AVOIDING SCAMS IN BALI

Scams are one of the other more common crimes you can come across in Bali. These are ways people try to get your money, and they are also avoidable. Here are a few ways you can safeguard yourself against getting scammed in Bali. 

• Avoid unofficial money exchanges - If I'm being honest, we don't use money exchanges at all. We use ATMs and it works best for us. For this, you should have a card that lets you avoid international charges (we use Starling). If you like to use exchanges then find official ones, change your money before you arrive or do it at the airport. 
• Only use credible ATMs - If it looks shady, find another ATM somewhere else. Mandiri, Link, BCA and Cimb Niaga are credible and good for tourists.
• Only get in licences taxis - Use Grab, Gojec or Indrive to book your taxi and get in the car with the same licence plate that the app tells you. If you do have to get a taxi outside of an app then always negotiate the fare beforehand. If you're somewhere remote and need a taxi then your accommodation should know someone who can help.
• Negotiate rates beforehand when booking direct - Not just with taxis, but with anything. If you're booking a room directly with the owner, renting a scooter or surfboard or booking a tour. Always lock in an exact price before anything. It's impossible to negotiate afterwards.
• You Can Ignore beggars - Never feel you need to give someone money to avoid physical harm. People may be very persistent in asking for money, but they will never get aggressive with you. They are playing a numbers game by asking as many people as possible for money and will move on to the next one if you say no.
• Scooter Rental Scams - Check reviews for credible scooter rental companies. Arrange a price beforehand and take a video of the bike when they drop it off. Show any scratches, scrapes and wear and tear the bike has. That way they can't charge you for anything that was already there when they collect it.

AVOIDING BALI BELLY

Food is one of the main ways you can get sick in Bali, the other would likely be from drinking tap water. You want to spend your time exploring Bali, not sitting on the toilet. Here are a few tips for staying healthy on your trip.

• Don't always eat where the locals eat - This is usually a great way to find amazing local food, but in Bali, you do it at your own risk. The local people have grown up with that food, and it can cause you to have an upset stomach. You don't have to stick to Western food when you visit though, make sure to visit places with lots of great reviews. 
• Drink bottled water - Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. If you have a reusable water bottle then a lot of places will have a refill point, but don't drink water from the taps.
• Eat vegetarian - We have found the times that we felt a little uneasy were actually on days after eating meat. In some of the street food stalls, you can find that the meat and fish have been sitting there for a while attracting flies. The veggies stay better for longer in the heat too. 
• Only trust ice with a hole in the middle - This is a handy trick that will help you tell if the ice has come from a machine, or tap. If it has a hole in the middle then your drink won't make you ill.