FAQs: Every Question Our Readers Ask About Bali

In our experience, there’s no bad time to visit Bali, which is good news if your dates are determined by work or school commitments.

If you're flexible on dates, we’d recommend visiting during the dry season (usually May to October) so you can really make the most of your trip.

This is when the weather will be hot, but not too humid, and there's a very low chance of rain.

That being said, we regularly visit Bali during the wet season (November to April). With fewer tourists and cheaper prices, you can still have an incredible experience. Just have a light rain jacket to hand for the short but intense rain storms and try to avoid the highlands which experience more rain than the coastal areas.

Peak tourist periods are July to August (when many Western countries have their summer vacation) and late-December to early-January (when Australia has its summer vacation and festive celebrations take place).

Our full guide about when to visit Bali has more details about what to expect from the weather in wet season and some cultural celebrations to consider.

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the international airport in Bali. It's located in Bali’s capital city, Denpasar, so it's also known as Denpasar Airport or Bali Airport.

The best area to stay in Bali really depends on what you want from your trip. Bali has beaches, jungle, lively areas, quiet areas, etc.

If you’re a first-timer, Ubud is always a fantastic option. Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual hub with lots to see and do. It's also perfectly located in the centre of the island, so there are dozens of great day trips.

If you prefer beach destinations, you could head down to Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, or Uluwatu. For quieter spots, head further north to Kintamani, Sidemen, Amed, or Lovina. Our full where to stay in Bali? guide has more details on each place.

Here is a rundown of the main accommodation types in Bali:

• Hotels/Resorts – Hotels and resorts in Bali come in a wide range of sizes and levels of luxury, from budget to high-end all-inclusive resorts. Hotels tend to have a more formal atmosphere and amenities can include restaurants, bars, spas, pools, and room service. Find hotels here.
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• Homestays – These are smaller family-run guesthouses that are usually very affordable. Homestays are often quite basic, but some have pools, shared kitchens, and other facilities. Although the family who run the homestay usually live there, you will stay in a separate area allocated for guests. These are away from the main family living area so there is still plenty of privacy. Most long-termers in Bali choose to stay in homestays. Find homestays here.
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• Hostels – If you’re a backpacker or solo traveller, hostels are perfect for meeting other people to explore Bali with. By staying in a dorm room, you’ll get a better rate than a hotel or guest house and you'll make some friends along the way. Ensure you get a hostel that matches your vibe. Some can be very boozy and party-oriented, whereas others are more chilled-out. Find hostels here.
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• Retreats – If you have an interest such as yoga, surfing, diving, or fitness, there are many specialised retreats across Bali where you can immerse yourself in that activity. Accommodation is provided (usually), but the main benefit is access to instructors and a community of like-minded individuals. See upcoming retreats in Bali here.
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• Villas – When you rent a villa, you’ll get the entire property to yourself. This is the most luxurious but also the most expensive option.

Bali is a mostly Hindu island, so the locals dress fairly modestly. That being said, they are very accepting towards tourists. There is no strict ‘dress code,’ as long as you are respectful.

Bali has a hot tropical climate all year round, so we'd recommend bringing lightweight, breathable fabrics. Think island vibes; shorts, t-shirts, vests, dresses, swimwear, etc.

It usually stays hot well into the evening, so most bars, restaurants, and clubs don't mind casual wear, such as shorts and tees. We have never had a problem, but it's best to double-check the dress code for more upmarket venues. Some of the high-end bars and clubs don't allow flip-flops in the evening.

If you plan to visit mountainous areas, such as Kintamani, Munduk, or Bedugul, you’ll want to pack extra layers as it can get quite chilly in the evenings.

Bali uses type-C and type-F plugs. These are the same plugs that are used across most of mainland Europe with two round prongs.

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. This can be written as 100,000 IDR or 100,000Rp or 100k for short.

Although card payments are widely accepted across Bali, you will still need cash on hand for things such as fuel, parking, eating at warungs (local Indonesian restaurants), and entrance to attractions such as temples or waterfalls.

If you want to bring cash from home, it's best to bring your own currency and exchange it once you arrive. Only use legitimate money changers such as BMC.

It's also possible to withdraw the local currency from ATMs across the island using your debit card. This is how we access cash when visiting Bali.

If you're planning to withdraw cash from ATMs, ensure your home bank doesn't add fees for overseas withdrawals. If they do, we recommend getting a traveller-friendly card such as Revolut or Wise.

Although it’s not mandatory to have travel insurance to enter Bali, it’s not something you should overlook.

Foreigners are disproportionately involved in road accidents, and associated medical bills can be as high as AUD$48,000 (source).

Some key things to look for in Bali include whether they pay upfront for emergencies, whether you're covered for adventure sports such as ATVs, surfing, etc, and whether you're covered for riding scooters.

