Bali travel tips
18 Things to Know Before Visiting Bali (2026)
Bali is genuinely beginner-friendly Asia, but the new tourist tax, Visa-on-Arrival changes, and the scooter culture have meaningful learning curves. Here are 18 practical things to know before booking.
01. New tourist tax: 150,000 IDR ($10) on arrival
Mandatory since 2024. Pay online before flight or at the airport — counter wait can be 30+ min.
02. Visa on Arrival = 30 days, extendable once
Buy at airport ($35). The official 60-day visa requires advance application.
03. Don’t rent scooters without International Driving Permit
Police checkpoints check; fines run $50-100. Helmet always.
04. Scooter accidents are the #1 tourist risk
Bali has one of the highest tourist-injury rates in Southeast Asia. Use Grab/Gojek apps for transport instead.
05. Stick to bottled water
Tap is unsafe even for brushing teeth (sensitive stomachs). 10,000 IDR per bottle everywhere.
06. Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu are 60-90 min apart
Bali traffic is brutal. Don’t plan to ‘do’ all four in one day. Pick one base.
07. Hindu temple etiquette
Sarong required (provided at major temples). Women cannot enter during menstruation.
08. Cash culture — but ATMs are everywhere
Smaller warungs and markets are cash-only. ATMs in tourist areas dispense IDR; 2,000,000 IDR per withdrawal max usually.
09. Don’t take drugs
Indonesia has zero tolerance. Possession of small quantities can mean years in prison. Marijuana included.
10. Bali Belly is real
Even cautious travelers get it. Pack rehydration salts + anti-diarrheal.
11. Bargain in markets, not in restaurants
Souks, art markets, and beach-vendor purchases are negotiable (start at 50% of asking). Restaurants and shops are fixed-price.
12. Mosquitoes carry dengue (no malaria)
Use repellent at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves at temples especially.
13. Don’t ride elephants
Mason Adventures is the only ethically-vetted operation. Elephant Camp Bali = not ethical.
14. Wet season is November-March
Afternoon rain (not all day). Mornings work. Prices drop 30-50%.
15. ‘Bule price’ is real
Tourists pay more at some establishments. Negotiate at non-fixed-price places.
16. Internet is variable
Canggu has fiber; Ubud is decent; remote areas spotty. Get a Telkomsel SIM at the airport.
17. Tipping isn’t expected but appreciated
10% at upscale restaurants is generous; small drivers’ tips are welcome.
18. Respect the silent day (Nyepi)
Once-a-year Hindu New Year — entire island shuts down (no flights, no leaving hotel). Plan around it.