Heading to Bali? Keep reading...
Bargain, bargain, bargain. If you don’t, you will pay too much. You will often find you can get what you are after for 1/3 of the price they started at.
Learn a few phrases/words in Indonesian - it will make all the difference when you are bargaining. Lonely Planet has phrasebooks - they are small, and really handy to take with you.
Be game to try the local delicacies - also the desserts always look very colourful - bright greens, pinks and orange in colour - don’t let it put you off!
When changing money, be aware that the higher the rate you are getting, the more cunning they will try and be and short-change you. Be sure to count out the money carefully. I have had it on numerous occasions that the high rate money changers have tried their tricks on me. (From double folding notes, to taking the money when you have counted it, and then dropping a few notes behind the counter, hoping you don’t notice.)
If you plan to hire a motorbike to get around, ensure you have travel insurance that covers moped/motorbike cover - accidents do happen, and you want to make sure you are covered in case!