Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Rp100,000–250,000 | Rp500,000–1,200,000 |
| Food | Rp75,000–150,000 | Rp200,000–500,000 |
| Transport | Rp60,000–100,000 | Rp200,000–400,000 |
| Activities | Rp50,000–200,000 | Rp300,000–700,000 |
| Drinks | Rp30,000–80,000 | Rp100,000–250,000 |
| Daily Total | Rp315,000–780,000 | Rp1,300,000–3,050,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa on arrival: Rp500,000 (~$32) for 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days at immigration (Rp500,000)
- Some nationalities (ASEAN, Japan, South Korea) get 30 days free. Most others must pay VOA. E-VOA available pre-arrival online
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) — Grab to Ubud: Rp250,000–350,000 (1.5 hours). To Kuta/Seminyak: Rp80,000–150,000
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water Rp5,000 everywhere. "Bali belly" is common — eat at busy stalls with high turnover
- Bali is very safe but petty theft from scooters is common. Wear bags cross-body. Stray dogs can carry rabies — avoid contact
- BIMC Hospital in Kuta handles emergencies with English-speaking staff. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential
Getting Around
- Scooter rental (Rp60,000–80,000/day) is the most practical option. International driving permit technically required but rarely checked
- Grab works in southern Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur) but is patchy in Ubud and the north. Use it as a fare benchmark
- Hire a private driver for day trips: Rp500,000–700,000 for 10 hours. Cheaper than multiple Grabs and the driver knows the roads
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Telkomsel (best coverage) from Rp100,000 for 30 days with 15GB data. Also available at Mini Marts
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Ubud and Canggu have excellent cafe WiFi — popular with digital nomads
- Grab, Google Maps, and Gojek (Indonesian ride-hailing, often cheaper than Grab) are the essential apps
Money
- ATMs everywhere — BCA and Mandiri ATMs are most reliable. Maximum withdrawal usually Rp2,500,000. ₫50,000 notes and Rp50,000 notes look similar — check your change
- Cash is king at warungs, markets, and local shops. Cards accepted at larger restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets
- Money changers in Kuta are notorious for scams — use ATMs or official exchanges with digital counters at malls
Packing Tips
- Light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a sarong — you will need it for every temple visit
- Mosquito repellent (dengue risk), waterproof phone case, and a dry bag for boat trips to Nusa Penida
- Comfortable shoes for temple steps and waterfall trails. Flip-flops for beaches. A light rain jacket for the wet season (Nov–Mar)
Cultural tips
Temple Etiquette
Wear a sarong and sash at every temple (provided at major sites, bring your own elsewhere). Never stand higher than a priest. Women on their menstrual cycle are traditionally asked not to enter temples.
Offerings (Canang Sari)
The small palm-leaf offerings with flowers and incense on sidewalks, steps, and doorways are sacred. Never step on them, kick them, or move them. They are daily offerings to Hindu gods and are deeply important to Balinese life.
Monkey Safety
Monkeys at temples are wild animals, not pets. Never make eye contact, show teeth, or wave food. Secure sunglasses, phones, and water bottles. If a monkey grabs something, do not chase — temple staff can help retrieve it.
Ocean Respect
Bali's currents are powerful. Red flags mean no swimming. Rip currents kill tourists every year. Always swim at lifeguarded beaches and never underestimate the Indian Ocean, even on calm days.
Scooter Safety
Bali has a high scooter accident rate among tourists. Always wear a helmet. Do not drink and drive. The roads are narrow, poorly lit, and shared with dogs, trucks, and ceremony processions.
Ceremony Days
Bali celebrates numerous Hindu ceremonies — you may encounter road closures, processions, and shops shutting for Nyepi (Day of Silence) or Galungan. Embrace the disruption — witnessing a Balinese ceremony is one of the island's greatest privileges.