We reviewed lots of travel insurance policies and recommend the following:

• For Aussies: Cover-More (AU)

• For Kiwis: Cover-More (NZ)

• For Brits: Cover For You

• For Americans: Generali

• For Digital Nomads: Safety Wing

Yes, unmarried couples can visit Bali and stay together, Emily and I are a good example of this.

The reason this has become a common question about visiting Bali is because the Indonesian parliament changed their criminal code to outlaw unmarried couples living together.

After the rule was passed, the governor of Bali intervened to assure tourists that their 'marital status will remain confidential and that there will be no checking of their marital status upon arrival at accommodations on the resort island' (source).

When this rule comes into effect (sometime in 2025), only a spouse, parent, or child will be able to bring about charges, so it won't affect tourists.

Remember, Indonesia is a Muslim country which is why they have rules like this. But Bali is an exception as the island is majority Balinese Hindu.

Customs are quite strict on the amount of alcohol and cigarettes you can bring in.

You are permitted to bring 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 100g of tobacco per adult and up to 1 litre of alcoholic drinks.

Before leaving the airport, your bags must go through an x-ray and may be searched by an officer. They are pretty good at finding and confiscating these items.

There are currently no official restrictions on vapes so as long as you are bringing enough for personal use you should be okay.

However, be aware that vapes are illegal in Singapore, even during transit. If you have a change here, it's best to avoid bringing vapes, especially if you have a self-transfer. Don't worry - they are very widely available in Bali and cheap too.

Unfortunately, there is not one clear set of rules to refer to, so it is really at the discretion of customs officers.

But based on information provided by various embassies, this seems to be the general advice:

You can take over-the-counter medication, such flu, cough, or diarrhea medicine and most vitamins, without any documentation. We regularly carry things like ibuprofen and paracetomol with us - always in original packaging.

You can take most prescription medication into Bali, but you must adhere to these rules:

• You must have a prescription or doctors note stating your dosage. It should be in English or Bahasa and the name should match your passport

• You must only carry enough for personal use and it should be in the original packaging

• You should declare prescription medication on your electronic customs declaration - the section called drugs, also includes prescription medication

• It should not contain a prohibited narcotic

Indonesia is very strict on drug laws, so double check all your medicines for prohibited ingredients. We have found this page from Indonesian embassy in Copenhagen to contain a helpful list of what isn't allowed (works best on mobile devices).

This page from the Indonesian embassy in Canberra is also a useful resource.

For most tourists, we recommend getting a visa on arrival (VOA) or the electronic version called an e-VOA. These both cost 500,000 IDR ⓘ (plus transaction fees for card payments).

The VOA can be purchased at the airport using cash or card. However, there are often long waits.

That's why we always choose the e-VOA which can be purchased online ahead of your visit.

A VOA/e-VOA allows you to stay in Indonesia for 30 days. For an additional fee, you can extend it once for another 30 days, giving a total of 60 days. With the e-VOA, extensions can also be done online.

You can apply for an e-VOA at the official government website here.

You'll also need to complete several other documents too, including a customs declaration. We've created a full guide which exlains everything you need to do before entering Bali.

Yes, an onward ticket is a compulsory requirement for entering Bali.

Some airlines have asked us to show proof of onward travel when checking in. However, we have never been asked for these documents at immigration in Bali.

For some visa applications, you'll need to upload proof of onward travel as part of the application process.

No, there are no specific vaccination requirements for entering Bali. However, you should still consult your doctor to see what they recommend. I have a rabies vaccine which gives me peace of mind around Bali's many stray dogs and wild monkeys.

The best way to get from the airport to your accommodation is by using the Gojek app (Apple │ Android) which is a ride-hailing service in Bali, similar to Uber.

Gojek taxis cannot pick you up directly at arrivals. There is a dedicated Gojek pick-up point less than 50m away (here is a Google Maps pin).

Alternatively, you can arrange for a transfer with a private driver who will meet you directly at Arrivals. This will be slightly more expensive than using the Gojek app, but still reasonably affordable. The benefit is that this can be pre-arranged so there is no hassle when you arrive.

We recommend booking transfers through Klook’s airport transfer booking service which offers reasonable prices.

We usually opt for e-SIMs which are the most convenient option. You can activate them before arriving and have immediate internet access for booking taxis at the airport (the airport Wi-Fi rarely works).

Using an e-SIM also allows you to keep your regular SIM card in your phone to receive texts and calls.

The two e-SIM providers we recommend for Bali are Airalo and Maya Mobile. You can learn more about the differences between them and see prices here.

To get a regular SIM card, we recommend either preordering for airport pick-up or having one delivered to your hotel. Other options also include visiting a Telkomsel store or purchasing from a streetside vendor.

