Planning Your Trip to Bali: Essential Travel Tips
Bali: The Paradise You Need to Experience Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, is a dream destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike. If you’re planning your trip, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your stay in Bali. When Is the Best Time to Visit Bali? Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons: Dry Season (April to October): This is the best time to visit the island. Expect sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and cultural exploration. Rainy Season (November to March): During this period, short but heavy downpours are common. However, if you don’t mind occasional rain and prefer a quieter atmosphere, this season can be a great time to visit. Plus, accommodation prices tend to be lower. Visa & Entry Requirements for Bali For travelers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, no visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 30 days in Indonesia. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for $35 USD, valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and you need a return or onward ticket as proof of departure. For stays exceeding 60 days, a visa must be obtained before departure from the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. As visa regulations may change, always check the latest requirements on official Indonesian government websites or with your country’s Indonesian embassy before traveling. Getting Around in Bali Transportation in Bali can be a bit chaotic, but you have several options: Ride-hailing apps: Services like Gojek, Grab, and MyBluebird are widely used in Bali, offering affordable car and scooter rides. Scooter rental: The most popular way to explore Bali freely. However, it can be dangerous if you’re not used to riding a scooter. Make sure to have an international driving permit and ride cautiously. Car rental with a driver: For a more comfortable journey, you can rent a car with a driver. Many local drivers offer competitive rates for day trips or longer. Taxis: Available throughout Bali, though they tend to be more expensive. They are a good option for airport transfers but always negotiate the fare before your ride. What to See in Bali Bali is full of amazing places to explore. Check out our detailed itinerary on the blog to plan your perfect trip! How to Get Internet Access in Bali To stay connected during your trip, here are your best options: Local SIM card: The most practical and affordable choice. Providers like Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL offer packages suited to your stay duration. You can buy SIM cards at the airport or in local stores, where vendors will set them up for you. Public Wi-Fi: Many cafés, hotels, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but the connection quality varies, and security isn’t always guaranteed, especially in rural areas. International roaming: You can activate a roaming option with your provider before departure, though this is often costly with limited coverage. Mobile hotspot: If you need to connect multiple devices, renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a convenient solution. Money in Bali The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, it’s advisable to carry cash for purchases at local markets and small shops. Here’s what you need to know about managing your money in Bali. How to Withdraw Money in Bali Withdrawal limits: The maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction depends on your bank and card type. Generally, you can withdraw between 1,500,000 IDR and 3,000,000 IDR per transaction (approximately €85 to €170 EUR | $90 to $180 USD). This amount may vary between ATMs. ATM fees: Some ATMs charge withdrawal fees, especially for foreign cards. These fees typically range from 5,000 to 50,000 IDR (about €0.28 to €2.80 EUR | $0.30 to $3 USD) per transaction. Things to Consider When Withdrawing Money Bank withdrawal limits: Some banks impose daily withdrawal limits for both local and international transactions. Check with your bank before traveling. Additional fees: Your bank may charge extra fees for international withdrawals, so verify these costs in advance. Multiple withdrawals: If you need more cash, you may have to make multiple withdrawals from different ATMs. Tips for Managing Money in Bali Watch out for extra charges: In tourist areas, service charges (usually 10-15%) are often added to restaurant and hotel bills. Check whether they’re included—they’re usually mentioned on menus or receipts. Use a fee-free travel card: Bring a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees to minimize extra charges when withdrawing cash or making payments in IDR. Inform your bank before traveling: Notify your bank of your trip to avoid card blocks and ask about their fees for overseas withdrawals. Budget in Bali Your daily budget in Bali depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown based on travel style: Luxury travel (€200+ per day | $220+ USD per day): Stay in 5-star resorts or private villas, dine at high-end restaurants, enjoy private excursions, premium spa treatments, and exclusive activities like private temple tours. Mid-range travel (€50–100 per day | $55–110 USD per day): Stay in 3–4 star hotels, dine at quality restaurants, and participate in guided tours and day trips while enjoying trendy cafés and local eateries. Budget travel (€30–50 per day | $33–55 USD per day): Stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat at warungs (local restaurants), and use public transportation. This is the best option for experiencing Bali affordably while still enjoying its beauty. What to Pack for Bali Here’s a checklist of essentials to ensure a comfortable trip to Bali: Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your arrival. Light, breathable clothing: Opt for fabrics like linen … Read more
