🌓 THE 24-HOUR BEFORE BALI CHECKLIST

Everything You Need to Do Before You Land (So You Don’t Panic at the Airport)

Christina Voge

Christina Voge

Bali, Indonesia

āœˆļø 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

šŸ’” Pro Tip: You can apply online before arrival to skip long lines.

🧾 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

šŸ“± 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 you’re 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.

šŸš— 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)

You’ll use Gojek & Grab for:
• Airport rides
• Food delivery
• Scooter taxis
• Massage at your villa

šŸ’° 5. ATM & Money Tips

• Don’t 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

šŸ’” Bali is still cash heavy in some areas. Especially when shopping at local stores.

šŸ›µ 6. Planning to Rent a Scooter?

You legally need:
• An International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
• Your home country license

No IDP = possible fines. I don’t have one, but at least make sure you’re wearing your helmet to avoid getting pulled over and fined.

If you’re not confident driving:
Hire a private driver instead (600k–800k IDR for 8 hours).

🌦 7. Check the Weather Season

Dry Season: April – October ā˜€ļø
Rainy Season: November – March 🌧

Rainy season does NOT mean it rains all day — but expect humidity + quick storms.

🧳 8. What NOT to Bring

• Expensive jewelry
• Prescription meds without documentation
• Large hair tools (voltage difference!)

Indonesia is strict about certain medications.

šŸ 9. Choose the Right Area (Very Important)

Bali is BIG. Staying in the wrong area can ruin your vibe.

Quick breakdown:

Canggu → Trendy, social, digital nomads
Uluwatu → Cliffs, beaches, chill sunsets
Seminyak → Walkable, shopping, restaurants
Ubud → Jungle, wellness, yoga

Pick based on your travel personality.

🚨 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 → 250k–350k IDR
Uluwatu → 300k–400k IDR
Ubud → 350k–450k IDR

🌓 Final Tip Most Tourists Don’t Know

Traffic in Bali is REAL.

What looks like ā€œ20 minutesā€ on the map can take 45–60+ minutes.

Choose accommodation close to where you plan to spend most of your time.

šŸ’Œ Want My Full Bali Guide?

Inside my full guide I share:
• My favorite restaurants
• Best beach clubs
• Hidden beaches
• Where I’d actually stay
• Exact villa/hotel recommendations

https://www.rexby.com/2girls1backpack/indonesia

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