Bali Tour Guide Blog

Taxi cabs are both loved and hated by Bali Tourist. They serve as a quick and easy means of transportation across the Bali Island, the downside, choosing the right taxi;  “There aren’t really any bad ones; this all depends on how tolerant you are’. After your arrival there will be many unofficial taxi “gypsy taxi” this is what we call them, force your self to the real Taxi. Real taxis are explained below, but struggle to see a real Taxi. There is official Taxis stand lust left as soon as you come out of the terminal, here you are able to see a fixed price and they will assort you to the a waiting taxi.

Porter Warning
Porters are there to give you a hand. It is not that expensive. A normal price is Rp.1 .000,- per bag.

Catching a Taxi
There’s not much to it, just stick out your arm and pretend you’re a Statue”; you will have one in less then a minute. Also you will hear car horns blowing about every 20 seconds; these will be the taxi drivers getting your attention. When the sign on the roof of the taxi are lit, it is available. Blue Taxi is the most reliable and have working meters, unlike gypsies, avoid them at all. These Gypsy Taxis are basically regular cars that will take you from place to place; they usually cost more and aren’t as well regulated (or as safe).

Safety
It is a good idea to record the ID number from your Taxi just incase you might have left something behind. Before getting in a taxi, it is best to find out if the driver understands your destination, and ask if the meter is working. Taxis are to take you to your right destination so if you feel that the taxi driver is driving you in circles; ask him to stop and get another taxi. There are two colors for licensed taxis; Blue, Gold & White. The Blue and Gold taxis are the best, as for the White, they have a reputation for being not so courteous or meters are broken. The Blue and Gold taxis have very reliable service better then the gypsy or White taxis.

Car rental & Useful Tips
If you are thinking of renting a car for your stay, this is not a bad idea, but please be aware that it will be a lot more stress driving your self around. Our advice is to hire a car plus driver. If you do intend to drive on your own, you need to know the rules of the road. #1 You must watch out to the motorbikes. There are 20 motorbikes to one vehicle and they are sufficiently slower than your vehicle.
#2 At each stop light, there is a stop line, do not cross this line when you are at a red light otherwise you will have to pay a fine.
#3 The most important thing to remember when driving on your own is drive slowly and give the right a way to the motorbikes that cut you off.
#4 It is proper to honk your horn to notify anybody that you decide to over take on the road
#5 If you are stopped by the traffic police it is better to pay the fine there on the spot rather then going to the station.
#6 Keep some smaller money aside under Hp. 50.000,- for your fine.
#7 Make sure you have your valid International Driving License with you at all times.
#8 If you are involved in an accident, be calm, call the hotel that you stay in and ask for help.
 #9 Fasten your seat belt while driving.
#10 Always ask for a good condition car with safety belt on in a car rental shop.
#11 Always drive cautiously and be safe.

Taxi Fares
The standard rate for Bali is set by the Indonesian government at Rp4.000,- for the first 3km then Rp.1 .500,- per km after. Taxis are cash only and it’s a good idea to have small bills because the drivers can’t usually break anything higher than Hp. 50.000,- Pay only what’s on the meter, plus a 10 percent gratuity. There are additional charges for crossings outside the Denpasar area. Passengers are required to pay one way.