How to Shop in Bali

Bali's craft tradition yields many opportunites for shoppers.

Shopping is part of Bali's culture. Most would be fascinated by the myriad of antiques, paintings, clothes and accessories being sold in street markets and shopping malls. Even those most averse to shopping will find something they want.

Street Markets

Street vendors are usually grouped according to the products they sell. The street markets around Kuta Beach sell mostly locally made Bali designs and international brands including swimwear and surfwear. Ubud caters to tourists who have a penchant for local arts and crafts products while sasak pottery can be found in West Lombok.

Shopping Malls

Large shopping centers in Bali also form part of the picture. The most popular shopping centers are the air-conditioned Kartika Discovery Mall; Geneva; the Bali Collection, and Carrefour. These shopping centers feature an array of international brands such as Guess, Gucci, Prada, Polo and Billabong. While prices are inevitably higher in malls, they are still a steal compared to those in western countries.

Bargaining

Bargaining is a common practice in Bali, especially for street vendors. Remember to carry enough cash because many shops and street vendors charge an extra 3 to 5 percent for credit cards.

References

• Bali Guide Website: Information about using cash and credit cards in Bali
• Bali Guide website: Overview of the shopping malls in Bali
• Asia Web Direct Website: Overview of street markets and shopping areas in Bali