To enter Bali, or Indonesia for that matter you need a passport that has a validity period of at least six more
months, and in some cases a visa as well. Citizens from Asean Association of Southeast Asian Nations) do not require a visa, only a valid travel document. Travelers from
some thirty countries are also provided with a 60-day tourist visa issued directly upon arrival.
The local currency is the Rupiah (Rp) which can be found in the following
denominations : the notes come in 100, 500, 1.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, 100.000; while the coin
are in 50, 100, 500, 1.000 rupiah denominations.
Fiscal regulations prohibit bringing into or taking out of the
country more than Rp. 5.000.000,-. However there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency being brought
into the country. It is advisable to use travelers’ cheques, which are freely exchanged at banks and
approved money changers. Currencies from United States, Canada, Germany, Britain, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam,
Malaysia, and Thailand are easily changed at banks and money changers.
Credits card and charge cards are also accepted in most retail establishments, at
hotels and on airlines, in some cases, a service fee is included when charging a purchase to you card. However,
when traveling to the village, take Rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in bemo (public
minibus) or buying a drink at warung.
Going to bali, dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is
warm to hot throughout the year. There are really only two seasons in Bali the wet or rainy season the rest of
the year. But the rains usually fall in short spells.
When dressing,while you are encouraged to be casual, remember to be
decent. Remember that this is a land where prayer and religious festivals take center stage. When visiting a
temple, make it a point to respect local customs and traditions.
The Balinese have their own language, but almost all Balinese speak
Bahasa Indonesia. English is also widely used throughout the island, but it certainly helps to know a few words
or phrases in Indonesian.
Drink only distilled or mineral water, or water that has been
boiled. Try to get used to the local food and its sometimes unusual flavors. Street hawkers and warung
are where the true “flavour” of Balinese food can be found. There are, of course, also plenty of excellent
restaurants serving both local and international dishes!
