Bali Travel Forum

Hi this is my first trip to bali and i would like to know if anyone can tell me if there are cash machines in the airport to change money. Also which beach is best for swimming, is kuta beach as nice as sanur? I am a single guy travelling alone and im thinking of where to stay either sanur or kuta, how long by taxi are these resorts from each other and how much would it cost. And lastly would i be able to get acommadation in either kuta or sanur for under 250,000 rupiah per night.Any replies would be greatly appreciated regards.

As for cash machines, yes there are at the airport and in all major cities.
They are called ATM, not for Automatic Teller Machine, but for Ambil Tunai Mandiri (get your own cash).
No need to bring a significant amount of dollars or traveller's cheques. Some ATM's of local banks do not accept foreign credit or debit cards. But those at the airport certainly will.

My information isn't the freshest, but when we were at Kuta beach in October last year, there were massive construction works in progress, because the beach is about to be washed away. I don't know how far they have come by now - maybe they are done yet, so it'll be fine. Can anyone confirm?

ATMs are widely available. For beach Kuta is more happening but the beach is dirty & strong wave. Sanur is abit quiet and the beach is much clearer than Kuta wth less wave. So Basically Kuta in ctr of entertainment & surfing, whereas Sanur is more relaxing just like Nusa Dua

Lotsa budget hotels in Kuta...Even at US420, u can get a reasoneable 3 star hotel in Kuta

Hello,
Cash machines are all over the place in Kuta/Sanur.

Make sure that you check the keypad when you use them, you are looking for a false keypad placed ontop of the original, you do this by runnimg your finger around the edge of the pad, if there is a second one on top it is fairly easy to feel it. The reason I am saying this is that there have been quite a few cases recently, where cards and numbers have been cloned, some expats have had their bank accounts cleaned out, and tourists reporting false transactions on their cards. The authorities have aprehended one gang caught red handed taking the cloning machine off the ATM, but there is still the possibility that there are more out there.

There is no need for panic or anything like that, but just to make you (and others aware)You should bring a small amount of cash with you(dolloars or Euros are good echanges at the moment, the UK £ is not so good) for emergencies, especially if the machines in the airport are broken/empty (which happens quite a lot of times, especially if it is busy periods)

To answer your other questions.

Swimming:
Sanur beach is better for swimming than Kuta Beach.
Gerger beach (nusa dua)is better than Sanur.
Dreamland/Padang Padang (Jimbaran/Bukit) are good if you know where to go.

Taxi's.
A taxi ride between Sanur and Kuta around about 20 mins (depends on time of year and time of day) and costs around 60,000 - 70,000 Rupiah each way (metered)

Sanut or Kuta.
Kuta is definately more lively for clubs/bars and reataurants, than Sanur, that isn't to say that there isn't anything in Sanur because there is, but not as much and maybe not as lively.
Shopping in Kuta is definately, bigger and more choice, therefore lower prics.

Accommodation.
Plenty of good accommodation in both areas well within your budget.

If you decide to stay in Sanur, don't use the airport taxi, which is expensive (unless you are bringing a large amount of luggage) better you either arrange transport before you come (maybe the hotel has such a seervive) or walk outside the airport and get a bluebird taxi which will be waiting close by.

Welcome to Bali have a great time (especially if you are escaping the SNOW!!in the UK)

Many thanks for your answers greatly appreciated.