Shopping & Bargaining
On Bali's markets and in many shops, bargaining is common — and it's not a necessary evil, but a social act and part of the culture. The basic rules:
- Seller's first offer is often 3-5 times above the realistic price
- Start with 30-40% of the first offer and work your way up slowly
- Stay friendly and laugh — bargaining is a game, not a fight
- If you say "Terima kasih, tidak" (Thank you, no) and walk away, often the best offer comes
- Fixed price (harga pas) applies in supermarkets, warungs with menus, and most shops in malls
Popular purchases: Silver jewelry (Celuk), wood carvings (Mas), batik fabrics, spices, Bali coffee, essential oils (Ylang-Ylang, Frangipani), coconut oil, rattan bags, and the ubiquitous "Bintang" T-shirts.
Best markets: Ubud Art Market (morning for local prices, after 10 am for tourists), Sukawati Art Market (cheaper than Ubud), Kumbasari Market (Denpasar, most authentic market).
💡 Tipp
Bargaining is not appropriate in warungs, at street food stalls, or with vendors who are obviously poor. Here, it is disrespectful to haggle over a few thousand rupiah. Bargaining is intended for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts — not for a family's lunch.