Kuta

 

Free WiFi for customers has become very widespread in cafes, restaurants, hotels in Kuta - look for the signs.

You can easily buy a prepaid mobile SIM card at a local sundry shop for about Rp 25,000, which will come in handy when making hotel reservations or booking tours. They are also available at Circle-K and other convenience chains, but will cost more for the same deal. Get the seller to activate the SIM card for you unless you understand instructions in Bahasa Indonesia fairly well. There should be no need to top up the card, as text messaging and short local calls will cost you next to nothing. If required, top up plans are competitive and sold at the same type of outlets.

There is a post office in a small lane off Poppies I which is also home to several 'wartels' phone shops which provide public IDD and fax facilities.

The safety advice given here applies more in Kuta than anywhere else in Bali. Take heed, have fun, but be sensible.

Swimming safety

is extremely important in Kuta. It is prohibited to swim near the special flags, that are placed where currents are especially strong. Always swim between the red and yellow flags, where the lifeguards have deemed it safest. Do not swim out too far as the waves and currents here are stronger than you might expect and change very rapidly. The sea water in Kuta can be filthy and you should be aware of this potential problem and try not to swim in the obviously polluted areas.

Lifeguard Station

Bala Penyelamat Wisata Tirta, JI Pantai Kuta, tel: +62 361 755660

Watch your belongings at the beach, better yet do not bring your valuables to the beach if you intend to swim or surf.

Touts and scammers

will constantly look for their chance. Be wary of deals. If its sounds too good to be true then it probably is. When walking alone especially down Jl Pantai Kuta and Jl Legian you will be hassled by touts offering transport on motorbikes. Generally this is harmless and can be used as a means of getting around, although the shear volume of touts offering transport can be an annoyance. Remember to stay calm and don't be pressured into buying anything you don't want.

At night, drunk driving & big potholes in the streets are a problem, so be very aware of road safety after dark.

Drugs

should be avoided in Kuta and all of Indonesia. Punishments for possession are harsh and there have been a number of arrests of tourists over the years. Beware of unsavoury touts offering drugs often after initially offering transport. These "dealers" are often working with the police in order to get small payouts for arrests. Say "no" and walk away.

Pickpockets

have been known to be a problem recently ouside bars, specifically on Jalan Legian Sky Garden, et al. One common method used against drunk tourists leaving bars and clubs is for a large group of boys and teenagers to block the sidewalk. As the target attempts to squeeze through, the thieves attempt to reach into their pockets and/or bags and take whatever they can get. Be very aware of this.

Foreign Currency Scams

are fairly common, especially down the Poppy roads. Make sure you count out the rupiah yourself before you leave the shop even if they count it out in front of you and you also calculate how much you are owed yourself. Some of the shop owners will make you count out the rupiah, and then with a sleight of hand will remove one of the large piles of cash. Double check you have the right amount of money as you leave the shop.