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Bali Essentials: Everything You Need to Know BeFORE YOU GO

Visa Entry and Arrival Requirements

Indonesia keeps entry requirements straightforward for most visitors. Many nationalities receive visa free entry for 30 days. Others purchase a Visa on Arrival at the airport, valid for 30 days and extendable once for a total of 60 days.


A few key points every traveler should know: 


• Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date you enter

• Indonesia is strict about damaged passports. Tears, water damage or peeling covers can result in   

  denied boarding

• Proof of onward travel is required

• The Bali tourism levy applies once per entry and supports cultural and environmental programs

• The only official online visa site ends in .go.id. Anything else is a third-party site.

 • You can now pre-register for Bali’s Autogates (only on your first visit)


Because entry rules can change, we always recommend checking closer to your travel date with your consulate or embassy.


Starting September 1, 2025, all travelers entering Indonesia via major airports and ports — including Bali (Ngurah Rai Airport), Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport), Surabaya (Juanda Airport), and Batam’s ferry terminals — must complete their arrival declaration using a new mobile app called All Indonesia. The app is mandatory for all travelers, both locals and foreigners. It replaces older forms like the Satu Sehat Health Pass and the Electronic Customs Declaration, combining immigration, customs, health, and quarantine forms into one.


  • ✅ Can be filled in up to 3 days before arrival
  • ✅ Aims to speed up and simplify the arrival process


Make sure to download and complete the All-Indonesia app before flying into Bali or other listed entry points! 


STEP 1: Apply for your visa: The Official eVisa website for Indonesia  



 

STEP 2: Download & Complete the All-Indonesia App (NEW from Sep 2025)


This new digital arrival declaration is mandatory for all international travelers arriving via major airports and ports, including Bali.


  • Replaces older forms like Satu Sehat and Customs Declaration
  • Combine all arrival forms in one place (immigration, health, customs)
  • Available in English, Bahasa, and Chinese
  • Fill out up to 3 days before arrival


📱 Download the app on android or IOS and complete it before your flight to avoid delays! 

 STEP 3: Pre-register for Bali's Autogates 


All visitors intending to use the autogates must pre-register their passports online before arrival at the airport. You won't be able to pass through the gates if you skip this step — I tried. Pre-register for the autogates through the Indonesian immigration e-Visa portal.  The Official eVisa website for Indonesia 

 STEP 4: Pay the Bali Tourism Levy


From February 14, 2024, international visitors to Bali are subject to a one-time fee of IDR150,000 (USD $10). This fee helps fund environmental and cultural preservation initiatives across the island.

Before arrival, you are encouraged to settle this payment via the Welcome to Bali, the Island of Gods - Love Bali or app. Be sure to check if you’re exempt from the levy, as some categories of travelers, such as those in transit, may not need to pay.


Upon payment, a tourism levy voucher will be sent via email, and the QR code can be downloaded to a smartphone or printed for scanning at checkpoints in Bali Airport and seaports. 

Staying Healthy and Comfortable in Bali

Most travelers worry about Bali belly, food hygiene and water safety. The reality however is far calmer. Most hotels, resorts and reputable restaurants all use filtered water and certified ice. Ordering iced drinks at established venues tend to be completely safe. The goal is not to be anxious. It is simple to be prepared in a practical way. Simple habits make the biggest difference:


• Choose busy restaurants with high turnover

• Drink bottled or filtered water provided by your hotel

• Purchase travel insurance for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or unexpected situations

• Be mindful with raw foods at small roadside stalls

• Wash hands or carry basic sanitizer when out for the day

• Pack familiar medication and simple comfort items


Many travelers also use supportive supplements:


• Travelan before meals to reduce the risk of stomach upset

• A daily probiotic in the days before and during your trip

• Hydration salts as a backup for hot weather or long travel days


Sunscreen is essential in Bali’s tropical sun. Bring a good quality, high SPF sunscreen from home. International brands can be expensive or hard to find on the island. Reef safe sunscreen is ideal if you plan to snorkel or swim around coral areas. If you bring medications from home, keep them in their original labelled packaging. Indonesia is strict about unidentified tablets or unlabeled bottles at customs.


Vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A and B are commonly recommended for Indonesia. A quick consultation with your doctor will give you personalized advice based on your trip length and planned activities.

Local SIM Cards, Connectivity and How to Stay Online in Bali

Staying connected in Bali is easy once you know the options. Internet coverage across the island is strong, especially in main areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. Telkomsel and XL remain the most reliable providers.


You can buy a SIM card at the airport, but the prices are often inflated (I purchase mines in the airport so I can connect immediately). Most travelers prefer to stop by an official Telkomsel or XL store in town, where staff can set everything up properly. It only takes a few minutes.


