Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7–15 | $25–60 |
| Food | $5–12 | $15–30 |
| Transport | $3–5 | $5–10 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–35 |
| Nightlife | $5–10 | $15–30 |
| Daily Total | $25–55 | $75–165 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) available for many nationalities — $35 USD for 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days
- Some nationalities qualify for free 30-day visa (not extendable)
- Passport must have 6+ months validity and at least 2 blank pages
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance is essential — Bali hospitals are adequate but evacuation to Singapore may be needed for serious cases
- Drink only bottled or filtered water — tap water is not safe
- Dengue fever risk exists — use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk
Getting Around
- Scooter is the primary transport in Canggu — 50,000-80,000 IDR per day rental
- International Driving Permit technically required for scooters — police checkpoints are common
- Grab and GoJek ride-hailing apps work well for longer distances and airport transfers
Connectivity
- Buy a Telkomsel or XL SIM card at the airport for 100,000-150,000 IDR with generous data
- WiFi is excellent at cafes and co-working spaces — Canggu is built for digital nomads
- Download Grab, GoJek, Google Maps (offline), and WhatsApp before arriving
Money
- Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). 1 USD = approximately 15,500 IDR
- Cards accepted at most cafes and restaurants — carry cash for warungs, markets, and scooter rental
- ATMs are common but charge fees — withdraw larger amounts less frequently. Notify your bank of travel plans
Packing Tips
- Boardshorts/swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard for surfing
- Light cotton clothing — Bali is hot and humid year-round (27-33°C)
- A sarong (or buy one locally) for temple visits — required for entry to all Balinese temples
Cultural tips
Respect Hindu Culture
Bali is deeply Hindu. Do not step on or kick offerings (canang sari) placed on the ground — they are daily prayers. Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress modestly at religious sites (sarong and sash required).
Environmental Awareness
Bali has a serious plastic waste problem. Carry a reusable water bottle and bag. Avoid single-use plastics. Support businesses that use sustainable practices. The Canggu recycling initiatives and beach clean-ups welcome volunteers.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing ceremonies, offerings, and people. Do not touch or climb on temple structures. During cremation ceremonies (ngaben), observe respectfully from a distance unless invited to participate.
Language
English is widely spoken in Canggu but learning basic Indonesian earns enormous goodwill: terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning), berapa harga (how much). Balinese people are warm and appreciative of any effort to speak their language.
Support Local Economy
Choose warungs over Western-style cafes for at least some meals. Buy from Balinese artisans. Use Balinese guides and instructors. The tourist economy benefits many families but the money needs to reach the local community, not just international businesses.
Ceremony Days
Nyepi (Day of Silence, usually March) shuts down the entire island — no travel, no lights, no internet. Galungan and Kuningan are major Hindu celebrations with ceremonies and processions. These cultural events are beautiful to witness and should be respected.
