Here is a useful list of ‘Things you should know before you go’ compiled by several travellers who wished they had it on their first trip. To avoid experiencing those ‘First Time in Bali’ classic mistakes, scan this page and in only 5 minutes you will be a little more prepared for your Bali holidays!
To make it even more useful we added some basic information you will also find handy before and during your trip. We have split the information into categories so you can find the information you need quickly and easily.
These tips are often quite basic and easy to follow, but when added together they can make a huge difference to your first experience of Bali.
Getting to Bali
1) VISA:
Nationals of 45 countries can visit Bali visa-free (30 days), while Visa on Arrival applies for others at USD 35 (extendable once).
2) WEATHER:
Wet season: October-April; Dry season: May-September; Best time to go: May-August.
3) SPECIAL DAYS:
No travel during Saka New Year, aka ‘Nyepi’ (usually coincides March – specific dates vary every year based on the
4) DRIVING:
Drive on the left.
5) RENTALS:
International drivers’ license required to drive and rent cars and motorbikes.
6) TAXIS:
Blue Bird Taxi (+62 (0)361 701 111) is most popular and reliable – all of their taxis are metered.
7) TRAFFIC:
Traffic in Bali is notoriously congested so allow plenty of time if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.
8)ATMs:
ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or Mastercard vary and can be high. Beware of skimmers and rigged units, and remember to take your money and card after each transaction.
9) EXCHANGE:
Always check your money when exchanging money at street-side money changers, even if they’re signed ‘Authorized’. Scams are more than frequent.
10) BARGAINING:
Bargain hard, from half tag price, only at traditional and art markets. Not at shopping malls.
11) TIPPING:
Tipping is not compulsory since prices are subject to 10% government tax and up to 11% service charge, but appreciated (usually 5-10% of the bill).
Bali Travel Planners 