Most Bali tourists waste money without even realizing it. Avoid these 5 common mistakes and save big while enjoying paradise stress free.
Let’s be real—Bali looks like heaven on Instagram. Crystal-clear water, dreamy rice terraces, smoothie bowls prettier than your ex’s wedding pics… what could possibly go wrong?
Well, a lot actually. Every year, tourists arrive with big smiles and even bigger wallets—only to get tricked, scammed, or simply overspend on stuff they could’ve avoided with a little know how. The worst part? You don’t even realize you’re bleeding money until it’s too late.
Don’t worry tho, I got you. Here are the five biggest money-draining mistakes tourists make in Bali—and how you can dodge them without sweating too much.
1. Taking Airport Taxis Without Asking the Price
You’ve just landed, your hair’s already frizzing in the humidity, and a friendly guy at the airport goes, “Taxi, boss?” You nod. Twenty minutes later, you’re out $40 for a ride that should’ve cost $10. Painful.
The Fix:
- Download Grab or GoJek (Bali’s Uber vibes) before you land.
- Or arrange an airport transfer with your hotel.
- If you do hop in a taxi, ask the price before you sit down. Smile + bargaining = your best hack.
2. Ignoring Currency Exchange Scams
Here’s the thing: you find a tiny shop offering some crazy good exchange rate. You hand over your bills. The cashier counts super fast, slips a few notes away, and suddenly you’re walking out with less cash than you should.
The Fix:
- Only exchange money at authorized counters (look for “Authorized Money Changer” boards).
- Count your cash twice in front of them. Slowly. Don’t be shy—it’s normal here.
- Or just use ATMs at big banks, less headache.
3. Booking Tours on the Spot 🚖
Bali is full of “friendly” drivers offering you a “special tour, just today boss.” Translation: you’ll pay double for half the fun.
The Fix:
- Book tours online in advance (Klook, Viator, Airbnb Experiences).
- If you want a private driver, set the price upfront.
- Join a small group tour—it’s cheaper and hey, you might make friends too.
4. Forgetting to Negotiate (a.k.a. Paying Foreigner Prices)
Real talk: if you stroll into a market, point at a sarong, and pay the first price they say—congrats, you just bought the world’s most expensive sarong.
The Fix:
- Haggling is culture here. Start at half the price and go up.
- Keep it light and fun. Vendors actually enjoy the back and forth.
- If you hate bargaining, try fixed-price shops like Krisna or Agung Bali.
5. Overpaying for SIM Cards & Data 📱
Classic scam: buy a SIM card at the airport for $20 when it’s literally $5 downtown.
The Fix:
- Grab a SIM from Telkomsel or XL Axiata shops in town.
- Or get an eSIM online before flying.
- Bonus tip: most cafes and villas got solid WiFi, so you don’t need a crazy big data pack.
Quick Tips to Save Big in Bali
- Carry small notes (big bills = “no change” trick).
- Use Bluebird taxis—metered and fair.
- Avoid “free tours” that end in shopping traps.
- Drink Bintang at warungs instead of beach clubs—your wallet will love you.
Conclusion
Bali can be magical or messy—it depends on how ready you are. The good news? Avoiding these five mistakes is not rocket science. A couple apps, a bit of haggling, and you’ll save hundreds (sometimes thousands) over your trip.
And honestly? It’s way more fun to spend that extra money on sunset cocktails, floating breakfasts, and that private villa with a pool instead of overpriced taxis.
Because let’s face it… nobody ever came home bragging about how much they paid for a SIM card.
👉 Over to you: What’s the most expensive mistake you’ve made while traveling? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear!