From pre-flight planning to hospitals, Bali belly and transport options, here’s all you need to know when travelling to Bali.
Known for its rich culture and abundant natural beauty, travelling to Bali has made it onto every international jet-setter’s bucket list, and for good reason. There’s so much to discover when you arrive – authentic menus at Bali’s amazing restaurants, scenic sunsets and heart-pumping waves at Bali’s best beaches, and of course, the majestic temples that make Bali so iconic. If you’re after the best travel tips for Bali, you’re in the right place.
From which visa to get, to local etiquette and the important contacts to have on speed-dial, here’s all you need to know before you go to Bali. Paradise is waiting!
Your Ultimate Bali Travel Checklist
Before you set off, make sure you’ve ticked all these handy travel tips. From mandatory documents to temple attire, here’s everything you need for a smooth and stress-free Bali holiday.
Before your trip:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Valid visa (check our Bali visa guide)
- Print out important documents
- Fill out the AllIndonesia online forms
- Travel insurance covering health and flight cancellations
- Vaccinations or health documents (if required)
- International driver’s licence if you plan to rent a scooter
- Download all the helpful apps
When you arrive:
- Paid your Love Bali tourism levy
- Local SIM card or eSIM for maps and calls
- QRIS-ready payment app or Rupiah cash
Bonus tips:
- Save emergency contacts (police, hospital, embassy)
- Keep copies of your passport and insurance
- Download offline maps for areas you’re planning to visit
- Bring modest clothing for visiting temples and sacred sites
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent
Want to keep it handy? Download our Bali Travel Checklist below.
Bali Travel Tips: Pre-flight planning
1. First things first: your passport
Is your international ID, AKA your passport, travel-ready? It might seem like a no-brainer, but there are certain passport requiremnts to note before travelling to Bali. First, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay. Top tip: while you’re at it, make sure your passport is in good condition and has enough blank pages for the visa stamps. You may be denied entry if there’s any noticeable damage.
2. What type of visa will you need?
Planning your Bali trip? There are a few visa options depending on your nationality and length of stay, but don’t worry, we’ve simplified it for you. Head to our complete Bali visa guide for up-to-date info on visa types, fees, and extensions.
Note: As travel requirements are always changing, be sure to check the official immigration website for any updates or visa information.
3. Print out important documents for when you land
So, you’ve got your passport, your visa, and you booked a flight. Now what? There’s still a few things to consider before you leave. If you applied for your visa online, be sure to print out the proof of visa payment and have it with you on your flight. Another document you’ll get asked for is your onward ticket. Since a tourist visit is temporary, you’ll have to show that you’ll leave the country before your visa expires.
4. Fill out the online forms
Before your Bali adventure begins, there are a few online forms you’ll need to fill out, and the best part is, it’s now all in one place!
Simply visit allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id to:
- Fill out your customs declaration (available three days before arrival)
- Complete your health declaration (required since August 2024 to prevent the spread of Mpox)
Once everything’s submitted, you’ll receive QR codes for each form. Simply save them on your phone or print them out to be scanned when you land in Bali. If you forget to do it before your flight, no worries! You can still complete the process at the airport on arrival, though you might need to queue a little longer.
5. Purchase travel insurance for peace of mind…
We get it, it’s always tempting to say “I’m always careful, nothing will happen to me”. The fact is, we cannot predict what will happen, especially when you’re in a foreign country. To give you peace of mind when travelling to Bali, it’s always good to have travel insurance with a good policy and coverage. Look out for evacuation cover in case of medical or natural disaster emergencies, as well as accidents and injuries.
6. Health precautions: do you need to get vaccinated?
While vaccination isn’t a requirement to enter the country post-COVID, it’s always best to check with your doctor and your home country’s health department website. Here we’ve come up with a few vaccines we think might be helpful, but please keep in mind that we’re not health professionals.
Make sure your routine vaccines are up-to-date, like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio and chickenpox. If the cleanliness of food and water is a concern, then consult with your doctor about Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B vaccines. If you think you’ll be interacting with any wildlife or stray dogs or cats, then the rabies vaccine is always a good idea.
And here’s a general health tip: put on your sunscreen religiously and stay hydrated! Sunshine is great, but it can be too much if you’re coming from a cooler climate.
7. International Driver’s Licence: will you need it in Bali?
To drive or not to drive… While driving may be convenient to get around the island whenever you want, beware that it may not be as easy as you’d expect. Sure, there is GPS and Google Maps if you have reliable phone data, but it’s also the “Wild West” out there with many obstacles. Think potholes, traffic jams, unfamiliar road rules and motorbikes whizzing past in every direction.
After weighing out the pros and cons, if you decide to drive in Bali, you’ll have to carry an International Driver’s Licence (AKA International Driving Permit) to drive legally. Keep in mind that scooters here come in over 100cc, meaning your car licence may not be enough to cover riding a scooter. In this case, you’ll need a licence specifically for motorbikes. And it’s always a good idea to make sure that your travel insurance covers road accidents on an International Driver’s Licence.
Top tip: always wear your helmet when riding a scooter (yes, that applies for the passenger too!). And we say, don’t drive in Bali unless you’re experienced. There’s plenty of private local drivers and taxis (both car and motorbike taxis), readily available to take you around the island.
8. BONUS: Helpful phone apps to download
Make your Bali trip easier with these handy apps and tools:
- MyBluebird – Book Bali’s trusted Blue Bird taxis, known for being safe and metered. You can also hail one from the roadside or call +62 361 701 111. The app now also offers on-demand rides and lets you pre-book a taxi for your preferred time.
- GoJek – Bali’s go-to app for ride-hailing, motorbike taxis, food delivery, and even courier services.
- Grab – Similar to GoJek, with car and motorbike options, plus grocery and package delivery features.
- Google Maps – Great for navigating Bali’s main areas, but be cautious in smaller villages where coverage may be patchy.
- WhatsApp – A must-have for communicating in Bali. Most locals, businesses, and restaurants use it for reservations and daily messaging.
- Google Translate – Handy for quick translations, though you’ll find that many locals in tourist areas speak basic English.
Bali Airport Arrival Guide: What to expect when you land
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you breeze through Ngurah Rai International Airport:
- Disembark from your flight and follow the signs to the Immigration Hall.
- If you haven’t prepaid for your Visa on Arrival (VOA), head to the VOA counter to make payment before entering the immigration area.
- Next, proceed to the immigration Auto Gates. Scan your passport, the system will detect your visa and let you through automatically.
- If the Auto Gates don’t work, or if your passport isn’t electronic, join the regular immigration queue. Officers will manually check your documents and process your entry.
- Once you’re through immigration, collect your luggage from the baggage claim area. Bags usually take around 15–30 minutes to arrive.
- With your bags in hand, head towards the Exit and Customs area. Officers will scan your All-in-One Indonesia QR Code, which covers your arrival details, customs declaration, and health pass. You can fill this form up to three days before your flight, or complete it on arrival.
- After clearing customs, you are ready to start your Bali adventure!
Update: Bali Tourist Rules & Travel Guidelines 2025
If you’re heading to Bali this year, there’s a new set of travel guidelines to take note of. Governor Wayan Koster has introduced Circular Letter (SE No. 7 of 2025), a friendly reminder for visitors to explore the island respectfully and sustainably. The goal? To protect Balinese culture, its natural beauty, and your overall travel experience.
Here’s what you should know before your next trip:
What you must do:
Respect Balinese culture and religion.
Always dress modestly and act politely, especially in temples, community spaces, and sacred areas. Temples aren’t photo ops, they’re living places of worship.
Pay the official tourism levy
You can pay this through the immigration website or app – super convenient! The funds support cultural preservation, waste management, and infrastructure across the island, so let’s all do our part in keeping Bali beautiful and magical.
Use licensed accommodation, transport, and guides.
When booking tours or drivers, check they’re registered, it helps support local livelihoods and ensures you’re covered by insurance.
Drive legally and responsibly.
If you’re renting a motorbike, make sure you have a valid international or Indonesian driver’s licence, wear a helmet, follow traffic signs, and skip the ride if you’ve been drinking.
Stick to official money changers and payment methods.
Use Indonesian Rupiah for payments, exchange money only at authorised changers, and stick to legal, traceable methods such as QRIS or official banking channels.
What’s not allowed:
- Entering temple inner sanctums (Utamaning Mandala or Madyaning Mandala) unless you’re there for worship and wearing proper ceremonial attire.
