Bali newbie suggestions

Well its now 1 week exactly until i board the plane. I am a 26 year old Canadian guy traveling alone. I will be on a vacation in the Kuta area for 11 days. Because i just decided on Bali (friends recommendations) I have done very little research. So far I only have hotels booked and people to run with (hash house harriers)If anyone has more info on that group that would be helpful too. Can you all make suggestions on some other things to do? Its rainy season so is it still possible to do a lot of the touristy stuff without getting soaked?
Also should I bother to bring a lot of clothes or just buy shorts and stuff there? Wow I am geting excited yet a bit nervous the week will be boring alone.
I am traveling from Korea so about the conversion should I get korean won changed to american dollars before i go there or to rupiahs or just wait until I get over htere and bring my korean won with me?
Hmm thats all for now. thanks in advance everyone
SC

[Lou]

Hi Scotty, We have people visiting from Korea regularly and they always bring US$s. The Won can be exchanged here but there is a problem as the market cross rate using the $ works out to 1 Won = 10 Rupiah but the best offer in Bali is 7 Rupiah - a 30% difference. I'm not sure how credit card transactions are handled but it would be good idea to check that out if you are using a card from a Korean bank.

Hi there
I bring my A T M card to Bali you can get out 3 mill a day & get the same rate my one cost me $8 nz dollers a go but safe to use

I have also found that some us dollers are worth less than others some thing to do with bad luck years ????

[Roy]

I have also found that some us dollers are worth less than others some thing to do with bad luck years ????

It has nothing to do with "bad luck years" but has everything to do with two particular series of US $100 notes that were heavily counterfeited. If you bring US cash to Bali, make sure it is the most current series, new, crisp, no tears, wear or writing on them.

If you want to learn more about these counterfeit $100 notes, there are several web sites that get into this in great detail.

Lou is correct about currencies here. The best (exchange rate wise),are the euro, the British pound, and the US dollar...and the OZ dollar too.

Ok Thanks guys for all the advice about currency. Looks like it will be easier to bring american dollars. Now any suggestions about my other questions, is it just as easy to buy shorts etc over there then bring a whole lot of stuff? Suggestions on where to visit solo, any recommended bars, must see things, etc?
You have all helped a lot already, thank you
Cheers
Scotty

[Jimbo]

Most of this info is in the aechives which you can do a search. Its much easier than have to give the info time after time.

[Git]

Dear Scotty
One more comment regards bills
If you have US $100- dont bring bills from 1996
dont bring bills that are torn/frayed
the 'central bank in kuta' ask taxi driver has a machine to test for counterfeit bills. I had this problem last time i tried up to 4-5 banks with no luck untill someone told me about 'central bank in kuta'. the machine tests each bill,many of these bills other banks will not take.

dont bring too much loads of clothing to buy in bali,help the economy buy in bali. Infact if you have any clothing for donation you can leave it at various drop off points if you are interested (let me know)
Gina Tyler

Hi Gina,
Thank you, great info. I actually just went through my closests etc today and have found as many extra clothes as I could but was wondering how many drop off points there would be. I was not sure if the drop off centers would be easy to find and did not want to bring a lot with me without being able to find a place to leave them. I wont have a ton of things but probably almost a suitcase full. Also, I am teaching English here in Korea in a college but used to teach in an elementary school. I have a lot of books about learning enlgish for young children. Would they be of any use?
Thanks for everything
Scotty

[Git]

Dear Scotty
Please see link for specific location regards drop off points for donations (yes the book would be wonderfull)
Crisis Care Foundation
http://www.balicrisiscare.org
or if you are in North bali just drop it all at the actual clinic
address;
dusun lebah,kaliasem,lovina.......bali
The clothes are given to the poorest patients,any size is welcome
Thanks for helping
Gina Tyler

[Thorsten]

Hi Scotty,

since I know Helen is already on her way to Bali now for the opening of the new learning centre, I feel declined to speak for her in this case.

I have a lot of books about learning enlgish for young children. Would they be of any use?

They will be highly appreciated!

Please check http://www.helenflavelfoundation.org/

Your books are exactly what they are looking for!

Why the HFF ?

This organisation has a transparent accounting for everybody!
This organisation is not using one single cent for administration coverage!
This organisation is very appreciated and respected by the Balinese!
This organisation was never involved in any kind of rumours or doubts regarding their integrity!
This organisation never made nor will make one single cent profit!
This organisation has never sold any donated items!
This organisation will provide you a receipt for your donation!
This organisation is a registered NGO, it is supported by Balinese and expats living on Bali!
This organisation is really doing a great job!
This organisation is also supported by me and I do know why!

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure to see by myself what they are doing on Bali and I had the honour to spend one day with Helen’s coordinator on Bali, Nyoman Sukadana.

For direct contacts on Bali in respect to your books:

Nyoman Sukadana
Mobile: 08123807620
Email: nyosuka@yahoo.com

Helen Flavel
Mobile: +001 61 408 82 7476
Email: helen@flavel.com.au

best regards
Thorsten