All the other stuff you need to know

Visa and Customs Declaration for entering Bali

Packing List - what do you need to bring?

Never been to Bali before? Here's some useful information

e-VOA application can be completed up to 3 months prior to arrival date.
Customs Declaration up to 3 days prior to arrival

As this information changes regularly, I suggest you use this website for your visa, customs, etc. I also recommend you do the eVOA (Electronic Visa On Arrival) so you can go straight past the queue of people getting their VOA.

www.welcomebackto bali.com

Bali airport now has full e-gates in operation for entering and exiting immigrasi. The 30 day tourist visa is approx $52 aud, customs declaration is free.

There are many scam websites charging $$$ for these so please
"proceed with caution"

It's hot here!!
And there are laundries on every corner, approx $2 aud per kg (and your clothes come back smelling amazing!)

Don't overpack, leave room for your shopping....

Do bring sunscreen it is super expensive in Bali!

Don't forget to pack something white for my birthday party - it's a white theme!

You won't need anything long sleeved or heavy, except maybe for your flight.

Pack t-shirts, cotton or linen tops, shirts, dresses, & of course swimwear.

Please bring a bottle of your favourite mixer/spirit.
We will have a bartender at Kamboja villas to whip us up some cocktails, so please bring your favourite - vodka, tequila, gin, etc. Limit to bring to Bali is 1 lt per adult.

We have found cheaper at Dan's in Australia than Duty Free at airport & Bali duty free is expensive.

(I know some people who come with 1 lt duty free purchase and 1 lt in their checked luggage)

Language - Bahasa Indonesia & Balinese

Terima Kasih - Thank You
Soma-Soma - You are welcome

The letter "C" is always pronounced as "Ch" so CandiDasa is pronounced ChandiDasa

"Tidak Mau, Terima Kasih"
("mau" pronounced like "cow")
literally translates to
"No Want, Thank You"
you will find this useful when approached to buy sunglasses, sarongs, hats, etc.
If we are approached by drivers, we usually say "maybe tomorrow" with a big smile!

If someone is harassing you, or you feel uncomfortable, say
"Tidak, Pergi"
(pronounced pear-ghi)
it means No, Go Away!!
Any Bahasa speakers nearby will understand that you may need help.

Apps to download

There is no Uber here in Bali - the equivalent is Grab & GoJek.

Download both Apps, you can load a credit/debit card in to your account so you don't need to carry small amounts of cash.

Both have cars and scooters - scooters are always much quicker through the traffic and is part of the fun of living in Bali!

The drivers never have change, surprising as they are only paid in cash!? If you take a scooter and the fee is 30,000 rp, you only have 100,000 rp note. You will be paying 100,000rp! Best to pay via the App in my experience....

The main taxi company here in Bali is Bluebird - I recommend you also download their App.

For short trips we normally use Grab, Gojek or Bluebird taxi.

If you hail one in the street, ensure you agree on fare before you leave & insist on meter being turned on. Do not accept "Meter broken" .

It is common to be over charged 100,000rp ($10) for a 10,000rp ($1) trip

For longer trips, day trips, we always use a driver.

Currency - IDR (rupiah) & Payment options

$1.00 aud = 10,000 rupiah (approx)
$5.00 aud = 50,000 rupiah
$10.00 aud = 100,000 rupiah
$50.00 aud = 500,000 rupiah
$100.00 aud = 1,000,000 rupiah
general rule - remove 4 0000's from rupiah to get aud

I recommend you hang on to small notes (under 50,000rp) as you will need change for transport, tips, etc.
I keep the small notes in a side pocket of my bag (not in my wallet) so I can get to it quickly.

We use WISE card - we have the actual card but primarily use it on our phones and ask to "tap" for payment.
Almost all cafes, shops, warungs, etc will take this payment.
WISE has a much better conversion rate than Australian banks, with no additional fees.

Cash is required at markets, small warungs (small family run restaurants) for all drivers, taxis, Grab/Gojek (unless you book by the App with a card attached to your account).

We get cash from ATM's, a littly wary about which one's we use. In a Minimart or at the airport where it is more difficult to tamper with the machine is our preference.

If you use money exchange, be really careful.
Use the bigger glass fronted offices, check the posted exchange rate on signage.
There are many stories of "magicians" making your money disappear.
Always count your cash & do not allow them to count cash again after you.

Facebook Groups for current information

If you're looking to get the inside scoop on all things Bali, Facebook groups like these are fantastic resources:
Bali with Michelle Brand
and
Bali Best Things

They're filled with genuinely helpful, positive, and up-to-date information—from restaurant recommendations and travel tips to cultural insights and hidden gems.
These communities are welcoming and supportive, especially for first-timers or anyone wanting a smoother experience.

On the flip side, sites like Bali Bogans are exactly what you'd expect—loud, fun, a little chaotic, and often full of unfiltered opinions and entertainment. Between them, you’ll find everything from practical advice to hilarious stories and plenty of personality.