Bali Travel Tips
Bali Travel Tips at balitraveling.com has been
compiled to help you make the most of your stay in Bali. If you
have any further concerns that are not mentioned here, please
do not hesitate to contact us via
E-mail with any questions or queries that you may have.
General things that you should
or shouldn't do...
Do...
...change money at a reputable looking location, use your
own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
...put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially
if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
...drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit -
do your body a favor.
...be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime
is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag
snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in
your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
...try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
...respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one,
i.e. don't honk!
...haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods.)
...buy 'Immodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
...have a great holiday!
× Don't ...
×...forget to take your passport
(or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times and a copy of Bali
Plus!
×...swim outside designated
swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between
the red and yellow flags.
×...do
drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners
residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!
×...touch
people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
×...enter
a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
×...forget
to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat
a lot.
×...worry too much
about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established
bars and restaurants.
×...forget
to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop,
motorbikes may not!
×..forget
to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport Departure
Tax is:
International = Rp. 100,000 Domestic = Rp. 20,000
Passports and Visas
Bali
Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.
Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia
visa policy. This affects all arrivals to Indonesia after February
1, 2004, are subject to new visa regulations
Countries that do not require
a Visa to enter Bali.
Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hongkong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region,
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Countries that require and
are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - cost for these visas are US$10
for a stay of up to 3 days, US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days.
Arab Emirates
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Japan
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
South Africa
South Korea
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States America It is important to also note the following:
- The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot
be converted into a different visa.
- The Visa purchasing system will take approximately
3-5 minutes per applicant.
- There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money
changer set up to process payments
- Once you have paid for and received your visa
you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be
processed
Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival
or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering
Indonesia.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date
of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage
(either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of
these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country
Currency
The Rupiah. Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000,
100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000.
Bali Time
Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
Electricity
Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim
plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We
suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.
Getting Around
You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive
cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered
so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos
are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading
as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the
fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many
places but special care should be exercised at all times as road
and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations.
Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere
you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice
and directions on how to get where you want to go.
Driver's License
If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses
an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries.
Clothing
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find
natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in
Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when
visiting temples.
A Word of Advice
ATTENDING CEREMONIES
remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such.
Religious guidelines:
- Always wear a sarong and sash.
- Do not walk in front of people praying.
- Do not use flash camera or push your camera into
the priest's face!
- Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
- At cremations, do not get in the way of the
attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is!
- Women are not allowed to enter temples during
menstruation.
DANGEROUS SPORTS
make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance
that will cover any accidents.
DRIVING
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open
and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent
a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if
you are involved in an accident.
MONEY CHANGERS
be very careful when changing your money. Always check the rate
of exchange and commission (if any) the money changer is taking.
Most importantly, always count your money before you leave the premises
and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some
places can be "a little inaccurate".
PETTY CRIME
- There have been a few cases of handbags being
snatched after tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers!
Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag
tightly!!!
- When changing large amounts of money please
check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably)
fake notes in circulation.
- When trying on garments do not take your jeweler
off and leave it lying round - give it to a friend or leave it
in the hotel safe.
SWIMMING IN THE SEA
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and
yellow flags, don't swim too far out! Do not leave your belongings
unattended on the beach.N.B. When attending Special Ceremonies or
Anniversary Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations
are gratefully received. Your donations will help in paying for
the offerings and upkeep of the temple.Thank you for respecting
these suggestions
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