Bali – Travel Tips

Essential Bali Travel Tips

Embarking on a Bali adventure? Before you set foot on the island, here are some essential travel tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. In this guide, we’ll share our experience and insights that go beyond the ordinary, helping you make the most of your Bali getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, these tips will help guide you to a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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Getting to Bali

1. **Visa Requirements**: Australian passport holders now require a visa for Bali. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.

2. **Best Time to Visit**: Bali experiences a wet season from October to April and a dry season from May to September, with May to August being the ideal time to visit.

Getting Around

3. **Rentals**: International driver’s license is required for renting cars and motorbikes.

4. **Taxis**: Opt for Blue Bird Taxi, a reliable choice. Always ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price before the ride.

5. **Driver for the Day**: A full-day driver service should cost around $40-$60 AUD for 8 hours. Payment can be made at the end or half upfront.

6. **Ride-Sharing**: Uber and GrabTaxi operate in Bali, but some areas may be off-limits due to local community resistance.

Money Matters

7. **Currency**: The exchange rate is roughly 1 AUD = 10,000 IDR. Consider changing some currency to rupiah upon arrival.

8. **ATMs**: Beware of withdrawal fees and potential scams. Always retrieve your card and money after each transaction.

9. **Money Exchange**: Trust authorized money changers recognized by Bank Indonesia. Insist on counting money in front of you.

10. **Bartering**: Barter with street vendors but show respect and offer fair prices.

Staying Connected

11. **SIM Cards**: Purchase SIM cards for around $8 AUD at kiosks. Many places offer free Wi-Fi; just ask for the password.

12. **Electricity**: Bali uses 220 Volts, 50Hz power. Bring suitable adapters.

Customs and Etiquette

13. **Temple Visits**: When visiting temples, wear a sarong if provided. Use your right hand for gestures; the left hand and feet are considered impolite.

Safety

14. **Water**: Don’t drink tap water; even locals avoid it. Stick to bottled or government-controlled ice in drinks.

15. **Slippery Sidewalks**: Be cautious on rainy days; sidewalks can be slippery.

16. **Sunscreen/Insect Repellent**: Purchase these essentials before arrival to save on costs.

17. **Drugs**: The penalty for drug offenses is severe; avoid any involvement.

18. **Monkey Encounters**: Wear minimal accessories at monkey forests and don’t feed or approach the monkeys.

19. **Emergency Numbers**: Dial 110 for police and 118 for ambulance in emergencies.

20. **It’s advisable to be cautious with wearing jewellery in Bali to avoid attracting unwanted attention and potential theft. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety during your travels.

Helpful Links

• Currency converter table print outs available for wallet size print outs in link below, We found these handy when shopping  (example below)​ www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates​ 

These tips are quite basic and easy to follow and will make a huge difference to your first experience of Bali.

Our Recommended Places in Bali

Here’s a list of our favorite spots for various needs in Bali:

Massage & Beauty: Carla Spa on Poppies Lane 2, located opposite Warung Nusantara, offers fantastic massage and beauty services.

Tours or Driver Hire: Contact Bali Ninik at 081 547 216 965 or via email at ninik.hitsbali.np.np@gmail.com for tours and reliable driver services.

Clothing: Julia Shop, situated at Poppies Lane 2, No. 33, Kuta, is a great place for clothing shopping. Reach them at 087 760 063 389.

Taxi: For reliable taxi service, we recommend Blue Bird. Download the “myBluebird” app in advance for easy booking and cancellation without specifying your location.

Money Exchange: Use proper exchange places for currency conversion. The one at the corner of Poppies Lane 1 is trustworthy, but always count your money before leaving.

Excess Baggage: If you’ve shopped too much and need extra luggage space, check out ‘We Suck Bali.’ They provide vacuum bags and assistance to make packing easier. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wesuckbali/.

Laundry Service: Nikki Spa & Laundry offers a convenient laundry service for just $3 per kilo. They collect your laundry in the morning and return it at night. Contact them via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nikki.spa.laundry/.

Tattoo: Visit Leon’s Holiday Ink in Legian for clean and reasonably priced tattoos. They are located at JL Benasari No. 22, Kuta, Kebupaten Badung.

Discount Supermarkets: Save on everyday items at local discount supermarkets like Krishna, Bagus, Batahari, Nurmala, Gelael, and Batubalan, where many locals shop for goods they sell on the streets.

Travel Tips and Reminders:

Here are some additional details to keep in mind for your Bali adventure:

Airport Drinks: Avoid carrying drinks to the airport, as they will likely be confiscated upon arrival. You can purchase beverages in the main food area after clearing security. Keep in mind that there may be another security check before your gate, so finish your drink beforehand.

Flights: When flying with Jetstar, note that some aircraft only accept credit or debit cards for purchases, so make sure to have one handy.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Pack at least two bottles of sunscreen and two bottles of insect repellent from home. Buying these in Bali can be expensive, costing around $25 AUD each.

Bartering: Don’t hesitate to engage in the art of bartering when shopping. Sellers often start with high prices expecting negotiation. Try offering a price slightly lower than what you’re willing to pay, and through friendly haggling, you can often secure the item for your desired price. If they don’t agree, feel free to walk away; you may find the same item elsewhere.

Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Bali. For instance, if you arrive on January 1st, your passport should be valid until at least July 1st to avoid entry rejection. Always double-check your passport’s expiration date before your trip.