First Time in Bali? 15 Things You NEED to Know Before You Go

Your first trip to Bali is exciting. It's also overwhelming if you don't know what to expect.

Bali isn't like other beach destinations. It's a Hindu island in a Muslim country, with distinct cultural rules, chaotic traffic, aggressive monkeys, and a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and modern tourism infrastructure.

The good news? Millions of first-time visitors navigate Bali successfully every year. The key is knowing a few essential things before you arrive.

Here are the 15 things every first-time Bali visitor needs to know to avoid rookie mistakes and have an amazing trip.

1. Visa Requirements (Get This Right)

Most tourists get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport.

What you need:

• Passport valid for 6+ months from arrival date

• Return/onward ticket (they check this)

• 500,000 IDR in cash (about $32 USD) for visa fee

What you get:

• 30 days in Indonesia

• Can extend once for another 30 days (60 days total)

• Extension costs another 500k IDR and requires visiting immigration office

VOA is available for most countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many others.

Countries NOT eligible for VOA need to apply for visa before arrival. Check Indonesia's immigration website for your specific country.

Important: Have exact change ready in Indonesian Rupiah or USD. The VOA counter accepts both but prefers local currency.

2. Currency and Money Management

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. The exchange rate makes you a millionaire:

• $1 USD ≈ 15,000-16,000 IDR

• $100 USD ≈ 1,500,000 IDR

Where to Get Money

Airport exchange: Convenient but poor rates. Only exchange minimum needed for first day.

ATMs in tourist areas: Best option. Use official bank ATMs (BCA, Mandiri, BNI) not random machines.

Exchange shops: Good rates in Seminyak and Ubud. Check rates before exchanging. Avoid street money changers (scams common).

ATM Tips

• Withdraw maximum amount each time (most ATMs allow 3-4 million IDR per transaction)

• Fees are 50-70k IDR per withdrawal (unavoidable)

• Your bank charges international fees on top

• Tell your bank you're traveling to Indonesia (avoid card blocks)

Cards and Cash

Bring cash for:

• Warungs and street food

• Market shopping

• Small shops and cafes

• Temples and attractions

• Tips and donations

Cards work at:

• Hotels and resorts

• Major restaurants

• Shopping malls

• Tourist activities and tours

Always carry 500k-1 million IDR cash. Many places are still cash-only.

3. Transportation Reality Check

Bali traffic is chaos. Accept this immediately.

Your Transport Options

Rent a scooter (60-80k IDR/day)

• Most popular option

• Gives you freedom

• Requires comfort with aggressive traffic

• Get proper license (200k IDR) or risk 500k+ fines

• Helmet mandatory (actually enforce this)

• Travel insurance often doesn't cover scooter accidents

Use ride apps (Grab, Gojek)

• Safe and affordable

• Traffic makes trips slow

• Works great in tourist areas

• Drivers speak basic English

Hire private driver (500-800k IDR/day)

• Best for day trips and temple tours

• Driver knows routes and waits for you

• More comfortable than scooter in heat

• Hotel can arrange reliable drivers

Walk

• Possible in some areas (Seminyak beach strip, Ubud center)

• Not really walkable overall (sidewalks disappear randomly)

• Heat and humidity make long walks brutal

Traffic Reality

• Rush hour is 7-9am and 4-7pm

• What should take 15 minutes can take an hour

• Scooters weave through traffic (terrifying at first)

• Google Maps time estimates are wildly optimistic

• Plan extra buffer time for everything

4. What to Pack (Essentials)

Clothing:

• Lightweight breathable clothes (cotton, linen)

• Modest clothing for temples (cover shoulders and knees)

• Sarong (required at temples, buy one locally for 50k IDR)

• Swimsuit (multiple if you're swimming daily)

• Light rain jacket (even in dry season)

• Comfortable walking shoes + flip flops

Sun protection:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen damages coral)

• Hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• Light long-sleeve shirt for sun coverage

Tech:

• Universal power adapter (Bali uses Type C/F plugs, 230V)

• Power bank (useful for long days out)

• Waterproof phone case or bag

Health and hygiene:

• Hand sanitizer (use obsessively)

• Wet wipes

• Basic first aid kit

• Any prescription medications in original containers

• Mosquito repellent with DEET (buy locally or bring)

What NOT to pack:

• Heavy clothes (you won't need them)

• Excessive toiletries (buy locally, saves luggage space)

• Books (heavy, buy secondhand in Bali or use e-reader)

5. Cultural Etiquette and Temple Rules

Bali is deeply religious Hindu culture. Show respect.

