10 Bali Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Must Know
Planning your first trip to Bali? Many first-timers experience a mix of excitement and nervousness, so you’re not alone. I get it.
When I first planned our trip to Bali, I didn’t know what to avoid, where to stay, or even that it’s super disrespectful to chew gum in some temples. Yes, that’s a true story!
Bali is full of surprises, but knowing a few key things before you go makes the trip way easier (and more fun).
So if you’re looking for a simple guide with real tips from someone who’s been there, you’re in the right place.
Let’s take the stress out of planning your first Bali adventure—one tip at a time.
Visa & Passport Requirements
1. You Might Need a Visa to enter Bali (Yes! Even if you’ve a Strong Passport)
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 even have filtered water dispensers.
I think this is really handy. If you’re like me and always carry a refillable water bottle, I suggest getting one and filling it up before you head out for the day.
3. Know that Bali has Super Strict Drug Laws
Just so you know, I think Bali has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. If you’re caught bringing in any drugs—even a small amount—you could get the death penalty.
I’m not kidding! You can look it up, so be super careful with your bags. You can read more on this here.
Transportation Options in Bali
4. Getting Around in Bali Can Be Hectic
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) or set up a Revolut eSIM before you travel 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!
Alternatively, you can arrange with your hotel to pick you up from the airport if you want.
This is a good idea if you’re flying from Europe, Africa, or North America. The flight is really long—at least 12 hours—so you’ll probably feel very tired when you arrive.
5. Expect Wild Traffic in the most popular places
When you’re riding around Bali, be careful—traffic can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to riding a scooter. If you decide to rent one, make sure to drive safely at all times.
Even short trips can take a long time, even when it’s not busy.
We didn’t rent a scooter on our trip, so I’m not sure what happens if you get into an accident. When we needed a ride, we used an app called Grab to call a taxi.
Sometimes, we just walked to where we needed to go. If you want to rent a scooter, be sure to look up the rules first—there could be serious consequences.
Just remember, Bali has very strict laws!
Currency Exchange and Money Matters
6. Carry Multiple Travel Bank Cards
Bring a few different travel-friendly bank cards when you visit Bali. I recommend using Revolut, Monzo or Wise.
These cards help you avoid extra fees, give you fair exchange rates, and work at ATMs in many countries.
It’s also safer—if you lose your main card, you’ll still have a backup. You can move money between your main bank and these cards using their apps.
These apps let you hold different currencies, see what you spend right away, and keep your money safe with 24/7 help.
But be careful—some ATMs charge extra fees. This doesn’t happen when you use your card to buy things in stores.
In places like Seminyak and Ubud, ATMs are easy to find. But in small villages or islands like the Nusa Pendia, ATMs might not be around or may run out of money. Always keep some cash with you just in case.
Some places only take cash, especially in more rural areas. That’s not true everywhere in Bali, but it’s good to be ready.
And remember—don’t use money exchange shops that trick tourists. Sadly, there are many of those in Bali.
7. Be Aware of Added Taxes in Restaurants
VAT and service fees are always 20%, even if the food and drinks don’t cost much. We didn’t know this until we noticed we were spending too much on food.
We found out about the extra charge after spending over IDR964,608 (about £50) on cocktails at the W Bali Resort hotel.
FYI, we didn’t stay at W Bali because we usually pick places that are nice but budget-friendly, of course. But if you buy a drink, you can still spend the day using W Bali’s outdoor spaces for free.
Language and Communication
8. Learn a Few Phrases in Balinese
When I get ready to travel, I like to learn a few words in the language spoken in the place I’m visiting.
I always encourage others to try this too because it helps you and shows respect to local people.
In Bali, people speak Balinese and Indonesian. These are two different languages.
Many people in tourist spots speak English, but it’s still nice to learn simple words like “How are you?” and “Thank you.”
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 in Temples
When you visit temples in Bali, everyone—even men—needs to cover their knees and shoulders.
To be respectful, it’s a good idea to bring your own sarong, especially at smaller temples. You can buy one at a local market or near some temple entrances.
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.)
Final Thoughts on Visiting Bali for the First Time
So there you go—10 simple but super helpful tips for your first trip to Bali. Now you know what to avoid, how to respect local rules, and what to expect when you land.
Planning doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you’ve got the right info in one place.
If you’re still feeling unsure about how to put everything together, don’t worry—I’ve got you. I’ve written a simple one-week Bali itinerary to help you plan your trip without the overwhelm.
👇🏽 Click below to check out the easy one-week Bali itinerary and start getting excited!
Read More Bali Travel Guide & Tips
- One Week Bali Itinerary: 3 Dreamy Places in 7 Days
- Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting? A Day Tour from Seminyak Guide
