Things to know before you go to Bali

Before You Go: Entry Rules for UK Visitors

UK passport holders need a visa on arrival for a holiday in Bali. It costs 500,000 rupiah, is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30. Your passport needs at least six months left on it and two blank pages. Since February 2024 Bali has also charged foreign visitors a tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah, which you can pay in advance on the official Love Bali website or on arrival. You also have to fill in the free All Indonesia arrival card online within 72 hours before you land. None of this existed in this form when we went in 2019, so check the GOV.UK entry requirements before you travel.

Language and Offerings

Indonesian and Balinese are the local languages, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas. A few words of Indonesian still go down well. You'll see canang sari everywhere: small daily offerings of flowers and incense left on pavements and doorsteps. Watch where you step so you don't kick them.

Traffic and Getting Around

The traffic is chaotic, and short distances on the map can take much longer than you expect, especially at rush hour. We'd recommend the Grab or Gojek apps for booking a car or scooter. For the longer day trips we used Bali Customized Tours, and a private driver took us to the airport at the end.

Money, Haggling and "Plus Plus"

The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). There are plenty of ATMs in Seminyak and Ubud, but carry some cash for markets. Haggling is normal in the markets, and the first price is rarely the final one. Many restaurants add tax and service to the bill, often around 21%, which locals call "plus plus". It isn't always included in the menu prices.

Food Delivery and Mobile Data

The Gojek app also does food delivery, which is handy at a villa or hotel. You'll need a local SIM, an eSIM or a roaming plan to use it and the ride apps while you're out.

Water and Mosquitoes

Don't drink the tap water; stick to bottled or filtered. Bali is generally malaria-free, but mosquitoes are common, especially around dusk, so bring a good repellent for evenings outside.

Sea Safety

Sea conditions change quickly, and rip currents can form even in shallow water that looks calm. Check the warning flags on the beach before you swim.

Drug Laws

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and the penalties for drug offences are severe.

Food

You can eat very well in Bali whatever you like, from traditional slow-roasted specialities to plant-based cafes. The small local warungs are good value, and our favourite meal was the slow-cooked ribs at Warung Nia in Seminyak.