Preparing for Bali after visa approval? This comprehensive checklist covers passports and visas, packing, and key Bali tips (currency, transport, health, culture and more) to ensure a smooth trip

Document Check – Get Your Paperwork in Order

1. Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities enforce this rule strictly; passports must also have blank pages for stamps (airlines can refuse boarding if validity is insufficient).
2. Visa Confirmation: Carry both a printed and digital copy of your visa or e-VOA confirmation. Even if you have an electronic visa, have a screenshot or printout in case your phone runs out of battery. Also keep copies of your flight tickets and accommodation bookings on hand.
3. Return/Onward Ticket: Indonesian immigration often asks for proof of onward travel. Be prepared to show a booked return or onward flight ticket. Without this, you risk being denied entry, so keep a printout of your itinerary or e-ticket handy.
4. Travel Insurance: While Bali doesn’t mandate insurance, it’s strongly recommended. Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies (hospitals in Bali can be costly) and activities like surfing or diving. Note that many insurers require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to cover any motorbike accidents, so plan ahead if you’ll be renting a scooter.
5. Tourist Tax & Customs: Bali has a per-person tourist levy (about IDR 150,000) that you can pay online via the official Bali e-VOA site. Fill out the Indonesian Customs Declaration electronically before you land (the e-Customs form is on ecd.beacukai.go.id), so you can simply scan the QR code with immigration if needed. Pre-completing these formalities speeds up airport entry.
6. Vaccinations & Health: Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before traveling. CDC and travel health sites recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots for Bali. Make sure your routine shots (especially tetanus) are up to date. Dengue fever is present in Bali, so bring insect repellent with at least 20% DEET. Finally, pack any personal medications in their original containers and carry prescriptions, as Bali customs can question unlabelled drugs.

Packing Checklist – Climate & Gear

1. Clothing: Bali is tropical – hot and humid all year. Pack light, breathable fabrics (T‑shirts, shorts, lightweight dresses) and swimwear. Even in the dry season (April–October) evenings in hilly areas can be cooler, so a light jacket is handy. For the wet season (November–March), include a compact rain jacket or poncho.
2. Sun Protection: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. UV rays are strong, especially midday. Carry a reusable water bottle too – staying hydrated is crucial, and many places in Bali have water refill stations.
3. Temple Attire: Bali’s Hindu temples require modest dress. Men and women should cover shoulders and knees. If you don’t have appropriate clothes, most temples rent sarongs at the entrance, but it’s even easier to pack a lightweight sarong or shawl in your bag. Avoid skimpy or provocative clothing when sightseeing; it’s respectful to blend in modestly.
4. Footwear: Comfortable sandals or sneakers are a must for exploring markets and temples. Also pack a pair of enclosed shoes or hiking shoes if you plan on trekking (and a waterproof pair if visiting during rains). Slip-on flip-flops are handy for beach or pool.
5. Electronics & Adapters: Indonesia uses 220V electricity with Type C/E (European two-pin) sockets. Bring a universal travel adapter so you can charge phones, cameras, and any power banks. Don’t forget your chargers, power bank, and any cables you need for gadgets.
6. Documents & Copies: Keep your passport, visa, tickets and insurance in your carry-on at all times. It’s wise to have extra photocopies (or scans) of your passport and visa – store copies in your email or a secure cloud account and leave a set with family or friends. This redundancy can save a lot of stress if originals are lost or stolen.

