What other travel money traps to avoid in Bali?
You want your money to go as far as possible when you’re on holiday - and you certainly don’t want to be the victim of scams or theft. Use these common sense tips to make sure you avoid common travel money traps, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
1. Use a safety deposit box in your villa or hotel
You’ll be carrying your passport, electronics and valuables, as well as cash - and you don’t want to take any chances. In most cases hotels and villas will have a safety deposit box available for use, which can help protect all your important items and money while you’re away.
Worried about forgetting things in the safety deposit box? Leave something in there that you simply can’t forget - like a single shoe. You’ll notice it’s missing when you try to pack or leave, which can be a handy reminder to double check the safe!
2. Agree on a price before a service starts
Before you take a tour or trip, or hop in a taxi, make sure you’re very clear on the fees you’ll be charged in the end. It’s pretty common to find you’re asked for more than expected, either through simple miscommunication or if a seller or merchant deliberately inflates prices or forgets to mention all the fees involved in a service.
Get everything straightened out in advance - so if you’re taking a snorkelling trip and don’t have your own gear, check if there’s a hire fee, and make sure you know if food or entry tickets are included in any tour you take, for example.
3. Beware of pickpocketing
Tourists are easy prey for pickpockets because they’re not familiar with their surroundings and often won’t be paying much attention to their belongings. Don’t get caught out.
Situational awareness is usually all you need to avoid pickpockets - keep your valuables close by at all times, don’t put your wallet in a back pocket where it can easily be taken, and consider carrying your rucksack forward facing if you’re in a crowded area.
