Although most of us don't want to look too much at money when it comes to holidays and are often willing to ignore various expenses, no one likes to waste money. That's why we've brought you a few tips to help you avoid wasting money and use the money you save to make your stay in Bali more enjoyable, for example, with a massage. Below, you will find the most common reasons why travelers to Bali lose money unnecessarily.

1. Paying for Expensive Mobile Data

Many tourists want their mobile data to work when they arrive and buy a local SIM card directly at the airport. However, only some people know that the prices of SIM cards at the airport are about 300% higher than the standard for the same data packages anywhere else on the island. Ideally, ask the driver from the airport to stop at a SIM card kiosk anywhere along the way where you won't be paying an unnecessary "airport premium."

When buying a SIM card from a kiosk, remember that the data validity is a maximum of 30 days. If you're in Bali for longer, buying packages of 30GB or more is pointless, which you probably won't have time to use within 30 days. Caution! To sell you the most expensive package, the seller will often promise that unused data will roll over to the next month - this is not true.

Another popular solution is the so-called eSIM from Airalo, which you download to your phone as an app. Again, remember that the convenience of setting up mobile data is bought at a price about 300% higher than buying data directly in the mobile operator's app with a physical SIM card.

2. Using Expensive Transport

Contract transport with random (or hotel) drivers, often offered on the street, is usually less cost-effective. Install the GoJek or Grab app, where you can see the price of your route in advance and haggle with the driver knowing this. Book a driver directly from the app if you can't get a lower or equal price. This also gives you a better chance that the driver won't ask you for more money than you agreed on during your trip based on reasons they made up.

If you need a driver for the whole day, you can also book a driver for the first leg of your trip through GoJek and offer them your amount for the rest of the day during the trip. In our experience, the drivers very much appreciate this, and you will usually pay much less than if you arrange a driver for the whole day in advance outside the app.

3. Expensive Scooter Rental

Unawareness of "normal prices" for rentals is one of the main reasons why tourists overpay for scooter rentals. In addition, higher prices are also due to widespread cartel agreements of rental companies in certain areas. So if you live in Canggu, for example, renting a scooter in a less busy area may be worthwhile, and having it delivered from the outskirts of Ubud. This can save you hundreds of dollars depending on the length of the rental.

Another reason tourists in Bali lose money unnecessarily is extending the scooter rental, for example, after weeks or days. It is a mistake to rent a scooter for a week and then extend it for another week. If you were to rent a scooter for two weeks straight, you would pay much less for the whole period. The longer the rental period, the lower the average daily price.

To find out the usual prices for renting scooters in Bali, see our Vehicles Rental Guide.

4. Disobeying the Law

Tourists often ride without a helmet when renting a scooter, which is mandatory in Bali. Not only does this expose them to unnecessary health risks, but also to fines from the local police.

In addition to a helmet (on your head!), an international driving license is mandatory. Its absence is one of the most common reasons tourists unnecessarily pay fines and lose money.

5. Traveling Without Travel Insurance

Going abroad without travel insurance is unfortunately still quite common and is also one of the other reasons why travelers in Bali lose money.

In the event of health problems or unexpected accidents, tourists without insurance must pay for all medical costs themselves. It is not uncommon for the costs to be so high that public collections are organized for some procedures. Unfortunately, many emergency surgeries cannot wait for funding from fundraising, which can take several weeks. You can probably guess how it turns out, and it is not a happy ending. Please always travel with good quality travel insurance.

6. Double Tipping

Most Western restaurants have about a 5% tip (called "service fee") already added to the price of the meal (the exact amount is usually indicated in small print on the menu). If you want to give a higher tip, that's up to you. But if you were unsatisfied with the service for whatever reason, remember that you will still be charged a "tip" anyway.

7. Not Using the Restaurant's Own Transport

Have you ever noticed that eating through GoJek/Grab is more expensive than eating directly at a restaurant? Many restaurants offer delivery services, so you don't have to pay a commission for those services (up to 30%!), which is usually reflected in the price. In addition, the delivery price is often lower directly from the restaurant.

8. Shopping at the Markets

The most common way to lose money at markets is to nod at the first offer for the goods you are interested in. It is normal to haggle at markets in Bali. Be sure not to neglect this fun factor of shopping. Not only will you save up to 70% off the opening price, but you'll also have fun doing it. However, don't bargain too aggressively.

9. Wrong/Unnecessary Money Exchange

When needing local currency, changing money at a currency exchange is the logical first step travelers consider. However, it's not the cheapest method. Ideally, avoid money changers altogether. Although they tell you they have zero fees, they certainly don't provide their services for free. In addition, another entity unnecessarily enters into the exchange, thus increasing the risk of potential fraud. And you won't have to carry any cash or more significant sums to the exchange office.

Whenever possible, pay by card and withdraw cash from the ubiquitous ATMs you'll find in every village.

10. Inefficient ATM Withdrawals

Withdrawing money from an ATM seems like a simple and straightforward task. However, if you want to minimize financial losses, there are also specific rules and procedures here.

Find out from your bank before you leave how much it will cost to withdraw from an ATM abroad. Some banks offer special packages that will make withdrawals abroad significantly cheaper.

If you pay for withdrawals, it is most efficient to withdraw the maximum each time, i.e., ideally IDR 2.5 - 3.5 million, depending on the ATM, to reduce the cost of withdrawals. Refrain from withdrawing smaller amounts multiple times.

If the ATM asks you during cash withdrawal, always select the "no conversion" option. This will reject the ATM owner's rate, which is usually less favorable and includes additional unnecessary fees. By withdrawing without conversion, the exchange rate will be determined by your bank, just like when you pay by card.

11. Higher Prices of Accommodation

If you're looking for accommodation and you're not booking it online in advance, it's always a good idea to check the price offered online, for example, on booking.com, before you arrive at the hotel reception.

Bear in mind that accommodation establishments pay Booking-like platforms a commission of up to 25%, so you may be able to haggle prices slightly lower than the online price. At the same time, you know it certainly doesn't make sense to pay anything above this price, even if you book in person.

✍🏻 Can you think of other ways to save money in Bali and not unnecessarily lose money? Share your tips with other readers in the comments below.

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