Bali Travel Tips & Suggestions

The following list has been compiled to help you make the most of your stay in Bali. If you have any further concerns that are not mentioned here, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries that you may have.

General things that you should or shouldn't do...

√ Do...

• change money at a reputable looking location; use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!

• put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).

• drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.

• be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!

• try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).

• respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!

• haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).

• buy 'Imodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.

• have a great holiday!

× Don't ...

• forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times and a copy of Bali Plus!

• swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.

• do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!

• touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.

• enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!

• forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot.

• worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.

• forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!

• forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 50,000

Passports and Visas

Bali Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.

Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia visa policy.
(updated December 1st 2006)

Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali.

Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region,
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - cost for these visas are US $10 for a stay of up to 7 days, US $25 for a stay of up to 30 days.
(updated June 18th 2007)

It is important to also note the following:

• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.

• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.

• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.

• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.

Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Currency

The Rupiah. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Currency Converter click here

Bali Time

Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels along with American dollar traveler's cheque.

Electricity

Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.

Getting Around

You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard.

Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations.

Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go. For car rental service on Bali, visit our Car Rental page

Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License, license from ASEAN countries or obtain Tourist Driving License.

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Useful Numbers

Taxis

• Taksi Praja: 289191, 289090

• Taksi Bali: 701111

Medical

• AEA International (Medical Evac) Jl. Hayam Wuruk 40, Denpasar. Tel: 228996

• Bali International Medical Center Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X Denpasar. Tel: 761263

• Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital) Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel: 227560

• Kuta Clinic: Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel: 753268

• Nusa Dua Clinic: Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel: 771324

• Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel: 227911

Emergency Numbers

• Ambulance: 118

• Fire: 113

• Police: 110

• Search & Rescue : 51111

• Red Cross: 26465

• Operator Assisted Calls

• Within Indonesia: 100

• International: 101

Directory Information

• Bali: 108

• Indonesia: 106

Credit Card Enquiries

• American Express
  Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Sanur. Tel : 288511 ext. 111

• MasterCard & Visa Card
  Bank Central Asia, Jl. Imam Bonjol, Denpasar. Tel : 759010 / 11

A Word of Advice

Attending ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:

• Always wear a sarong and sash.

• Do not walk in front of people praying.

• Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!

• Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.

• At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is!

• Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.

Dangerous sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.

Driving
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident.

Money changers
Please be very careful when changing your money. Always check the rate of exchange and commission (if any) the money changer is taking. Most importantly, always count your money before you leave the premises and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some places can be "a little inaccurate".

Petty crime
There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers! Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag.
When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
When trying on garments do not take your jeweler off and leave it lying round - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.

Swimming in the sea
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and yellow flags, don't swim too far out! Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

Donations
When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received. Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple.

Thank you for respecting above suggestions.