Bartering in Bali
If you’ve been to Bali and thought you paid too much for something, then you probably did. Bali is not always the place to find a bargain. You can end up paying similar prices to that in your local discount store. But don’t get me wrong, shopping in Bali is fun and bartering with the locals can be interesting.
Remember you’re a tourist, you’ve just stepped off the plane, smelling of coconut sunscreen and clinging onto a bulging wallet of Indonesia Rupiah. The first thing you want to buy is the famous Bintang singlet, Rip Curl “T” shirt, a Jimmy Choo hand bag and of course the Oakley sunglasses. Oh yes and don’t forget the latest block buster movies. But just remember they are all fake and contravene many countries copyright and piracy laws, so if you’re comfortable with that then shop on.
Don’t get offended or be rude when you get your first price, it’s all part of the bartering process. You’ll need to have a firm grip on local currency conversion rates as the vendors certainly know the current rates and what the item would cost in your home town, remember you told them where you’re from.
Okay you’re looking to purchase a “Jimmy Choo” hand bag, try to remember what you would have paid for a similar styled bag in your local discount store and make that the most you’re prepared to pay. Next ask the vendor for their price, it will always be ridiculously high. Let’s say 500,000Rp (~AUD$50.00) my response would be 150,000Rp (~AUD$15.00). The vendor will make a lot of noise, “too cheap, too cheap” and counter offer 400,00Rp. You’ll do this a few times until you come something a little closer to what you’re prepared to pay. If they won’t come down closer to your price, then walk out the door. If you really want the bag, find a seat outside close enough so the vendor can see you, great time for a Bintang or a coffee. There’s every chance they will still try to interact, and you have a much better chance getting the item at your price. The first bag we purchased on the 1st day was 400,000Rp (~AUD$40.00), by the 8th day the price was 200,000Rp (~AUD$20.00) for the same bag.
You can barter for pretty much anything, taxi fair, tour guide, massage, sunglasses, bags, clothing, souvenirs, etc. Less chance of getting ripped off if you’re prepared. If you can’t get that bag for a good price then just go next door because there’s every chance they will have a similar bag, for the price you’re willing to pay.
If bartering isn’t your thing then you can always find a fixed price stall or go to the local department stores like Matahari or Centro. Enjoy the sites, the people and the experience, you may come home a little wiser.
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If I have missed anything, or you have further questions about shopping and bartering in Bali please leave a comment below. Is bartering something you are comfortable with? Did I entice you to give it a go?
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I still really struggle with bartering although I always try. Last year in Morocco I know we still probably paid more than locals would but I went away happy in the knowledge that I spent far less than my European counterparts who, you could hear, were often quite happy to pay the first price asked for.
Tam Gamble recently posted…Holiday Accommodation Horrors
Bartering does seem to come easy to some. I think as long as you have fun, keep a smile on your face and walk away paying a price you were happy with then that’s all that matters. Thanks for the comment.
I love bartering in Asia in general. Bali is a special place because it is SO touristy but so amazing to visit as well. I love getting bracelets from everywhere I go and I was getting these beautiful ones with coins on them for about 5,000 (About half a dollar US). I found some new colors at a vendor and his initial price was 50,000. I literally laughed in his face and he immediately came down to 5,000. When I said no because he started too high in the first place, he came down to 1,000. When I said yes and that I’d take 10, he laughed and said no, 5,000 was the lowest he would go. Silly bugger!
Adrian of Adrian’s Travel Tales recently posted…What is a bucket list?
Bartering in bulk is the way to go.
Bartering is fun but you must always have your sense of humour with you and be good natured about it.
So very true, the hawkers are persistent, just keep smiling.