There are far too many activities in Bali to mention here and it entirely depends on what you’d like to get out of your trip. See our full guide of things to do in Bali.

The best ways for tourists to get around in Bali are renting a scooter to drive yourself, hiring a private driver, or using online taxis such as Grab or Gojek.

If you plan to hire a scooter, we recommend using Bikago - they are a reputable rental agency with branches across Bali. Make sure you have the correct license and are comfortable driving on chaotic roads.

If you'd rather not drive, you can use a combination of private drivers and online taxis. We recommend hiring a private driver for full day trips with multiple stops and using online taxis (such as Grab and Gojek) for simple A-to-B journeys.

Large group tours aren't common in Bali. Instead, it’s better to hire a private driver for the day who will take you on a tour. This is surprisingly affordable, especially if you are travelling as a group.

Drivers will have suggested itineraries. However, we recommend doing your own research first and letting them know if there are particular stops you want to include. Otherwise, they will only take you to the most touristy destinations.

Yes, you can ride a scooter in Bali as long as you have the correct licence to ride a scooter in your home country and an International Drivers Permit (IDP) issued in your home country.

We recommend hiring a scooter from Bikago which is one of the main scooter rental companies in Bali. You can pick it up from the airport, at one of their offices across the island, or have it delivered to your accommodation.

Yes, many of Bali’s beaches are safe for swimming, especially those on the east side of the island and down on the Bukit Peninsula.

However, the currents can be strong on some beaches, and accidents are not unheard of. Use caution and stay near the shore if you aren't a strong swimmer.

If you see a red flag, this means that the current is too strong, so you should not enter the water.

Bali Belly is the colloquial name given to Travellers Diarreaha when you get it in Bali.

Travellers Diarreaha comes from consuming food or drink contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites that our stomachs don’t like or aren’t used to.

The illness is not unique to Bali and can be caught in many developing countries. It's the most common travel-related illness.

Unfortunately, it's a rite of passage for most newbies in Bali. Surveys have found that around 60% of visitors will get it. Most people we know who visit Bali get at least mild symptoms. The good news is that it’s rarely serious and tends to pass within a day or two.

There are ways you can reduce your chances of catching Bali Belly, such as avoiding drinking tap water and being careful about where you eat. You can also take probiotics to help build your natural defences.

See our full guide to preventing, avoiding, and treating Bali belly for lots of tips.

Bali doesn’t have a strong tipping culture, so it's not essential to tip.

However, we'd recommend tipping when you do receive exceptional service. For example, when a tour guide has gone above and beyond or when the food and service at a restaurant is exceptional.

There is no specific amount to tip, but adding 10% or rounding up is always a good place to start.

Some restaurants, typically those serving Western food, will add a compulsory tip to your bill. This should be clearly visible on the menu and your bill so make sure to check this.

When entering a temple or other sacred site, you should be respectful and ensure you cover your knees and shoulders. Most temples will provide free sarongs at the entrance or have somewhere nearby you can purchase them if needed.

No, you should never drink the tap water in Bali.

Many hotels and guesthouses will provide you with drinking water or have a refill station. Bottled water is also widely available and cheap to purchase in local shops.

However, the ice is safe to drink as rules in Bali mean that ice served in bars and restaurants must be commercial ice made using purified drinking water. We have always consumed the ice without getting ill.

The water in Bali can affect your hair—but it’s not as bad as some may suggest.

Bali is known for its hard water, which is rich in heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine. This type of water can strip your hair of natural oils, causing it to become dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.

That said, most warnings you see online and on social media are greatly exaggerated. While the water is harder than some other destinations, it’s highly unlikely to cause severe or permanent damage. And don't worry, you won’t go bald from it.

Bali is one of the best countries when it comes to for catering to special dietary requirements.

Most international restaurants in Bali cater to diets including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. Almost every Western-style café has dairy-free alternatives for your coffee and it is very common for servers to ask about dietary requirements at the beginning of your meal.

In fact, there are a vast number of fully vegan cafes. A couple of our favourites are Kynd and I Am Vegan Babe in Canggu and Zest in Ubud.

When it comes to local Indonesian restaurants (called warungs), it's less likely that they will be able to cater to special dietary requirements. It's usually served buffet-style where you point to the dishes you want in a counter. It’s often difficult to know exactly what's in them.

There are a wide range of vegetarian and vegan choices available at most warungs, including the local specialty of tempeh. But it's a little more difficult to find dishes for other diets.

The official language of Bali is Bahasa Indonesia, or simply known as Indonesian. It is similar to the official language of Malaysia which is Bahasa Malaysia, also known as Malay.