- Climbing or sitting on sacred statues, monuments, or trees, or taking indecent photos at religious or cultural landmarks.
- Littering, polluting rivers or beaches, or using single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, or Styrofoam containers.
- Working or doing business without a permit, from freelancing to running unlicensed retreats or workshops.
- Creating or posting content that disrespects Balinese customs or spreads misinformation about local culture.
What happens if you break the rules:
Local authorities and community teams are keeping an eye out to ensure everyone follows the guidelines. Serious violations can lead to fines or even deportation, so it’s best to travel mindfully. There’s even a public hotline for reports: +62 81 287 590 999 (WhatsApp).
These rules aren’t meant to restrict you, they’re here to make sure Bali stays the paradise we all love. Be respectful, be responsible, and you’ll have an unforgettable island experience for all the right reasons.
Bali’s Local Etiquette, Culture & Everyday Tips
1. Enjoy Balinese culture with respect
Bali is a holiday destination renowned for its rich culture – one of the many reasons tourists travel here from around the globe. The culture is centred around the Balinese Hindu religion that’s been passed down from generation to generation. As tourists, you can witness the unique and beautiful culture through the simple daily rituals like putting an offering (called Canang Sari) on the streets, or even taking part in ceremonies like melukat and visiting Hindu temples in Bali. If you do want to temple-hop, keep in mind that temple etiquette is important as it is a place of prayer, with the main rule being to cover up your legs, shoulders and chest, and for men to wear a sash around the waist. Don’t worry, you can usually rent a sash and a sarong at the entrance of most temples.
Travel tip: Time your trip so that you can experience the most important days on the Balinese calendar, like Galungan and Kuningan, as well as Bali’s Day of Silence, AKA Nyepi, a unique day when the island goes completely silent. Want more? Check out our complete guide to Balinese culture.
2. Local communities and lifestyle norms
Bali is a unique combo of modern and traditional lifestyles, which you can get a taste of wherever you go. That being said, there are areas which cater to specific interests. For example, Ubud draws in the art and wellness community, Canggu is popular for its food and bar scene, while Uluwatu’s world-famous waves mainly attract surfers. But wherever you go on the island, it’s always best to show respect to the local customs. While Balinese people are generally accepting, remember that Indonesia is a conservative country – so it’s more respectful to cover up in public, and only wear your bikini in appropriate places, like the beach or swimming pools.
Travel tip: Love Bali? Consider looking up conservation efforts happening across the island. As responsible travellers, we want to offset the ever-growing footprint that comes with travelling. There are awesome charities in Bali working to preserve the environment and our waters, as well as charities helping street animals and wildlife. And the best bit is, you can help them too, by making a donation or offering help where possible.
3. Traffic – is it really that bad?
Bali is renowned for many things, and one of them is its chaotic traffic. It’s to be expected, considering the incoming waves of tourists, all year round. So if you’re planning to visit multiple areas across the island, we highly recommend that you plan your itinerary accordingly. For example, while it’s possible to day trip from south to north, you won’t be able to stop at multiple spots and really enjoy it. You’ll want to start early on days packed with activities, and if you can, limit your activities to a just a few each day to avoid disappointment. Even catching the sunset in popular areas will require you to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Psst… on some important religious days, there could be a parade of Balinese people wearing traditional clothing and carrying offerings. It’s a sight to be seen, but you will have to stop to let them pass through before you can continue on your way.
Travel tip if you’re spending a week or two in Bali: Stay in one area and day trip to surrounding neighbourhoods. Then, move to another area and repeat. For example, spend a few nights in Seminyak, during which you can day trip to Canggu and Kuta. Or stay in Sanur if you want to add day trips to Ubud and Nusa Lembongan. And if you’re island-hopping, make sure that you’re back on the mainland at least a day before your departure.
4. Is travelling to Bali safe for my health?
There’s a few health concerns when travelling to the tropics, and Bali is no exception. The ones that are continuously being asked about are Bali belly and Dengue Fever. Here, we’re giving you a few tips on how to handle them, but please note that we aren’t health professionals. What works for others, may work differently for you. If you are concerned, consult with your doctor for preventative measures before your trip.
