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Are you planning to visit Bali? You should probably know many things before you visit. In this post, I will share with you 10 essential things you need to know before going to the island.
These are some of the most helpful things we learnt before and during our trip. I hope you will find them useful, ensure your trip goes smoothly, and have a great experience on this tropical paradise.
So get ready and prepare for a magical journey through a land of stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Read on for things you have to know before visiting Bali!
Things you should Know Before visiting Bali
#1: VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
I’m guessing you’re wondering what Bali’s visa requirements are to visit. Well, depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to visit Bali, Indonesia.
As someone who still travels with an African passport, I know how hard and frustrating it can be to get a visa to almost anywhere in the world.
So, the easiest way for me to find out if I need a visa to go to any country is to do a simple Google search with the phrase “visa requirement for my nationality,” which you can also do.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Bali has a few visa types and requirements for different nationalities.
For instance, in our case, Alex (hubby) obtained a Visa on Arrival for £28 (equal to $35) because he is a citizen of one of the countries that is eligible for such a visa.
This type of visa has a 30-day validity period that may be extended for an additional 30-day period.
However, I was eligible for an Electronic Visa on Arrival, which is the same as a Visa on Arrival but must be applied for in advance.
I applied through Bali Visas, which was helpful and reliable, and the visa process cost £150 (equal to $190).
This seems like a lot, but it was the cheapest we could find online. Check if you need a visa for Indonesia here.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to go to Bali depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and prices. Bali has two distinct seasons.
Dry Season (April to October): This is the best time to visit Bali because the weather is nice and it doesn’t rain much.
Wet Season (November–March): Bali’s wet season is from November to March. Even though it’s the off-season, there are still benefits to travelling, such as fewer tourists and lower prices.
Health and Safety Precautions
#2: DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER
It probably goes without saying, but please do not drink Bali’s tap water because it will make you sick, which is the last thing you want on holiday!
When you check in at your lodging, this will be the first thing you are told. Most accommodations have filtered water dispensers.
I find this quite nice to have, and if you are anything like me, who always carries my refillable water bottle, I would suggest you also buy one if you don’t already have one and fill it up before you start your daily exploration.
#3: SUPER STRICT DRUG LAWS
In case you’re not aware, in my opinion, Bali has the most strict drug laws in the world. If you get caught smuggling drugs, the quantity doesn’t matter, and you get a DEATH SENTENCE!! This is NOT a joke! Look it up, so be very careful with your bags.) You can read more on this here.
Transportation Options in Bali
#4: Transport/Driving in Bali
The two most common ways to get around Bali are to hire a driver or rent a scooter. I think you should hire a driver if you want to travel farther between places or go sightseeing.
Grab is an app you can use to get a ride to and from the airport and for short, direct trips. If you know how to ride, you can rent a scooter or motorbike to get around town.
PRO TIP: Get a local SIM card at the airport (an AXIS provider with good internet coverage) and then download the Grab app. It works like Uber and is very cheap. Do not take the blue taxi! They’re all over the place!
You can also choose to have your hotel pick you up from the airport. This could be a great choice, especially if you come from Europe, Africa, or North America. Flights from the above destinations take at least 12 hours, so you’ll probably be exhausted when you land.
#5: WILD TRAFFIC
When riding around Bali, remember that the traffic can be challenging for inexperienced riders. So if you decide to rent a scooter, you must always ride carefully.
Furthermore, a few kilometres of driving will take much longer than anticipated, even outside of rush hour.
We didn’t rent a scooter for our trip, so I’m afraid I can’t tell you what the laws are if you get into an accident. When we needed a taxi, we always used the Grab app.
In some cases, we could reach our destinations on foot. However, if you plan to rent a scooter, I would advise you to look into that because you never know the consequences.
Keep in mind that Bali has very strict laws overall!
Currency Exchange and Money Matters
#6: HAVE MULTIPLE BANK CARDS
Bring several bank cards. I would recommend using Revolut, Wise, or Monzo while travelling. By using these bank cards, you can avoid foreign transaction fees, get real exchange rates, and easily use ATMs all over the world.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing your main bank card while you’re away. Within the Revolut, Monzo, or Wise apps from your main bank, it’s easy to transfer money between them.
As well as manage multiple currencies, track spending in real time, and enjoy top-notch security with support available anytime.
However, if you use an ATM that automatically charges, like Euronet ATMs in Europe, you may be charged extra, but not on purchases.
From Seyminkak to Ubud, ATMs are easy to find. But there aren’t many ATMs in rural areas and on the Nusa Islands, and they often run out of cash. So, make sure you always have some cash on you.
This is important when travelling to places where most only accept cash. Of course, not all of Bali is like that!
Also, it’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t go to a foreign exchange store that tries to take advantage of tourists, and there are plenty of those in Bali.
# 7: BE AWARE OF ADDED TAXES IN RESTAURANTS
VAT and services are always 20%, even if food and drinks are cheap. We didn’t realise this till our daily food spending exceeded our budget. Only after spending over IDR964608/£50 on cocktails at the W hotel did we learn about the charge.
The W Hotel Bali
Language and Communication
#8: Language
As someone who often travels, one of the things I do to get ready for a trip is to learn a few phrases in the language of the place I’m going to.
I usually tell people to do the same because I think it’s important and helpful for you and for getting to know the local people.
Languages spoken in Bali are Balinese and Indonesian, but they are not the same.
While most people in Bali’s major tourist locations can speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn a few basic words and phrases like “How are you,” “Thank you,” etc.
Cultural Etiquette
#9: RESPECT THE CULTURE
Despite Bali being a popular tourist destination, Balinese culture is very strong. Do NOT step on one of those colourful daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus. You will see them everywhere— streets, taxis, temples, etc.
#10: STRICT DRESS CODE TO TEMPLES
When going to temples in Bali, everyone, including men, is asked to cover their knees and shoulders. To avoid offending anyone, you must bring your sarong to lesser-known temples. You can buy a sarong at the local market or sometimes outside of some temples.
Other Things You Should Know Before Visiting Bali
- Bring Feminine Products: Ladies, please bring your feminine hygiene products. They are very expensive and difficult to find in Bali.
- Get Travel Insurance: Medical care in Bali can be extremely expensive. ( Pro Tip: bring some stomach pills and other first aid medications.)
The verdict on what you need to know before your Bali trip
Bali is an interesting place to visit because it has a unique mix of natural beauty, a lively culture, and spiritual traditions.
Knowing these ten important things before you go to Bali can ensure your trip goes smoothly and you have a good time.
Being prepared will allow you to enjoy this tropical paradise fully, from understanding local customs and etiquette to carefully planning your itinerary.
So pack your bags, enjoy the island’s charm, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Bali.
You Might Also Like: Guide for a One-week itinerary for Bali.
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