Planning your first trip to Bali is exciting, but understanding how things work on the ground can make a huge difference to your experience. From visas and transport to money and connectivity, a little preparation will help you travel smoothly and avoid common mistakes.

This guide covers everything you need to know before and during your trip, so you can focus on enjoying Bali rather than figuring things out along the way. Make sure you also check our Complete Bali guide for your trip to plan an incredible trip.

Visa Requirements for Bali (Indonesia)

For most travellers, entering Bali is relatively straightforward. Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for many nationalities, including travellers from Australia, India, the United Kingdom and most of Europe. The Visa on Arrival is valid for 30 days and can usually be extended once for an additional 30 days if needed.

Travellers can either purchase the visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance through Indonesia’s official e-VOA portal, which helps save time and skip long airport queues. You can apply and pay for your visa before departure here: Indonesia Official e-VOA Portal

Before travelling, make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of entry. It’s also a good idea to have a payment card ready and copies of your travel documents easily accessible. Bali airport can get extremely busy during peak travel periods, so arriving prepared will make the immigration process much smoother.

Getting Around Bali

Transport in Bali works very differently from most countries. There’s no reliable public transport system, so your main options are private drivers, ride-hailing apps or renting a scooter.

The easiest and most comfortable option is hiring a Private car charter with a local driver. Many travellers choose this option for airport transfers, sightseeing days and travelling between destinations, as it’s affordable, flexible and removes the stress of navigating Bali’s busy roads and traffic. A full-day private driver typically costs around AUD $40–60, and this often includes 8+ hours of driving, even if you’re travelling from one side of the island to the other. Prices can vary depending on the area, vehicle type and how long you require the driver for, so it’s worth confirming the total price upfront before starting your trip to avoid overpaying.

It’s also considered courteous to cover your driver’s meal during long day trips, especially if they are accompanying you for the entire day. Many drivers rely heavily on tourism, and small gestures like this are always appreciated.

Apps like Grab and Gojek are also widely available in areas like Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. These are usually our go-to options for short distances, quick food deliveries or getting around without needing to organise a private driver. Availability can vary depending on the area and time of day, but both apps are generally affordable and easy to use for travellers.

Renting a Scooter or Car

Scooters are commonly used in Bali and can be convenient for short distances, particularly in Canggu and Ubud. However, Bali’s roads can be chaotic, with heavy traffic, narrow streets and unpredictable driving conditions, so riding a scooter requires confidence, experience and constant awareness.

If you plan to rent a scooter, you should carry an International Driving Permit and always wear a helmet. It’s also important to have appropriate travel insurance that covers scooter use. If you have never ridden a scooter before, Bali is not the place to learn. The traffic can feel extremely overwhelming for first-time riders, especially in busy tourist areas, and accidents are very common.

Driving a car yourself is also less common for tourists due to traffic congestion and unfamiliar road rules. Unless you are already comfortable driving in busy conditions, hiring a driver is generally the easiest and most convenient choice

Fast Boats to Nusa Penida & Gili Islands

If your itinerary includes Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands, you’ll need to use fast boat services. Fast Boats to Nusa Penida commonly depart from Sanur and take around 45 to 60 minutes. Fast Boats to the Gili Islands take longer, typically between 2 to 3 hours depending on sea and weather conditions.

It’s worth booking with reputable operators rather than simply choosing the cheapest option, as safety standards and boat quality can vary significantly. Morning departures are generally recommended because the ocean is often calmer earlier in the day, making the journey more comfortable.

Delays and schedule changes are also fairly common due to weather and sea conditions, so it’s always a good idea to leave extra flexibility in your itinerary, especially if you are travelling on the same day as a flight or important transfer.

Money, Payments & Budgeting

Cash is still commonly used throughout Bali, particularly at local markets, small warungs and in more remote areas such as Nusa Penida. While ATMs are easy to find in major tourist hubs, it’s always a good idea to withdraw enough cash before travelling to smaller islands or less developed areas where ATM access can be limited.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, cafés and restaurants, although some venues may charge a small transaction fee for card payments. It’s also worth carrying a mix of cash and card, as payment methods can vary depending on where you are visiting.

One of the reasons Bali remains so popular is that it caters to every type of traveller and budget. You can travel comfortably on a moderate budget with affordable accommodation, food and transport, while luxury villas, beach clubs and high-end dining experiences are also easy to find across the island.

SIM Cards & Internet

Staying connected in Bali is easy and relatively affordable. Travellers can purchase an E-SIM card here or buy a local SIM card at the airport and convenience stores throughout the island. Having mobile data is extremely useful for navigation, ordering transport through apps like Grab and Gojek, checking maps and staying connected during your trip.

This is one area where we admittedly get a little lazy and usually continue using our Australian mobile roaming, which typically costs around AUD $5–10 per day depending on your provider. For shorter trips, this can sometimes be easier and more convenient. However, if you’re staying in Bali for longer, switching to a local SIM or eSIM will usually save you a significant amount of money.

What to Pack

Packing light is highly recommended for Bali, especially if your itinerary includes island hopping to places like Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands. Soft luggage or backpacks are usually much easier to manage during hotel transfers, fast boat journeys and uneven walkways compared to large hard-shell suitcases.

Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen and comfortable footwear are essentials for Bali’s warm and humid climate. You’ll likely spend a lot of time outdoors, so breathable clothing makes a big difference.

If you plan to visit temples or cultural sites, it’s important to dress modestly and bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs. Many temples provide sarongs at entry, but having your own light cover-up can be more convenient.

Bali is best experienced at a slower pace. Trying to fit too many activities into one day can make your trip feel rushed. Starting your days early helps you avoid crowds and enjoy popular locations more peacefully. At the same time, leaving room for unplanned moments often leads to the most memorable experiences.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Complete Bali guide for your trip or Ultimate Bali Itinerary and start planning your trip.

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