š“ THE 24-HOUR BEFORE BALI CHECKLIST
Everything You Need to Do Before You Land (So You Donāt Panic at the Airport)
Christina Voge
Bali, Indonesia
āļø 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
š” Pro Tip: You can apply online before arrival to skip long lines.
š§¾ 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
š± 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 youāre 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.
š 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)
Youāll use Gojek & Grab for:
⢠Airport rides
⢠Food delivery
⢠Scooter taxis
⢠Massage at your villa
š° 5. ATM & Money Tips
⢠Donāt 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
š” Bali is still cash heavy in some areas. Especially when shopping at local stores.
šµ 6. Planning to Rent a Scooter?
You legally need:
⢠An International Driverās Permit (IDP)
⢠Your home country license
No IDP = possible fines. I donāt have one, but at least make sure youāre wearing your helmet to avoid getting pulled over and fined.
If youāre not confident driving:
Hire a private driver instead (600kā800k IDR for 8 hours).
š¦ 7. Check the Weather Season
Dry Season: April ā October āļø
Rainy Season: November ā March š§
Rainy season does NOT mean it rains all day ā but expect humidity + quick storms.
š§³ 8. What NOT to Bring
⢠Expensive jewelry
⢠Prescription meds without documentation
⢠Large hair tools (voltage difference!)
Indonesia is strict about certain medications.
š 9. Choose the Right Area (Very Important)
Bali is BIG. Staying in the wrong area can ruin your vibe.
Quick breakdown:
Canggu ā Trendy, social, digital nomads
Uluwatu ā Cliffs, beaches, chill sunsets
Seminyak ā Walkable, shopping, restaurants
Ubud ā Jungle, wellness, yoga
Pick based on your travel personality.
šØ 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 ā 250kā350k IDR
Uluwatu ā 300kā400k IDR
Ubud ā 350kā450k IDR
š“ Final Tip Most Tourists Donāt Know
Traffic in Bali is REAL.
What looks like ā20 minutesā on the map can take 45ā60+ minutes.
Choose accommodation close to where you plan to spend most of your time.
š Want My Full Bali Guide?
Inside my full guide I share:
⢠My favorite restaurants
⢠Best beach clubs
⢠Hidden beaches
⢠Where Iād actually stay
⢠Exact villa/hotel recommendations
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