores.

Bali Belly
When you get Bali Belly, you wish you would die. But you won’t. It normally lasts for about 12 hours. The important thing to do is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you need to consult a doctor then speak with your Villa Manager, Ni Wayan. She can recommend a good English speaking local doctor.

Bali Time
There is Western time and there is Bali time. In Bali everyone moves much, much slower than the normally stressed out Westerner. It may be difficult for some people to adjust to Bali time, but in time you will. After 2 or 3 days you will find your body clock slowly adjusting. You won’t be stressing out because you had Breakfast at 10am or Lunch at 3pm. It no longer matters. So, please be patient with the Balinese people as they are in Bali time. Time really doesn’t matter in Bali!

Tim Tams, and Vegemite!
If you can’t live without real Tim Tams, Twisties, Vegemite or Cheddar Cheese then stop at Dijon in Kuta or Bali Deli in Seminyak, on your way through from the Airport to Candi Dasa. They have a full range of Western foods at moderate to expensive prices. You can also get McDonalds and KFC in Kuta and Sanur but they’re just not the same as the real thing back home. When in Candi Dasa, the closest to a Western style supermarket is Hardy’s in Amlapura, a 20 minute drive to the East of Candi Dasa. Speak to your Villa manager, Ni Wayan if you wish to take a tour of Amlapura and Hardy’s.

Beaches and Surf
The beach in front of the Villa was reconstructed, including new breakwaters to protect the beach from high seas. Generally, the beach is very safe to swim in and you can even surf. However, it is an unpatrolled beach. So please be very careful at all times when on the beach and in the water, particularly when you are in the care of children.

Coconuts
When you come to Bali there is always the call of the Coconut palms trees. The problem is, they grow coconuts which often fall to the ground. For your own safety do not walk or sit under coconut trees. Always walk around them. For your safety, the coconut palms at the Villa are always pruned of their coconuts.