This Bali travel guide is the planning layer above the wish list. It covers the visa and tourist levy, when to go, how the island is laid out, how to get around, money, health, culture and the practical rules that quietly catch first time visitors out. Bali is one of the easiest tropical destinations to enjoy and one of the easiest to plan badly, because most people book a hotel before they understand how the island actually works. Sort the basics below first, and the rest of the trip falls into place.
Key takeaways
- Most visitors get a Visa on Arrival for 500,000 rupiah, valid 30 days and extendable once.
- Every foreign tourist also pays a one time Bali tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah, best paid online before you land.
- The best weather is the dry season, April to October, with May, June and September the sweet spot.
- Bali is small but traffic is heavy, so choosing the right base matters more than choosing the right hotel.
- Cash is still king in warungs and markets, but cards and digital payments work in most tourist businesses.
- Respect the temple dress code, watch for the 24 hour Nyepi shutdown, and drive scooters with real care.
Bali at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Main airport | Ngurah Rai International, code DPS, near Kuta in the south |
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah, IDR |
| Languages | Indonesian and Balinese, with English widely used in tourism |
| Time zone | Central Indonesia Time, UTC plus 8 |
| Power | 230 volts, plug types C and F, bring an adapter |
| Best season | Dry season, April to October |
| Driving | On the left, International Driving Permit required to be legal |
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Most travellers do, and for short holidays it is simple. Citizens of more than 90 countries, including India, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and the European Union, can buy a Visa on Arrival. It costs 500,000 rupiah, roughly 35 US dollars, is valid for 30 days from entry, and can be extended once for another 30 days for a maximum stay of 60 days. Since June 2025, under an Indonesian immigration circular, you must visit a local immigration office in person, including for a photo and fingerprints, to extend, so factor that in if you plan a longer trip.
You can pay the Visa on Arrival at the airport counter, or apply for the electronic version, the e-VOA, online before you fly to skip a queue. Always check your own nationality on the official Indonesian immigration site, because the eligible list and rules change from time to time. A small number of nationalities are visa exempt for short stays, and some must arrange a visa in advance.
| Option | Cost | Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 500,000 rupiah | 30 days | Extendable once for 30 more days |
| Electronic VOA (e-VOA) | 500,000 rupiah | 30 days | Apply online before departure |
| Extension | Fee payable at immigration | Plus 30 days | In person visit required since June 2025, with photo and fingerprints taken |
Check current rules on the official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website before you travel.
The Bali tourist levy
Separate from your visa, every foreign visitor pays a one time tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah, about 10 US dollars, per trip. Officially the Foreign Tourist Levy, it funds cultural preservation and environmental protection on the island. Pay it before arrival through the official Love Bali portal, keep the QR code voucher, and show it if asked. Indonesian citizens and certain long stay permit holders are exempt, but there is no discount for children.
Tip: pay the levy online at the official Love Bali portal a day or two before you fly, screenshot the QR voucher, and you will breeze through arrival while others queue.
Pay through the official Love Bali levy portal only, to avoid third party markups.
When to go
The dry season from April to October brings sunshine, calmer seas on the south and west coasts and lower humidity, while the wet season from November to March is greener, cheaper and quieter with short heavy afternoon showers. July and August have the best weather but the biggest crowds. For a full breakdown by month, activity and coast, see our dedicated guide to the best time to visit Bali.
How Bali is laid out, and where to stay
Bali is only about 150 kilometres across, but traffic makes it feel far bigger, so your base decides how much of your day you spend in the car. Match the area to the trip you want rather than trying to see everything from one hotel.
| Area | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Seminyak and Canggu | Cafes, beach clubs, surf, nightlife | Heavy traffic, busy roads |
| Ubud | Rice terraces, culture, yoga, nature | No beach, congested centre |
| Uluwatu and the Bukit | Cliff views, world class surf, luxury | Spread out, you need transport |
| Sanur and Nusa Dua | Calm beaches, families, resorts | Quieter nightlife |
| Nusa Islands | Snorkelling, dramatic coastline | Rougher crossings in the wet season |
For a deeper breakdown of neighbourhoods and what each one suits, read our guide to the best places to visit in Bali.
Getting around Bali
There is no train and very little public transport, so most visitors move around using one of four options. Each suits a different comfort level and budget.
| Option | Best for | Rough cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) | Short hops in tourist zones | Cheapest per ride | Restricted in some areas by local drivers |
| Private driver for the day | Sightseeing, groups, comfort | Around 45 to 70 US dollars per day | Includes fuel and waiting time |
| Scooter rental | Independent, experienced riders | A few US dollars per day | Licence and helmet required, real risk |
| Metered taxi (Bluebird) | Reliable point to point | Moderate | Use the official app to avoid touts |
Scooters are cheap and freeing, but road crashes are the single biggest cause of serious injury for visitors. Wear a proper helmet, carry an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle category, and never ride in flip flops. We cover the real risks and how to lower them in our honest look at whether Bali is safe.
