Safety in Bali
Dec 19th, 2016, 06:18 AM
#2
I cannot imagine that it would be unsafe to use a taxi from the airport, but I like having the hotel send one. They'll know exactly where you're going, will be more inclined to be useful (helping with bags, etc.) and an added benefit, you'll then know a taxi driver and if you like them and want one for an outing, the hotel can call them again for you.
Dec 19th, 2016, 10:49 AM
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Safe enough but you do need to make 110% sure they know EXACTLY where your are going. Best to have the address written down. Many hotels have similar sounding names. We ended up driving for 20 mins in the wrong direction, 10 of those were taken up arguing with the driver, trying to explain he was going to the wrong place. Not what you want at one in the morning!
Mme Perdu makes an excellent suggestion - get your accomodation to arrange transport, especially at tha time.
Mme Perdu makes an excellent suggestion - get your accomodation to arrange transport, especially at tha time.
Dec 19th, 2016, 12:36 PM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<<Yes, it is safe to use a taxi from the airport.>>>
There are a fair few freelance privately owned vehicles, not registered as taxis. We used a couple in Legian to get back to our hotel late at night, they roam around looking for punters. Not a problem.....unless you have a problem!
There are a fair few freelance privately owned vehicles, not registered as taxis. We used a couple in Legian to get back to our hotel late at night, they roam around looking for punters. Not a problem.....unless you have a problem!
Dec 19th, 2016, 04:43 PM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Asking your resort to arrange airport pick up is the best option. It might cost more, but you'll be lot more relaxed and after all, there's no point in being uncomfortable in Bali!
After you emerge from the airport proper your contact will be standing with the other "greeters" with a sign with the resort's name and your name. He will either ask you to wait while he gets the car or ask you to walk to the parking area with him. He will know where the resort is located.
Usually you can put the cost of the transport on your resort bill, though sometimes you will be asked to pay the driver directly. Clarify this with your resort when you make the arrangements. If you have to pay the driver, you should have Indonesian Rupiah which you can get at the airport either through a money changers or from an ATM. It's a good idea to tip the driver.
If you do decide to take a taxi, go to the official taxi counter, which is just outside the airport doors. You will be asked to pay the dispatcher the posted rate for your destination. You will need to pay in Indonesian Rupiah. The dispatcher will connect you to an authorized driver who will walk you to his car. Have the telephone number of your resort handy. Even if you don't have a working phone, the driver most likely will.
Do not take rides from random drivers who may approach you at the airport. Go to the official taxi counter.
Taxis in Bali are generally safe. In the south Bali beach area they are metered. If the driver doesn't want to use the meter, get out and find another. Late at night (after midnight) in certain party areas taxi drivers may ask for exorbitant flat rates.
There are also plenty of un-metered private cars. Sometimes these are the only choice, but they wouldn't be my first choice.
If you're concerned about personal safety in Bali my advice would be to get a phone that works in Bali, stay out of Kuta and Legian late at night and stay off motorcycles. If you must use a motorcycle, wear a helmet!
After you emerge from the airport proper your contact will be standing with the other "greeters" with a sign with the resort's name and your name. He will either ask you to wait while he gets the car or ask you to walk to the parking area with him. He will know where the resort is located.
Usually you can put the cost of the transport on your resort bill, though sometimes you will be asked to pay the driver directly. Clarify this with your resort when you make the arrangements. If you have to pay the driver, you should have Indonesian Rupiah which you can get at the airport either through a money changers or from an ATM. It's a good idea to tip the driver.
If you do decide to take a taxi, go to the official taxi counter, which is just outside the airport doors. You will be asked to pay the dispatcher the posted rate for your destination. You will need to pay in Indonesian Rupiah. The dispatcher will connect you to an authorized driver who will walk you to his car. Have the telephone number of your resort handy. Even if you don't have a working phone, the driver most likely will.
Do not take rides from random drivers who may approach you at the airport. Go to the official taxi counter.
Taxis in Bali are generally safe. In the south Bali beach area they are metered. If the driver doesn't want to use the meter, get out and find another. Late at night (after midnight) in certain party areas taxi drivers may ask for exorbitant flat rates.
There are also plenty of un-metered private cars. Sometimes these are the only choice, but they wouldn't be my first choice.
If you're concerned about personal safety in Bali my advice would be to get a phone that works in Bali, stay out of Kuta and Legian late at night and stay off motorcycles. If you must use a motorcycle, wear a helmet!
Dec 19th, 2016, 11:57 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep. The question deserved a detailed reply.
We found that, particularly in the main resort areas there are a fair few 'cowboy' operators, and not just with taxis.
On our fist day in Sanur we almost got scammed by a dodgy money changer. My fault, we'd just had a very long flight, and my guard was down. After that the dodgy places stuck out.
Ther's also plenty of touts who initially will ask you to complete a quick survey..... but it doesn't stop there.
No dpubt there are other scams.....the best ones you don't even notice.
So as with everywhere these days, pre-trip planning is important.
We found that, particularly in the main resort areas there are a fair few 'cowboy' operators, and not just with taxis.
On our fist day in Sanur we almost got scammed by a dodgy money changer. My fault, we'd just had a very long flight, and my guard was down. After that the dodgy places stuck out.
Ther's also plenty of touts who initially will ask you to complete a quick survey..... but it doesn't stop there.
No dpubt there are other scams.....the best ones you don't even notice.
So as with everywhere these days, pre-trip planning is important.