However, English is widely spoken and understood by locals, especially in tourist areas. There is usually some level of English spoken in rural areas but it can be more limited.

I recommend downloading Google Translate on your phone and ensuring that you have downloaded ‘Indonesian’ before venturing out.

Yes, bugs are common in Bali due to the tropical climate. These are mainly mosquitos which are more active in the evenings and in the jungle areas.

Most mosquito bites are minor. At most, they'll cause a small itchy bump that goes away after a day or two (our favourite hack is to warm a spoon in hot water and place it on the bite to reduce itching).

However, mosquitos can carry diseases such as dengue fever, so you should follow some simple precautions to reduce your chances of a bite. These include:

• Using insect repellent

• Wearing long clothes in the evening

• Keeping your doors/windows closed at night

Like most Southeast Asian countries, you might spot Geckos from time to time. These are tiny lizards that hang out on the walls and ceilings. They are harmless to humans and very afraid of us. Geckos are actually helpful as they eat mosquitos.

You do not need to worry about spiders in Bali. Unfortunately, a viral TikTok video showed a village with lots of spiders and caused worry among travellers. But this is just one small village that tourists rarely visit and is not reflective of Bali.

In built-up areas, we hardly ever see any spiders. You might spot some huntsman spiders in more rural areas or when walking through rice fields, but these do not pose a threat to humans and are actually quite interesting.

Yes, Bali is one of the safest destinations in Indonesia and the Balinese are some of the friendliest people we've come across in South East Asia. The country relies heavily on tourism so all of the communities have a vested interest in ensuring that tourists are kept safe.

That being said, Bali is not totally free of crime. Whilst violent crime is almost unheard of, you should be cautious of pickpockets and snatch-and-grab crimes.

The latter is where someone will drive past you on a scooter and grab your valuables before speeding off. This is rare but it has happened to someone we know!

Stay vigilant and keep your valuables hidden out of sight when not in use. This applies if you are walking along the road or driving a scooter yourself.

Bali is a safe place and Balinese people are some of the friendliest in Asia in our opinion. But, like every tourist hotspot, there are people who try to take advantage of tourists.

We have not personally been the victim of any scams, but if you are spending a lot of areas around places like Kuta, you might encounter more activity like this.

Here are a few scams to be mindful of:

Booking accommodation with no reviews – A friend of ours once booked an Airbnb with no reviews only to find that it didn’t exist when he arrived. Of course, Airbnb refunded his money so we wasn’t out of pocket but booking another place at short notice can be inconvenient and expensive so be weary of this.

Being told you have to buy a sarong to visit temples – As you approach temples, especially very touristy ones, you might be told by locals that you need a sarong to enter who will then try to sell you one.

Whilst you do need a sarong if your shoulders and knees aren’t covered by your clothing, most temples will give these to you for free at the entrance.

Paying too much for taxis – Being ripped off by taxi driver happens in every country, Bali included. We have seen people, especially drunk people, being charged 100,000IDR for a journey that should cost 15,000IDR.

We recommend using ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab. Even if there are no taxis available on the apps in your area, you can still use them to find out what sort of price you should be paying.

If you need to get a taxi from the side of the road, look for taxis that have the Bluebird logo on the roof to ensure you are charged fairly.

If you are injured in Bali, the main emergency number (equivalent to 999 or 911) is 112.

If this doesn’t work, you may need to add the area or country code as follows:

If you are using a local SIM card, dial 0361 followed by 112.

If you are using an international SIM, dial +62 361 followed by 112.

You can directly call the police by calling 110 instead of 112.

You should only call the police if the threat is still present. If you have been the victim of theft, it is best to file a police report at the nearest station instead – more on this below.

If you are seriously injured in Bali, the main emergency number (equivalent to 999 or 911) is 112.

If this doesn’t work, you may need to add the area or country code as follows:

If you are using a local SIM card, dial 0361 followed by 112.

If you are using an international SIM, dial +62 361 followed by 112.

You can directly call for an ambulance by calling 118 instead of 112.

Depending upon the injuries, it could be quicker and easier to flag down a taxi and have them take you to the nearest hospital or A+E instead.

For very light injuries such as wounds, you can pick up cleaning and dressing supplies at pharmacies such as Guardian (a chain all across Bali that we regularly use).

To report a crime in Bali as a tourist, you’ll need to go to a police station. You can’t do this at any police station, it must be a larger one and there is no definitive list as to which ones are best.

Our friend has used the police station in Kuta to report a theft. Despite bad reviews of the tourist police online, the service she received from the police in Kuta was quick, friendly and helpful. There was no charge to file a report.

We cannot accurately comment on other police stations where you can file a report as we have no experience. However, sources we have read online suggest that the police stations in Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Ubud are also suitable.