Before You Arrive

1. Understand the Visa Situation

Citizens of many countries can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days under the Visa-Free Entry scheme, or obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport for up to 30 days (extendable once to 60 days total). Check the current Indonesian immigration website or your country's embassy for the most up-to-date requirements, as visa policies can change. The VoA fee is payable in USD or IDR at the airport kiosk.

2. Book Accommodation in Advance During Peak Season

Bali's peak seasons are July–August and the Christmas/New Year period. Quality villas and boutique hotels in popular areas sell out quickly. Book well ahead if travelling during these times. The shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) offer a sweet spot of good weather and less competition for beds.

3. Get Travel Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Medical treatment in Bali at international standard clinics is expensive without coverage. Ensure your policy covers scooter riding (many standard policies exclude it), adventure activities like surfing and volcano trekking, and medical evacuation.

4. Download Key Apps Before You Land

Download Grab and Gojek (ride-hailing and food delivery) before arrival — they work seamlessly and take the guesswork out of transport pricing. Google Maps works reliably across Bali.

Money & Budgeting

5. Use ATMs Strategically

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the only accepted currency for most local transactions. Withdraw at bank-affiliated ATMs (BCA, BNI, Mandiri) to get better rates and avoid excessive fees. Be cautious of standalone ATMs in tourist areas — they sometimes use dynamic currency conversion that's unfavourable.

6. Carry Small Notes

Warungs, market stalls, and temple offerings all require small denomination notes. Breaking a 100,000 IDR note at a tiny rice stall can cause genuine inconvenience. Visit a supermarket or minimart to break large notes soon after withdrawing.

7. Bargain at Markets (But Do It Respectfully)

Bargaining is expected at art markets and souvenir stalls. As a general guide, counter with 40–50% of the opening price and work up from there. Always be friendly — aggressive bargaining over small amounts of money is poor form and creates bad feeling.

Getting Around

8. Renting a Scooter: Know the Risks

Scooters are the most flexible and affordable way to explore Bali independently, but Bali's roads claim serious injuries every year among tourists. If you don't have solid two-wheel experience, consider hiring a driver instead. If you do ride, wear a helmet (yours, not the scratched rental one), carry an international driving permit, and never ride at night if you can avoid it.

9. Hire a Driver for Day Trips

A private driver for a full day (up to 8–10 hours) is very affordable in Bali and enormously practical for visiting multiple sites. Your hotel or villa can arrange this, or ask a driver you trust. Agree the itinerary and price before setting off.

10. Traffic in South Bali is Serious

Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and the main Ngurah Rai bypass can have genuinely terrible traffic, particularly in the late afternoon. Build extra time into any airport run, and consider whether the "convenience" of staying in central Seminyak is worth the daily traffic frustration.

Health & Safety

11. Drink Bottled or Filtered Water

Tap water is not safe to drink in Bali. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. For eco-conscious travellers, many cafes and hotels now have refill stations for reusable bottles.

12. Be Careful with Ice

Ice in restaurants and cafes is generally made from purified water and is safe. Ice in very cheap warungs or market drinks carries slightly more risk — use your judgement.

13. Use Mosquito Repellent

Dengue fever is present in Bali. Use a DEET-based repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves and trousers in the evenings reduce exposure significantly.

14. Watch Out for Rabies

Bali has a dog population that carries rabies risk. Do not pet stray dogs or monkeys (particularly at the Monkey Forest). If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately — post-exposure prophylaxis is available in Bali.

Culture & Etiquette

15. Dress Respectfully at Temples

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any temple. A sarong and sash are required — usually available for rent or loan at major temples. Don't enter a temple during a ceremony unless invited by a local.

16. Use Your Right Hand

In Balinese and Indonesian culture, the left hand is considered unclean. Use your right hand for giving, receiving, eating, and pointing.

17. Don't Touch Someone's Head

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Balinese culture. Never pat someone's head, including children, without explicit permission.

Practical Planning

18. Bali Has Many Different "Vibes"

Kuta/Legian = party and surf. Seminyak/Canggu = trendy cafes and beach clubs. Ubud = culture, wellness, rice paddies. Uluwatu = cliff-top temples and world-class surf. Amed/Candidasa = diving and quiet village life. Match your area to your travel style.

19. The Best Time to Visit is April–October

The dry season offers reliable sunshine and lower humidity. July–August is peak season with the highest prices and most visitors. April–June and September–October are the sweet spots.

20. Learn a Few Words of Bahasa Indonesia

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but even a few words of Bahasa Indonesia go a long way: terima kasih (thank you), tolong (please), berapa harganya? (how much is it?), and enak sekali! (very delicious!) will earn you genuine smiles and goodwill.