General Information About Traveling to Bali

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. There are over 17,00 islands that form a geographical link between Asia and Australia. It's the fourth most populated country in the world with astonishing cultural diversity.

This diversity rests not only with its people but it also can be seen in its many islands from dense jungles to glaciated mountain ranges. The jewel of this archipelago is the island of Bali. Worldwide, Bali has the reputation as being the Island of the Gods.

Passports and Visas
To enter Bali or Indonesia Each visitors are requested signed passport that is valid for at least six months beyond his/her scheduled departure date from Indonesia. Most nations of western countries are granted a 60-days, non-extendible visa upon arrival in Indonesia. Citizens from Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) do not require a visa, only a valid travel document. Please check with your local indonesian embassy/consulate or your country's embassy in Jakarta. For Visa requirements by contacting the Embassy / Consulate in your country of origin before commencing your vacation.

11 Countries to Retain Visa Free Facility Based on the strict application of reciprocity embraced by the new rules, the citizens of 11 countries whose governments extend visa free facility to Indonesian nationals would continue to enjoy visa-free stays. Included in the 11 countries and administrative districts to be granted the 30-day visa-free facility are: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Hongkong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Chile, Morocco, Peru and Vietnam.

Visa-On Arrivals for 20 Other Countries The nationals of another 20 countries and one administrative district will be able to apply for a purchased visa on arrival valid for either 3 or 30 days upon arrival in Indonesia. In a service the Minister promised will only consume 7 minutes, visitors will be able to purchase a visa for a 3 day visit reportedly costing US$ 10 or US$ 25 for a 30 day visit.

The nations and districts eligible to purchase a visa on arrival are: the United States, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, the Arab Emirates, Finland, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Norway, France, Poland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.

Early reports are not clear on what procedures will apply for visitors wishing to stay more than 30 days making the wisest course for those visitors to apply for a visa beforehand with their nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

Always keep a copy of your passport, driver's license,cerdit cards, tickets and insurance policy somewhere separate. This way you can prove who you are to your consulate in the event of theft , get lost or fall out. Report to the police who make out a report for your consulate. Verification of identity and citizenship takes about three weeks and involving going to the immigration office in Denpasar or at the airport. Credit Card.

Currency The local currency Rupiah Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. and the Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. The Indonesian Rupiah offers very favorable rates of exchange and buying power against most foreign currencies. Hotels, moneychangers, and banks provide foreign exchange services. We recommended to carry US$ cash or travelers cheques. However, when traveling to the village, take Rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in public transportation or buying food and drinks at warung. Please use of banks, whenever possible, when exchanging currency. Always insist on an official receipt at the time of the transaction and take your time to make sure the money received matches the total shown on the receipt. Please note that some of the banks and moneychangers refuse to accept foreign bank notes that are soiled, torn or generally poor condition.

Driving License If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries. If you are stopped by the police, it is always requested. If you don't have one, you will bargain hard on how much of bribe you are willing to pay.

Clothing Balinese are generally modest in their modes of dress and believe that the most basic sign of respect to another is correct attire. Going to Bali, dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is warm-to-hot throughout the year. While shorts and sing lets are generally acceptable while shopping or just walking, long trousers for men and dresses for women are strongly suggested when visiting friends, calling on government offices, or attending places of worship.

Health International health certificates for small pox and cholera are not required. Evidence of valid yellow fever vaccination is required only from travelers coming from infected areas.

Customs and Traditions Specific rules apply when visiting temples. Women are not allowed to enter the temples during menstruation. Do not walk in front of people praying. Kindly not to use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face. In special ceremony or Anniversary Celebrations, a small donation is gratefully received. Shorts and mini-skirts are also not allowed in and around temples. It is a custom to take off the shoes in temples, on festivals grounds and in private houses. We strongly recommended these customs to show your respect for the religious traditions. Embracing's and intimate touching are not well seen in public. Nude or topless bathing is forbidden.

Office Hours Most government office hours are open from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. 8:00 am until 11:30 am on Friday and 8:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturdays. Business offices open from 8:00 am until 4:00 or 5:00 pm. Some work half days on Saturdays. Banks open form 8:00 am until 3:00 pm on weekdays. Moneychangers are usually open weekends.

Electricity Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.

Call Us: Toll Free 866-566-8078
Email Us:
Jimmy@BaliAdvisor.com