đ´ THE 24-HOUR BEFORE BALI CHECKLIST
Everything You Need to Do Before You Land (So You Donât Panic at the Airport)
Christina Voge
Bali, Indonesia
âď¸ 1. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
If you're from the US, UK, Australia, Canada + most EU countries, you can get a Visa on Arrival.
⢠Cost: 500,000 IDR ($35 USD)
⢠Valid for 30 days
⢠Can extend once for another 30 days
⢠Pay by card or cash
đĄ Pro Tip: You can apply online before arrival to skip long lines.
đ§ž 2. Fill Out the E-Customs Form
Indonesia requires an online customs declaration.
⢠Fill it out within 48 hours before landing
⢠Screenshot the QR code
⢠They scan it before you exit
đą 3. Get an eSIM Before You Fly
This is one of the biggest stress savers.
Why:
⢠No hunting for SIM cards at the airport
⢠No overpaying tourist booths
⢠Data works the second you land
Most travelers use:
⢠Nomad
⢠Saily
If youâre staying long term you can also buy a local Telkomsel SIM after arrival. There are a lot of phone shops around Bali. I usually go to Happy Cell in Berawa. Being your passport or photo of your passport.
đ 4. Download These Apps Before Landing
Do this while you still have WiFi.
Must-download:
⢠Gojek
⢠Grab
⢠WhatsApp
⢠Google Maps offline area (download Bali map)
Youâll use Gojek & Grab for:
⢠Airport rides
⢠Food delivery
⢠Scooter taxis
⢠Massage at your villa
đ° 5. ATM & Money Tips
⢠Donât exchange large amounts at airport kiosks
⢠Use official bank ATMs (BNI, Mandiri, BCA)
⢠Withdraw larger amounts to avoid multiple fees
⢠Always decline currency conversion at ATM
đĄ Bali is still cash heavy in some areas. Especially when shopping at local stores.
đľ 6. Planning to Rent a Scooter?
You legally need:
⢠An International Driverâs Permit (IDP)
⢠Your home country license
No IDP = possible fines. I donât have one, but at least make sure youâre wearing your helmet to avoid getting pulled over and fined.
If youâre not confident driving:
Hire a private driver instead (600kâ800k IDR for 8 hours).
đŚ 7. Check the Weather Season
Dry Season: April â October âď¸
Rainy Season: November â March đ§
Rainy season does NOT mean it rains all day â but expect humidity + quick storms.
đ§ł 8. What NOT to Bring
⢠Expensive jewelry
⢠Prescription meds without documentation
⢠Large hair tools (voltage difference!)
Indonesia is strict about certain medications.
đ 9. Choose the Right Area (Very Important)
Bali is BIG. Staying in the wrong area can ruin your vibe.
Quick breakdown:
Canggu â Trendy, social, digital nomads
Uluwatu â Cliffs, beaches, chill sunsets
Seminyak â Walkable, shopping, restaurants
Ubud â Jungle, wellness, yoga
Pick based on your travel personality.
đ¨ 10. Airport Exit Strategy
When you walk out of Denpasar Airport:
⢠Use Grab/Gojek pickup zone
⢠Or pre-book airport transfer
Typical ride prices if using a random Taxi-
Canggu â 250kâ350k IDR
Uluwatu â 300kâ400k IDR
Ubud â 350kâ450k IDR
đ´ Final Tip Most Tourists Donât Know
Traffic in Bali is REAL.
What looks like â20 minutesâ on the map can take 45â60+ minutes.
Choose accommodation close to where you plan to spend most of your time.
đ Want My Full Bali Guide?
Inside my full guide I share:
⢠My favorite restaurants
⢠Best beach clubs
⢠Hidden beaches
⢠Where Iâd actually stay
⢠Exact villa/hotel recommendations
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