Travel tips · Bali · Indonesia
Bali travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Daily life in Bali revolves around Balinese Hinduism: families place canang sari offerings of flowers and rice at doorways and shrines each morning, villages hold temple anniversaries and cremations, and the Pawukon calendar sets festivals such as Galungan and Kuningan. Each village is organised around a banjar community council, and ceremonies take priority over business.
Key facts
- Language
- Indonesian and Balinese
- Currency
- IDR
- Plugs
- Type C and F, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water, and refill stations in…
- Emergency
- 112 (general emergency), 110 (police), 118 or 119 (ambulance)
Things to know
- Wear a sarong and sash to enter temples (often lent or rented at the entrance) and cover shoulders.
- Do not step on offerings on the ground, and never climb on shrines or temple walls for photos.
- Temples display signs asking women who are menstruating not to enter; respect the request.
- Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating, and avoid touching anyone's head.
- If a ceremonial procession blocks the road, wait patiently; it will pass.
- Dress modestly away from the beach, especially in villages and Denpasar.
- Book Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance ahead: Kecak tickets sell out in peak season; buy them early in the afternoon or online.
- Book Mount Batur sunrise trek ahead: Book through a reputable operator that includes the local guide association fee.
- Eat at warung rather than tourist restaurants; local meals cost a fraction of western dishes.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated: rounding up for drivers and leaving small tips for spa therapists and guides is common. Many restaurants already add a service charge.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Om Swastiastu | Balinese Hindu greeting |
| Terima kasih | Thank you (Indonesian) |
| Suksma | Thank you (Balinese) |
| Berapa harganya? | How much is it? |
| Tidak pedas | Not spicy |
| Selamat pagi | Good morning |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, swimwear only on the beach and at pools, and a sarong for temples. Bring a warm layer for Mount Batur and the Bedugul highlands.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water, and refill stations in cafés and hotels.
- Emergency number
- 112 (general emergency), 110 (police), 118 or 119 (ambulance)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile data is inexpensive and coverage is good in the south and Ubud; buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival, and most cafés and villas have Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Asia/Makassar
The main risks are road accidents, especially on scooters, and strong rip currents on the west and south coasts — swim between the red-and-yellow flags. Monkeys at temples can bite, and illicit arak has caused methanol poisoning.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Indonesia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Bali?
Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated: rounding up for drivers and leaving small tips for spa therapists and guides is common. Many restaurants already add a service charge.
+Can you drink the tap water in Bali?
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water, and refill stations in cafés and hotels.
+What plugs are used in Bali?
Type C and F, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Bali?
Indonesian and Balinese.