Originally Posted by
iahphx
Thanks for all the help everyone. We're flying out of Bali to Malaysia. I guess I should buy some checked baggage because: 1) it's cheap and 2) I'm sure some of our bags are going to be over 7 kg. I see that the weight is cheap if you buy 20 or 25 kg per person, and much more expensive if you buy more weight. The question, I guess is whether I just buy 25 kg for all 5 of us, or 2x 20 kg. I suppose I'll put a bag on a scale and see what it weighs! I think 25 kg is something like US$14.
I guess I'll also order some food. Out of Bali, it looks like about $3.50 a meal. We're flying mid-afternoon, so are unlikely to be really hungry But at $3.50, it's hard to turn it down, just on the novelty alone.
It does seem like I should just role the dice on the free seat assignments and see what we get.
I'd guess the flight should be 3 hours or so to KUL. The meals really aren't bad. I'd order a couple at least so you could say you tried them.
If you are all on the same reservation, you can pool all your luggage allowance together. So get what works out to be the cheapest for what you think you'll need. If you have to buy more at the counter, it's a LOT more expensive. 3-5x more than prepay.
The 20/25kg weights are pretty economical. I'd add a couple of what ever you think will more than cover you. It's only a difference of $1.25 or so between the two.
The only thing I hate about a lot of the medium to smaller airports is the use of stairs. Gets old after awhile, especially if you're lugging little kids, or luggage about.
Bali is upgrading their terminal, so I'm not sure what state it will be in when you fly in/out.
Remember, they like new USD for money exchange. In the past, the airport kiosks were the worst rate for exchanging. The last time I went in September, new ones had opened, and weren't quite so bad.
No folded, torn, marked on USD are generally accepted. And certain years, they don't like much. 1996 and 1999 I think are the most disliked. If you have any of the brand new style, those are the preferred. I've posted more money changing tips over the years, so you may want to search for some of my other threads.
The Rupiah is at its lowest point in quite awhile, so you will be getting a pretty good value. Try to use Rupiah whenever possible. Otherwise locals will often round down, and not in your favor.
I have a pretty good driver that I use there, if you'd like a recommendation.