5. How to avoid “Bali Belly”
Bali Belly AKA traveller’s diarrhoea, is an infection, not to be confused with an upset stomach from spicy food. Typically, you’ll feel pain in the stomach and go to the bathroom more often, leading to a loss of fluids, persisting for a few days. There are things you can do to avoid Bali Belly, like not drinking tap-water and washing your hands before eating. Some travellers take probiotics prior to travelling. Since you don’t always know how your food is prepared, be cautious of where you eat, whether you’re eating in a roadside food stall (AKA warung), or even a five-star restaurant. If unfortunately you get a tummy ache that lasts for days, keep hydrated and seek medical attention from a local healthcare provider.
6. Dengue Fever in Bali
Dengue Fever has been a health concern in Bali and the rest of Indonesia for decades. It is an infection caused by a virus and passed along through Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. The common symptoms are high fever and body aches, which could become fatal and therefore not to be taken lightly. The best way to prevent it is to apply a stronger mosquito repellent (with DEET) to exposed skin especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Ensure that your accommodation provides mosquito screens or nets. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect you may be suffering from Dengue Fever.
Two Bali travel tips we repeat often: hydrate and use DEET-based repellent.
7. Cash vs card: How should you pay for things in Bali?
The cheapest way to get cash Bali is to withdraw it straight from an ATM, so make sure your card is activated for overseas withdrawal. Ever heard the term “cash is king”? Carrying some cash with you always helps, especially for local markets, paying for parking and leaving tips. The currency of Indonesia is Indonesian Rupiah, usually abbreviated as “IDR” or “Rp”. While in bigger businesses (like beach clubs, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets), debit and credit cards (mainly the major ones, like Mastercard, Visa and Amex) are accepted. If you’re travelling to the less touristy areas, it may be difficult to find places with card readers or ATMs.
Travel tip: currency exchange rates are better here, but avoid exchanging at the airport or at questionable money changers offering higher rates. If you’re planning to use your card, be sure to inform your bank ahead of your trip, so that you won’t run into any banking issues.
Bali Emergency Contacts & Essential Travel Guide
1. Hospitals in Bali
When it comes to healthcare with international standards, Bali has you covered. BIMC Hospital (located in Kuta, Nusa Dua and Ubud) is the go-to for travellers seeking top-notch medical care, especially for emergencies or post-accident treatments. BIMC is known for their excellent English-speaking staff and services tailored for tourists, including 24-hour clinics and medical evacuations. Siloam Hospital on Jl Sunset Road also offers world-class care, with specialists in everything from cardiology to paediatrics.
- BIMC Kuta, Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 100X, Kuta, p. +62 361 761 263 / +62 811 3960 8500, e. admin@bimcbali.com
- BIMC Nusa Dua, Kawasan ITDC Block D, Nusa Dua, p. +62 361 300 0911 / +62 811 3896 113, e. admin.nd@bimcbali.com
- BIMC Ubud, Jl Raya Sanggingan No. 21, Kedewatan, Ubud, p. +62 361 209 1030 / +62 811 399 552, e. admin.ubud@bimcbali.com
- Siloam Hospital, Jl Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta, p. +62 361 779 900
2. Pharmacies in Bali
Pharmacy is called “apotek” in Bahasa Indonesia, and is usually stocked with over-the-counter essentials with at least one pharmacist in charge for consultations and prescription refills. The most dependable and trustworthy chain of pharmacies in Bali (and across Indonesia) is Kimia Farma, with professional staff and a wide range of pharmaceuticals. If you’re looking for over-the-counter, vitamins or herbal medicines, Guardian and Watsons are convenient options. These chains feature a pharmacy inside, and they also sell skincare, toiletries and make-up too.
3. Supermarkets in Bali
We love shopping in overseas supermarkets because you never know what kind of local treats you’ll find! For bigger chain supermarkets in Bali, you’ll spot Pepitos and Frestive in countless locations all across South Bali. Otherwise, check-out Bintang Supermarket (in Seminyak, Denpasar and Ubud) and Grand Lucky Super Store (in Denpasar, Sanur and Kuta), which are always fully stocked with groceries, local and imported goods. We also go to Papaya in Kuta and Renon, whenever we’re craving Japanese snacks and pantry staples.
Safe travels, Honeys! Bali is one of the most amazing places to visit in the world, so please enjoy your stay. If you are like us, you’ll be counting the days for your return trip the moment you get home…