Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for citizens of many countries, allowing entry without the need to apply in advance (check if your country is eligible here). This visa is available for tourism and social purposes and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend it once for an additional 30 days. The Visa on Arrival can be easily obtained at most major airports and seaports upon arrival in Indonesia or online costing $35. Important: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.

Indonesia’s official currency is Rupiah (IDR), and although many establishments accept cards, contactless payments, some places accept only local cash. We recommend exchanging currency only at authorized money changers. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawal.

Health & Travel Insurance is essential for a safe holiday, as medical care in Indonesia can be costly, a single doctor’s visit starts at around $100. Protect yourself with travel insurance for Bali and avoid unexpected expenses.

The easiest way to get around Bali is by renting a motorbike for about $10 per day. Cars like the Toyota Avanza or Suzuki APV are also available at $30 daily (self-drive) or $60 with a driver. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and GoJek offer affordable car and scooter options for quick trips around the island.

Free import (for passengers above 18 years of age):

1. Tobacco products (no limitations for diplomats): 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco;
2. 1 liter of liquor;
3. A reasonable quantity of perfume;
4. Personal goods up to a value of US$250.- per passenger or US$1,000.- per family.

While the thought of sharks can be intimidating, surfing in Bali is generally very safe. Shark attacks are extremely rare in the region, and the species commonly found around Bali, such as blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, are not aggressive towards humans. By following basic safety precautions, such as not swimming near fishing activities—surfers can enjoy the beautiful waves without unnecessary worry.

Bali operates on Central Indonesia Time (WITA), which is UTC+8. This means Bali is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. There is no daylight saving time in Bali, so the time remains consistent throughout the year.

The official language spoken in Bali is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). However, Balinese (Bahasa Bali) is also widely used among locals, particularly in cultural and religious contexts. In tourist areas, you’ll find that many people speak English, making it easier for visitors to communicate.

Bali’s cuisine features a rich blend of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, with signature dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck in herbs & spices), Babi Guling (suckling roast pig) and Sate Lilit (minced meat satay), showcasing the island’s vibrant culinary heritage.

While Bali is generally safe, visitors should be cautious of certain dangerous animals, such as snakes, stray dogs, cheeky monkeys and mosquitoes, which can pose risks on specific occasions.

“Bali Belly” is a colloquial term for traveler’s diarrhea commonly experienced by visitors to Bali, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. To avoid Bali Belly, travelers should drink only bottled or filtered water, eat at reputable restaurants, and be cautious with street food. It’s also wise to wash hands frequently and avoid raw or undercooked foods. Taking these precautions can help ensure a healthier and more enjoyable stay on the island.