First Time Visiting Bali: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS) is located in southern Bali near Kuta. After landing, your first stop is immigration, where most nationalities receive a free 30-day Visa on Arrival or can purchase a 30-day extendable VOA for IDR 500,000 (about $31 USD). Lines can stretch to 45 minutes during peak hours, so aim for early-morning or late-night arrivals if possible. After collecting your luggage, you will pass through customs; Indonesia allows two liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free per adult. Exit the terminal and you will immediately encounter taxi touts. Avoid them. Instead, use the official airport taxi counter located just outside arrivals, where a metered Bluebird taxi to Seminyak costs around IDR 150,000-200,000 ($10-13 USD). Alternatively, pre-book a private airport transfer through Klook or GetYourGuide for around IDR 100,000-180,000 depending on destination. Grab and Gojek are technically banned from the airport pickup area, though you can walk to the car park on the departures level to get a cheaper ride. The airport has 24-hour money changers, ATMs, and SIM card counters, so you can get connected and funded before you even step outside.

Bali is a Hindu island in a predominantly Muslim country, and religion permeates every aspect of daily life. You will notice small woven offerings called canang sari placed on sidewalks, shop counters, and dashboards every morning. Never step on these offerings, as it is considered deeply disrespectful. When visiting any of Bali's thousands of temples (pura), you must wear a sarong and sash around your waist. Most major temples provide these for a small donation of IDR 10,000-20,000, but carrying your own sarong is more convenient and hygienic. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temple grounds; signs at the entrance state this clearly. Remove your shoes before entering temple inner courtyards, and never position yourself higher than a priest or shrine. Beyond temples, there are a few social customs worth knowing. Use your right hand to give and receive things, as the left hand is considered unclean. Avoid pointing at people or sacred objects with your index finger; use your thumb or open palm instead. Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are deeply frowned upon in Balinese culture. A calm, smiling demeanor goes much further than aggressive haggling.

Indonesia's currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). At the time of writing, $1 USD equals roughly 15,800 IDR, though this fluctuates. The large denominations can be confusing at first: a single meal might cost IDR 45,000, a night in a guesthouse IDR 350,000, and a scooter rental IDR 80,000 per day. The safest places to exchange money are authorized money changers with clear posted rates and proper receipts, such as BMC, Central Kuta, or PT Dirgahayu Valuta Prima. Avoid small roadside changers that offer suspiciously high rates, as they commonly shortchange tourists through sleight of hand or hidden fees. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, but stick to bank ATMs inside buildings or attached to bank branches. BCA, Mandiri, and BNI are the most reliable, dispensing 100,000 IDR notes with withdrawal limits of IDR 2,500,000-3,000,000 per transaction. Card skimming does occur, so always cover the keypad and check for loose card slots. Credit cards are accepted at mid-range to upscale restaurants, hotels, and shops, but always carry cash for warungs, markets, temples, and transport. A daily budget of IDR 500,000-800,000 ($32-50 USD) in cash covers most day-to-day expenses for a mid-range traveler.

Staying connected in Bali is easy and affordable. The two best mobile providers for tourists are Telkomsel (the largest network with the widest coverage, including remote areas) and XL Axiata (slightly cheaper with strong coverage in tourist zones). You can buy a tourist SIM card at the airport for IDR 100,000-200,000, which typically includes 15-30 GB of data valid for 30 days. Outside the airport, the same packages cost IDR 50,000-100,000 at phone shops and minimarts. Registration requires a passport, and the vendor will set up the SIM for you on the spot. Be aware that Indonesian SIM cards require registration with your passport number, and this is now strictly enforced. An alternative is ordering an eSIM before you arrive. Providers like Airalo and Saily offer Indonesia data plans starting at around $5 USD for 1 GB or $15 for 10 GB, activated instantly via QR code. The advantage of an eSIM is no physical card swap needed, ideal if you want to keep your home number active on your primary SIM slot. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and co-working spaces, but speeds vary wildly. Ubud and Canggu tend to have the best co-working infrastructure with reliable connections of 20-50 Mbps, while more remote areas like Amed or Nusa Penida can be spotty.

The number one mistake is trying to see too much of Bali in too little time. The island is only 140 km wide, but roads are narrow, traffic is chaotic, and a 30 km drive can easily take 90 minutes. Pick a base (or two) and explore thoroughly rather than hopping between five areas in a week. Another common error is booking all accommodation in one spot. Bali's regions are dramatically different: Seminyak is nightlife and beach clubs, Ubud is rice terraces and yoga, Canggu is surf and digital nomads, Uluwatu is cliffside temples and luxury, and Amed is quiet diving villages. Spreading your stay across two or three areas gives you a much richer experience. Many visitors also underestimate the sun. Bali sits just 8 degrees south of the equator, and the UV index regularly hits extreme levels. Apply reef-safe SPF 50 sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily to avoid dehydration. Never drink tap water; bottled water costs IDR 3,000-5,000 at minimarts. Finally, do not skip travel insurance. Medical care in Bali is adequate at private hospitals like BIMC and Siloam, but a serious injury or emergency evacuation to Singapore or Australia can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A comprehensive travel insurance policy costs as little as $30-50 for a two-week trip.

Bali's tropical climate means lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal year-round. Pack loose cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and sundresses for daily wear, but include at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits. A sarong is the single most versatile item you can bring: use it as a temple cover-up, beach towel, blanket, or modesty wrap. Flip-flops or sandals work for most situations, but bring a pair of sturdy shoes if you plan to hike Mount Batur, walk through rice terraces, or explore waterfalls where paths are steep and muddy. Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50) is essential, as is insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin for evenings and rural areas. Dengue fever is present in Bali, so mosquito protection is not optional. Bring a universal power adapter for Type C and Type F sockets (the European two-pin round style, 230V). A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is invaluable for boat trips to the Nusa islands, water rafting, and unexpected tropical downpours. Pack a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications you need. Pharmacies (apotek) are common in tourist areas, but specific Western brands may not be available. A microfiber travel towel rounds out the essentials, as many budget accommodations provide only thin towels or none at all.