The Stuff Nobody Tells You Before You Go to Bali

Getting Around

Bali has no real public transport, so you'll move by scooter, private driver or ride-hailing apps (Grab and Gojek). Scooters are the cheapest, most freeing way to explore Uluwatu, Canggu and the Nusa islands, but only ride one if you're confident and always wear a helmet. For longer hops — south to Ubud, or any day trip — hire a private driver for the day; it's inexpensive and you can split the cost. Traffic between Canggu, Seminyak and the airport is heavy, so always pad your timings.

Money & Payments

The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards work at most cafes, restaurants and hotels, but warungs, markets, beaches and small shops are cash only. Withdraw from bank-branded ATMs rather than standalone machines, take out larger amounts to limit fees, and keep small notes for parking, entry fees and offerings. A service charge and tax (often around 15–21% combined) is added at many sit-down venues.

Best Time to Visit

Bali has two seasons. The dry season (roughly April to October) brings the most reliable sunshine and is peak time for the beaches and clubs. The wet season (around November to March) is greener and quieter, with warm days broken by short, heavy downpours that usually pass quickly. It's hot and humid year-round, so plan beaches and walks for the morning and save shaded or indoor spots for midday.

Visa & Entry

Most visitors arrive on a visa on arrival or e-VOA, which is extendable once. Check your own nationality's current requirements before you fly, make sure your passport has at least six months' validity, and complete any required arrival declaration online in advance. There's also a tourist levy for Bali that you can pay online before you land to skip the queue.

Connectivity

Buy a local SIM or, easier, an eSIM you can activate before landing — coverage is good across the south, Ubud and the Nusa islands, though it can drop in remote valleys and on cliff trails. Wifi is widespread in cafes and hotels and is strong in Canggu and Ubud, the two big remote-work hubs. Download offline maps and your saved spots list before any day trip.

Health & Safety

Drink bottled or filtered water only, and be a little careful with ice and raw foods at the smallest spots. Bring strong reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The ocean is beautiful but powerful — respect flags and currents, especially at the surf beaches around Uluwatu, and never swim where it's marked unsafe. Travel insurance that covers scooters and medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Watch your belongings around the temple monkeys; they'll take sunglasses, hats and phones.

Etiquette & Culture

Bali is deeply Hindu and its temples are active places of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees and wear a sarong (usually provided) to enter, and never step on the small daily offerings you'll see on pavements and doorsteps. Ask before photographing ceremonies, use your right hand to give and receive, and dress modestly away from the beach. A little patience and a smile go a long way.

What to Pack

Light, breathable clothing, swimwear and a sarong are the core. Add reef shoes for rocky beaches, a light layer for the cold Mount Batur summit and air-conditioned dinners, and trainers for the ridge walks and rice terraces. Bring a reusable water bottle, a power bank, a universal adapter (Bali uses European-style two-pin plugs), and a small dry bag for the boat trips to the Nusa islands.