Bali Best Travel Guide: Trusted Information For Bali Travellers
Welcome to Bali. We hope you enjoy your stay. Here are some basic tips, tricks, and dos and don'ts to make your trip easier. This is only a guide and is in no way definitive.
With the right knowledge, you will be able to explore Bali confidently and with respect for the local culture.
Don’t Drink Tap Water
The water here is not treated well, as it is overseas. Instead, take the safe route and drink bottled water.
Always prioritize your health by choosing safe drinking options to enjoy your full stay in this beautiful destination. You do not want to end up with an upset stomach or ruin your stay here in Bali because you fell ill.
e Sim for Bali
Your phone is only useful with the internet. Imagine arriving in Bali and not being able to access Google Maps to find a place, being hungry and not able to find a restaurant nearby, or even have an emergency but cannot open your bank app and withdraw your money because you don't have internet.
This is where data on your phone becomes useful. Esim for Bali provides big data plans for your entire stay in Bali. As a popular Bali SIM card provider, we provide the best SIMs, such as this Telkomsel eSIM 24 GB Bali & Indonesia.
With this eSim, you do not have to worry about being unable to connect with your friends on social media, video call them, or do anything else.
Where to Buy an e-Sim in Bali
The best thing about eSims for Bali is that you can buy them online at our shop before you arrive and get connected once you arrive. We have been selling simcards in Bai since 2017; hence be sure we will deliver the best eSims. With eSims, there are no physical SIM cards; you just get a QR code, scan it, and have an eSim installed on your phone. Read this guide for more information about eSims in Bali.
Sort your Visa, Customs, and Tourist Tax in Advance to Avoid Airport Queues
As an Australian who has lived in Bali since 2017, Bali has become my second home. Thanks to this, I have accumulated alot of knowledge about Bali visa applications and other important information that will impact your stay here.
To be cleared at the airport, you need a visa, pay tourist tax, and fill out a customs form.
Visa
A visa can be taken on arrival, known as a VOA or an e-VOA. I have purchased the VOA several times using my card or cash. There will usually be a queue when taking a VOA.
I always advise people to book an e-visa instead of a Visa on arrival to save time and avoid standing in a long queue. The price is just the same as that of a VOA. Here is the government link to apply for an e-visa.
Customs Declaration Form
All visitors to Bali must fill out a customs declaration form. The form's major purpose is to declare what you brought to the country so customs officials can check whether you have carried restricted items.
Customs officials use this form to determine the taxes or duties that apply to you. I recommend filling out a customs declaration form before coming to Indonesia so you can save time at the airport. After filling out the form, which you can get here online, you will receive a QR code that you will use at the airport.
Tourist Tax
The Bali government introduced a tourist tax called the Bali tourist tax or tourist levy. It costs 150,000 IDR, approximately AUD 15, 9 EUR, or USD 10.
It's a one-time fee when entering Bali. You might be wondering when was it introduced and where can you pay for it? Balu tourist tax became effective on 14 February 2024, and you can pay it online on LoveBali.BaliProv official website.
Rules to Observe When Riding Your Motorbike
Not all roads in Bali can be accessed by car; hence, a motorbike is important in such places. To ride a motorbike in Bali, you need to observe these rules.
Wear a Helmet
You need to wear a helmet to prevent head injuries. Accidents are common here; hospital bills can quickly reach tens of thousands, so you need to protect yourself while driving a motorcycle. The last thing you want is an accident to ruin your adventure. Before you hop on, ensure you have a valid driver’s license that permits motorcycle riding.
Traffic Rules
Know the local traffic rules, as some might greatly differ from what you are used in your country.
Remember that a traffic police can pull you over to check your license. Some roads in Bali are winding and narrow, so always stay alert for other vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
A Driving License
You need a driving license to ride a motorbike in Bali, Indonesia. As a foreigner, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you stay briefly in Bali at the city police headquarters) in West Denpasar.
Make sure your Motorbike is in Good Condition.
Remember to check your bike before you ride it. Ensure its brakes, lights, and mirrors function well to avoid accidents. Use your phone's GPS for navigation. If you get a flat tire, there are always repair shops in Bali or you can ask a local or use the internet to find one.
Do Take Out Health/Travel Insurance
Many people come to Bali without adequate protection. Travel insurance is affordable and a great way to protect yourself from Theft, Illness, Cancellations, and many other scenarios.
Price of Travel Insurance in Bali
The best thing about travel insurance in Bali, Indonesia, is its affordability. Prices range from $32 to $450. For example, $50 can cover your seven-day stay in Bali for unexpected travel, medical, and even personal liability.
Australians and other nationals love to go to Bali due to its breathtaking beaches, exotic cuisines, and unique tourist places. According to Indonesian tourism statistics, more than 1.4 million Australians visited Bali in 2023.
You would be at peace when visiting these places, knowing you have been covered in case of illness or accidents, just to name a few. Before you pack your bags and book that flight, ensure you’re protected. It’s a small price to pay for the security that ensures your trip is unforgettable.
Don’t Walk around the Streets Half-Naked
The Balinese are tolerant people. However, it is highly offensive to get about the streets half-naked. Put a singlet on and respect the locals. There have been so many sightings of tourists posing naked or even striping naked in places that are considered holy, and this has angered many local Indonesians.
In 2023, a video went viral of a German woman who danced nude in a temple. Indonesians were shocked, and she was handed to the police, who later deported her. Going to places considered holy half-naked can get you arrested.
Don’t use ATMs in Mini-Marts or on the Street
Like the rest of the world, Bali has a big issue with ATM skimming. Stay safe and use a Bank branch ATM with a guard. He will have a white or blue official-looking shirt. It's his job to protect the ATM from nasty cyber criminals looking to clean out your bank account.
Don’t use Unauthorized Money Changers
There are many tricks here with unauthorized money changers. A big giveaway is an exchange rate much better than the official one. Also, avoid walking down the back alley to get to the exchange or a random shop. An authorized money changer is an office. It usually has a guard asking for your passport or details on a form. It looks like a bank. If you need help, ask someone who will point you toward an authentic money changer.
Don’t flash cash or valuables around. Indonesia is a developing economy, so some people turn to petty theft to survive. Flashing wealth around and being careless can result in tears. Trust us, we see this every day. Bali is a fairly safe place. However, use your common sense.
Avoid Walking Backstreets at Night Time Alone
To stay safe in Indonesia, avoid walking its backstreets at night alone. Petty theft occurs, so please use a Go-Jek( motorcycle taxi) or one of the many other transport options available.
Go-Jek is readily available and affordable, too. As an Aussie living in Indonesia, I have benefited alot from this Indonesian riding app called Go-Jek. It has not only motorcycle taxis but also car services and even delivers things from supermarkets, food from restaurants, etc.
It also has an integrated payment system. When you use a motorcycle taxi or other means of transport, you protect yourself and support your local business. When you prioritize your safety, you will enjoy your stay fully. Stay smart and have fun.