Temple Dress Code

Required:

• Sarong wrapped around waist covering legs

• Sash tied around waist

• Shoulders covered

• Shoes off before entering

Most temples rent/lend sarongs at entrance (20-30k IDR or included in ticket).

Cultural Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• Use right hand for giving/receiving (left hand considered unclean)

• Dress modestly outside tourist areas

• Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, some shops

• Ask permission before photographing ceremonies

• Smile and be patient (Balinese are incredibly friendly)

DON'T:

• Touch anyone's head (considered sacred)

• Point with your index finger (use whole hand or thumb)

• Stand higher than a priest during ceremonies

• Enter temples during menstruation (traditional rule)

• Get angry or raise your voice (losing face is serious)

Tipping Culture

Not mandatory but appreciated:

• Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge not included

• Drivers: 50-100k IDR for full day

• Spa/massage: 20-50k IDR

• Hotel staff: 20-50k IDR for helpful service

6. Food and Water Safety

Bali belly is real. Here's how to minimize risk:

Water safety:

• NEVER drink tap water

• Only drink bottled water (check seal is intact)

• Say no to ice unless at reputable restaurants

• Brush teeth with bottled water

• Avoid swallowing shower water

Food safety:

• Eat at busy restaurants (high turnover = fresh food)

• Choose cooked food over raw

• Peel your own fruit

• Watch food preparation when possible

• Trust your instincts (if it looks sketchy, skip it)

Street food: Tempting but risky for sensitive stomachs. If you do eat street food:

• Choose vendors with crowds of locals

• Go for thoroughly cooked items

• Avoid anything sitting out for hours

• Skip the salads

7. SIM Cards and Internet

Buy a local SIM card at the airport (convenient) or any convenience store.

Telkomsel (best coverage): 150k-200k IDR for 30GB data XL Axiata (cheaper): 100k-150k IDR for 30GB data

Requires passport for registration. Staff will help you set it up.

Wifi availability:

• Hotels: Usually free, quality varies

• Cafes: Free with purchase, speeds vary

• Coworking spaces: Excellent speeds

• Tourist areas: Generally good coverage

WhatsApp is essential. Locals use it for everything (communication, business, bookings).

8. Safety and Scams to Avoid

Bali is generally safe but scams target tourists.

Common Scams

Money exchange scam: Count your money before leaving. Skilled scammers short-change while distracting you.

Taxi meter scam: Use Grab/Gojek instead of random taxis. Airport taxis charge fixed rates (often inflated).

Fake police: Real police have ID and don't demand cash on the spot. Scammers pose as police checking for drugs.

Inflated prices: Always ask price before service (massage, transport, tours). Agree on price clearly.

Monkey theft: Monkeys at temples and monkey forest steal everything (sunglasses, phones, food). Keep belongings secure.

Real Safety Concerns

Scooter accidents: Most common tourist injury. Drive defensively, wear helmet, avoid riding drunk.

Rip currents: Ocean currents are strong. Swim at patrolled beaches, follow flag warnings.

Bag snatching: Rare but happens. Keep bags close in crowded areas.

Drink spiking: Stick with reputable bars, watch your drink, don't leave it unattended.

Bali belly: Not really a safety issue but affects most tourists. Be prepared.

9. Best Apps to Download Before You Arrive

• Grab: Ride-hailing (like Uber)

• Gojek: Ride-hailing + food delivery

• WhatsApp: Essential for communication

• Google Maps: Navigation (download offline maps)

• Google Translate: Bahasa Indonesia translation

• XE Currency: Quick currency conversion

• Wise: Best rates for money transfers (if staying long)

10. Weather Expectations

Dry season (April-October): Less rain, more sun, hotter

Wet season (November-March): Daily afternoon rain, humid, greener

Temperature: 26-31°C (79-88°F) year-round

Humidity: High always. You will sweat constantly.