If you prefer not to swap your physical SIM, eSIMs are now widely used. Airalo and Holafly both work well in Indonesia and can be activated before you even fly. It is the simplest option for travelers who want to land and connect instantly.


Connectivity may not be the most glamorous part of your trip, but it is one of the most important. Knowing how to stay online keeps your holiday smooth and stress free.

Money and Practical Basics for Your Trip

Cash is still useful for markets, tips, small shops and rural areas. Restaurants, hotels and boutiques widely accept cards. You can use my currency converter on the Resources page for a quick onsite currency conversion.


A simple approach works best:


• Bring enough cash for daily small expenses

• Use ATMs located in banks or inside malls. These are the safest and most reliable

• Money changers are fine when licensed and located in reputable areas. Avoid street side kiosks   

  with unrealistic rates

• Do not carry more cash than necessary 

Understanding Local Culture and Daily Life

Famous Bali Temples

Famous Bali Temples

Famous Bali Temples

Balinese culture is spiritual, gentle and woven into daily life. When you understand the rhythm of the island, everything feels easier and more meaningful.

Temples are active places of worship. 

 

Wear a sarong – To enter any temple in Bali, you need to wear a sarong. These are almost always lent to you for free at the entrance (or incl. in the ticket). Sometimes, opportunistic locals will approach you in the parking area and say that you need to purchase a sarong to visit. This isn’t true.


Dress respectfully – Other than a sarong, make sure to dress respectfully when visiting any temple or religious site. This includes no strappy or low-cut tops, nothing with profanity on, and definitely no swimwear.


Bring cash for entry – You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to visit most temples in Bali. Some have a set ticket price, while others are donation-based. You’ll always need cash to pay for entry and parking, so make sure to bring enough with you.


Be respectful – While Bali’s temples have become one of its biggest draws for tourists, it’s important to remember that these are still places of worship, not just photo backdrops. Make sure to follow the rules and be respectful of locals coming to pray.

Local Culture

Famous Bali Temples

Famous Bali Temples

To put it simply, Canang Sari (pronounced Cha-nang Sah-ree) is a daily offering made by Balinese Hindus as a gesture of thanks to the Gods. You will see canang sari offerings everywhere. The offering consists of a small woven palm leaf basket filled with an arrangement of colorful flowers, topped with pieces of food, incense, and/or coins.

These offerings are placed in temples, at entrances to homes and businesses, on sidewalks, and even on car dashboards (you might see them inside of our drivers’ cars) – essentially, anywhere that requires a spiritual acknowledgement. Please step around them when walking; locals notice and appreciate the courtesy.


Drivers & Guides

Famous Bali Temples

Drivers & Guides

Drivers & Guides play a valuable role in helping you move through Bali respectfully and comfortably. They understand temple etiquette, village customs and daily crowd patterns. If you want to experience a viewpoint or attraction at its quietest, they are the best people to guide your timing.

A little cultural awareness goes a long way and leads to warmer interactions with Balinese people, who value respect and kindness from visitors.

What to Pack for Bali

Packing for Bali is simple once you know what the island actually demands. The climate is warm, the pace is relaxed and most travelers end up wearing the same comfortable pieces again and again. A practical list saves space, stress and money:


Clothing - Lightweight outfits, breathable fabrics and swimwear are all you truly need. Bring a couple of pieces you can dress up for dinners, and a light layer for cooler nights in Ubud or air-conditioned restaurants.


Sun protection - The sun is strong year-round. Bring a high SPF sunscreen from home, especially if you prefer specific brands. Reef safe sunscreen is recommended for any water activities or snorkeling around Bali and the Nusa Islands.


Footwear - Comfortable sandals are ideal for daily wear. Pack one pair of closed shoes for uneven paths, temple visits or waterfall walks. Heels are rarely useful unless you have a specific hotel dinner planned.


Health basics - It is helpful to carry a small personal kit. Many travelers bring probiotics or Travelan, hydration salts, paracetamol, Band Aids and any essential medications. Always pack medications in original labelled packaging to avoid delays at the airport.


Temple wear - Most major temples provide sarongs, but carrying a lightweight one can be handy for spontaneous stops, waterfalls or modest dress in rural villages. 


Connectivity - A power bank and your usual chargers will get you far. 


Extras - A small day bag, a reusable water bottle and a dry bag make island days much easier, especially if you plan on boat trips, waterfalls or touring during the rainier months. 


Bali is one of those rare places where beauty, culture and comfort meet in a way that feels effortless. When you understand the essentials, the island becomes even more welcoming. With the right preparation, a little cultural awareness and support from a trusted local team, your trip flows with ease. If you want help choosing the right area, planning the perfect itinerary or arranging seamless ground support, Your Travel Connoisseur is here, we'll make sure your Bali experience is not only memorable but beautifully stress free.



ENJOY YOUR STAY IN BALI 😊 

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