Money, cards and tipping
The rupiah trades at roughly 16,000 to the US dollar, which turns everyone into an instant millionaire and makes it easy to misread a price. Count your zeros. Cards and QR payments are accepted in hotels, malls and mid range restaurants, but small warungs, markets, temples and rural stalls still run on cash. Draw cash from bank ATMs attached to branches rather than standalone machines, and always choose to be charged in rupiah, not your home currency, to avoid a poor conversion.
| Spending style | Typical daily budget | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 25 to 40 US dollars | Guesthouse, warung meals, scooter |
| Mid range | 60 to 120 US dollars | Boutique stay, cafes, driver, activities |
| Comfort | 200 US dollars and up | Villa or resort, private guide, fine dining |
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. Many restaurants add a service charge of around 5 to 10 percent, so check the bill before adding more. Rounding up for drivers and leaving a little for housekeeping is normal and kind.
Staying healthy
No vaccinations are legally required for most visitors, but talk to a travel clinic about routine boosters, hepatitis A and typhoid, and rabies if you plan long stays or rural travel. The most common complaint is travellers' diarrhoea, known locally as Bali belly. Stick to bottled or filtered water, be sensible with ice and street food hygiene, and carry rehydration salts. Our full guide explains how to avoid Bali belly and what to do if it finds you.
- Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid tap water, including for brushing teeth.
- Dengue is present, so use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk.
- Give the monkeys at temples space, since bites carry a rabies risk.
- Buy travel insurance that clearly covers scooter riding and any diving.
Culture and etiquette
Bali is overwhelmingly Hindu, and its faith is visible everywhere, from the small daily offerings on the pavement to the towering temple gates. A little respect goes a long way. Cover shoulders and knees at temples, wear a sarong and sash where required, and never step on the canang sari offerings laid on the ground. Do not touch anyone on the head, use your right hand to give and receive, and ask before photographing ceremonies. To understand what you are seeing, read our guide to Balinese Hinduism.
One custom stops the whole island. Nyepi, the Day of Silence, falls on 19 March 2026, and for 24 hours nobody goes outside, lights stay dim and even the airport closes. If you are on the island, plan to stay in your accommodation with supplies ready. The night before brings the dramatic Ogoh-Ogoh monster parades.
Food and drink
Balinese and wider Indonesian food is a highlight and rarely expensive. Try nasi campur, a plate of rice with a mix of sides, babi guling suckling pig at a specialist warung, and satay lilit, minced fish satay wrapped on lemongrass. Bali also grows respected coffee, though the famous civet coffee comes with an animal welfare problem worth reading about first. See our honest guide to luwak coffee in Bali before you buy a cup.
Connectivity
Bali is well connected. The easiest option is an eSIM bought before you travel, which activates on landing. Alternatively, buy a local Telkomsel or XL SIM at the airport or a phone shop, where staff will register and set it up for you. Wifi is standard in hotels, villas and cafes, and is generally fast in the main tourist areas, though it slows in remote north and mountain villages.
Common first timer mistakes
- Basing the whole trip in one area and losing hours in traffic to reach the rest.
- Renting a scooter without a licence, a helmet or any riding experience.
- Underestimating the wet season and writing off a perfectly good value trip.
- Forgetting the tourist levy and joining a long queue on arrival.
- Carrying only cards and getting stuck where only cash is accepted.
Short on planning time? Compare Bali tour packages to see typical routes and durations at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bali?
Most nationalities can buy a Visa on Arrival for 500,000 rupiah, valid 30 days and extendable once. A few countries are visa exempt and some must apply in advance, so check the official immigration site for your passport.
What is the Bali tourist levy and how much is it?
It is a one time fee of 150,000 rupiah, about 10 US dollars, paid by every foreign tourist. Pay it online through the official Love Bali portal before arrival and keep the QR voucher.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season from April to October is best overall, with May, June and September offering great weather and lighter crowds. See our full best time to visit Bali guide for month by month detail.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
Scooters are convenient but road crashes are the main cause of serious injury for visitors. Ride only if experienced, always wear a helmet, carry the right licence, and make sure your insurance covers it.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Most first trips work well over 7 to 10 days, which lets you combine a beach base in the south with a few nights in Ubud and a day trip to the Nusa Islands without rushing.
Can I drink the tap water in Bali?
No. Stick to bottled or filtered water, avoid tap water even for brushing teeth, and be careful with ice outside established venues to lower the risk of an upset stomach.
What should I not do in Bali?
Do not step on the offerings on the ground, do not enter temples without covering shoulders and knees, do not touch people on the head, and do not ignore Nyepi if your trip overlaps the Day of Silence.
Related Bali guides
Keep planning with the best time to visit Bali, the best places to visit in Bali, our honest take on whether Bali is safe, how to avoid Bali belly, a guide to Balinese Hinduism, and the story of luwak coffee in Bali.
Sources: visa and Visa on Arrival rules cross checked against the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration and Emerhub, August 2026. Tourist levy details from the official Love Bali portal and Wego. Nyepi 2026 date via bali.com. Costs are indicative traveller estimates and change with season and exchange rate.
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