Shopping – Indonesia
Indonesia offers plenty of shopping opportunities. From street vendors selling authentic homemade wares to huge department stores, the choices are endless. Most of the goods available here are cheaper than anywhere else; Asian shopaholics are known to travel here every year for a spot of retail therapy. Bali is the best place to go for local arts and crafts, while bigger cities such as Jakarta and Yogyakarta are better known amongst seekers of mainstream and luxury brands.
Prices may be set in department stores, but generally it is possible to bargain on the price on goods and services throughout the country, from unmetered taxis to souvenir stands. The rule of thumb when it comes to the bargaining business is to start low, then slowly let the shopkeeper bring up the price to a third or half of his/her original quoted price, depending on what you’re buying and where you’re making the purchase. The shopping hours here are from 08:30 to 20:00, with some shops closed on Sundays. In Muslim areas, some shops are closed for a few hours around Friday lunchtime for prayers.