Even "dry" season gets occasional rain. Always have rain plan ready.

11. Accommodation Strategy

Book first 2-3 nights in advance. Once you arrive, walk around and find better deals or different areas.

Areas for first-timers:

• Seminyak: Upscale, great restaurants, beach access

• Canggu: Surfer vibe, younger crowd, digital nomads

• Ubud: Cultural heart, rice terraces, no beach

• Sanur: Quiet, family-friendly, less chaotic

Budget ranges:

• Hostel: 100-250k IDR/night

• Budget hotel: 300-600k IDR/night

• Mid-range: 600k-1.5M IDR/night

• Upscale: 1.5M+ IDR/night

12. Health Precautions

Before you go:

• Check if vaccinations recommended (Hepatitis A common recommendation)

• Get travel insurance with medical coverage

• Bring basic medications from home

• Pack prescription meds in original containers

In Bali:

• Use mosquito repellent (dengue and malaria exist)

• Stay hydrated (drink more water than you think you need)

• Wear sunscreen (equator sun is intense)

• Don't swim in rivers or lakes (water-borne diseases)

If you get sick:

• Tourist clinics in major areas (BIMC, Toya Medika)

• Pharmacies everywhere (many meds available without prescription)

• Medical support available if needed

Many visitors experience minor health issues (Bali belly, dehydration, sun exhaustion). Most resolve quickly with rest and hydration. Medical facilities in tourist areas can help with more serious concerns.

[Soft mention: Reset Room offers medical support for tourists]

13. Bargaining Culture

Expected at markets and with street vendors. NOT expected at established shops, restaurants, or malls.

How to bargain:

1. Ask the price

2. Act slightly shocked

3. Offer 50-60% of asking price

4. Negotiate up slowly

5. Be willing to walk away (often brings them down)

6. Stay friendly and smile

Don't bargain over small amounts. If you're arguing over 10k IDR (less than $1), you're being cheap.

14. Spiritual and Ceremonial Life

You'll see daily offerings (canang sari - small palm leaf baskets with flowers) everywhere. These are offerings to gods and spirits.

Don't step on offerings. Walk around them.

Temple ceremonies happen frequently. If you encounter one:

• Stay quiet and respectful

• Don't walk in front of people praying

• Ask before taking photos

• Consider it a privilege to witness

Nyepi (Balinese New Year): If your trip coincides, the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. No flights, no driving, no lights, no noise. Hotels provide meals in rooms. It's an incredible cultural experience but plan around it.

15. Realistic Time Management

Common first-timer mistake: Trying to see everything.

Bali is bigger than it looks. Distances seem short but traffic makes everything take longer.

Realistic daily schedule:

• Morning activity (temple or beach)

• Lunch

• Afternoon activity (different area or rest)

• Sunset at beach/cliff

• Dinner

That's it. Trying to fit 5 activities means spending your vacation in traffic.

Popular day trips from South Bali:

• Ubud: 1.5-2 hours drive each way (needs full day)

• Uluwatu: 1 hour drive

• East Bali: 2-3 hours drive each way

• Nusa Penida: Full day (includes boat travel)

Choose 2-3 must-see areas and explore them properly rather than rushing everywhere.

Final First-Timer Advice

Embrace the chaos. Bali is hectic, loud, and unpredictable. That's part of its charm.

Stay flexible. Plans change. Roads flood. Ceremonies block traffic. Rain cancels beach days. Go with it.

Talk to locals and other travelers. Best recommendations come from people, not Google.

Take breaks. The heat and constant stimulation are exhausting. Build in rest days.

Don't Instagram the whole trip. Put your phone down and experience Bali with your eyes.

Keep an open mind. Things work differently here. Accept it rather than fighting it.

Return plans. Most first-timers leave already planning their next trip. You'll miss things this time. That's okay.

Bali rewards prepared visitors who come with realistic expectations and open hearts. Do your homework, pack smart, stay safe, and you'll have an incredible first experience in one of the world's most captivating islands.

Welcome to Bali. You're going to love it.