Essential Bali Travel Tips

1. Currency (Indonesian Rupiah): Bali is still largely cash-based. Upon arrival, exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses. Carrying some Rupiah is helpful for taxis, markets, and street food. Banks and ATMs are available in tourist areas – just inform your bank before departure so your card isn’t blocked abroad. In general, use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls to avoid skimming, and always cover your PIN. Plan to use a mix of cash and cards: credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work for hotels and many restaurants, but smaller warungs and markets prefer cash. Consider a travel card like Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates and low ATM fees.
2. Mobile & Internet: Stay connected by getting a local SIM (with data) as soon as you land. The Telkomsel network offers the widest coverage across Bali, even on outer islands. You can buy a tourist SIM at Ngurah Rai Airport (kiosks for Telkomsel, XL, Smartfren are past customs) – just bring your passport for registration. Alternatively, purchase an Indonesian eSIM online before your trip; it will activate on landing so you have data immediately. For short trips, using hotel and café Wi‑Fi can supplement your needs, but a SIM keeps you online for map navigation and ride apps everywhere.
3. Local Transportation: Bali has no passenger trains and limited public buses. The easiest way to get around is via ride-hailing apps. Download Grab and/or Gojek on your phone – both offer car rides and motorbike “ojek” taxis at regulated rates. (Grab/Gojek are like Uber; they show prices and driver info in English.) For short trips in town, motorbike rides are very common and cheap, but only if you’re a single traveler comfortable behind a helmeted driver. For longer trips or traveling in groups, use GoCar/GrabCar. For any scooter rental on your own, you must have an International Driving Permit and always wear a helmet. If you’d rather avoid self-driving altogether, hire a car with driver (common in Bali). Taxis (particularly the official blue Blue Bird Group) are reliable and metered, though slightly more expensive than app-based cars. Note: in some remote areas and at the airport itself, Grab/Gojek pickups are restricted – you might have to walk to a designated pickup zone or take a taxi.
4. Airport Arrival: You’ll land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport (DPS). After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. If you have Visa-on-Arrival, queue for the VOA counter, present your passport and pay IDR 500,000 (about USD 35) for the 30-day entry. Have your visa printout (or e-visa QR) ready along with your Customs Declaration QR code from the health/pass form. After immigration, grab your baggage and exit through customs. Past the exit you’ll find ATMs and money changers (shop around for good rates) and kiosks selling local SIM cards. As always, keep an eye on your belongings and don’t count large sums of cash in public – petty theft can happen even at airports.
5. Health Precautions: Tap water in Bali is not drinkable. Stick to bottled or filtered water (most hotels provide filtered water for guests). Protect yourself daily with sunscreen and insect repellent (to guard against dengue-carrying mosquitoes). If you get cuts or insect bites, clean and cover them promptly. Always have travel insurance covering medical care; Bali has international-standard hospitals in Denpasar and Ubud, but treatment can be expensive (and often requires upfront payment). Carry a basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic) and any personal medications.
6. Culture & Etiquette: Balinese Hindu culture prizes respect and harmony. A customary greeting is “Om Swastiastu” (Sanskrit for “May God bless you”), though a friendly smile or “hello” is fine in most tourist spots. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. Be mindful of temple customs: cover shoulders and knees (men can wear sarong-like trousers; women might wear a sash over the sarong). At temples and homes you’ll see canang sari – small daily offerings placed on the ground. Never step on these sacred baskets. Keep your voice low in temples and avoid public displays of affection. Showing respect (a quiet attitude and modest dress) goes a long way to positive interactions with locals.
7. Weather & Planning: Bali’s dry season runs from about April to October: expect plenty of sun and only brief showers. The wet season (November–March) brings frequent heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon. If you travel in the wet months, carry a raincoat/umbrella and allow flexibility in your schedule (some outdoor activities may be rained out). One upside of the wet season is fewer crowds and lower prices, but mosquitoes will be more active. Check the weather forecast for your specific travel dates so you can pack layers (even a light sweater for highland dawns) and plan outdoor time accordingly.
8. Safety & Scams: Bali is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime does occur in crowded areas. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching and ATM scams have been reported. Prevent these by using ATMs inside banks or malls, covering your PIN, and monitoring bank statements. Don’t leave belongings (like phones or wallets) unattended at beaches or restaurants. Use the hotel safe for passports, extra cash and valuables, and only carry what you need each day. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true (common scams include illegal tour offers or fake charity collectors). Finally, check safety measures when booking activities (confirm life jackets on boats, helmets for rentals, etc.). With sensible precautions, you can relax and enjoy all that Bali offers.