Your Ultimate Guide to Prepping for a Bali Getaway: Everything You Need to Know
Dreaming of a sun-soaked escape to Bali? We’ve got you covered! From navigating visas and tourist taxes to knowing what to pack, this guide will make sure you’re ready to dive right into island bliss without a hitch. Here’s everything you need to do before you hop on that plane to paradise.
Visa on Arrival: Skip the Lines, Get It Online
Let’s talk visas. Bali requires a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (VoA), but why wait in those exhausting airport lines after a long flight? Instead, get your visa online ahead of time. It’s quick, easy, and saves you precious vacation minutes.
Visa on arrival
If you’re planning a stay in Bali for less than 60 days, the standard Visa on Arrival (VoA) is your best bet. You can apply for this visa online before your trip or get it at the airport when you land. It’s a straightforward option that allows you to stay for 30 days, with the possibility to extend for another 30 days.
E-Visa Details:
Cost: Around $30
Validity: 30 days, with the option to extend for another 30 days
Passport Requirement: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to depart.
Quick Tip: Snag your visa online before you leave, and start your holiday stress-free. Having trouble with the website? You can also pay a bit extra and use a visa agent to make things smooth.
Staying in Bali Longer? B211A Visa
If you’re eyeing an extended stay, the C1 - Single Entry Tourist Visa (previously known as B211A) might be more suitable. This visa is valid for an initial 60 days and can be extended twice, each time for an additional 60 days, allowing you to stay for up to six months in total. Here’s what you need to know:
Single Entry: Once you enter Bali with this visa, you’ll need to stay put. Leaving the country will invalidate the visa, so plan your travels accordingly.
Work Restrictions: While this visa doesn’t allow you to take up paid work in Indonesia, you can continue working remotely, provided your employer is based outside of Indonesia. This makes it an ideal choice for digital nomads who want to soak up the island vibes while working from their laptops.
Application Tip: Apply at least 14 business days before your planned arrival. Many visa companies can expedite the process for an extra fee if you’re running short on time. It's recommended to apply through a trusted visa agent to ensure a smooth process. One reliable option is Bali Visas.
Cost Breakdown:
Initial Visa: Typically around IDR 2,500,000 (~$160)
Extensions: Each two-month extension costs approximately IDR 2,850,000 (~$180)
Staying Even Longer?
If your heart is set on Bali for an even longer stretch, there are other visas to explore. The visa system in Indonesia can be quite nuanced and is subject to frequent changes, so it’s wise to check with reliable visa agencies or the Indonesian consulate to get the latest information.
Tourist Tax: Take Care of It Before You Go
Bali’s 150k (~$10) tourist tax is a new addition, aimed at maintaining and upgrading the island’s essential infrastructure, like roads and waste management. It’s a small price to ensure that paradise stays perfect, right? Be sure to pay this fee in advance to breeze through arrivals without any last-minute surprises.
Stay Connected: SIM Cards & WiFi
Yes, WiFi is everywhere, but if you want seamless connectivity (hello, Instagram stories!), grab an Indonesian SIM card. You can pick one up at the airport or opt for an e-SIM if you want to keep your home number active. It’s perfect for those of us who don’t want to lose touch while enjoying that dreamy Bali beach life.
Pro-Tip: e-SIMs are great if you want to keep your existing SIM and still have local data.
Money Matters: ATMs & Cash
Let’s get real—cash is still king in Bali. Although many places accept card payments, you’ll need cash for markets, street food, and off-the-beaten-path spots. ATMs are abundant in touristy areas, but can be scarce in more remote locations like Munduk, Sidemen, and the Nusa and Gili Islands. Withdraw limits are usually between $150 to $200, so be prepared.
Travel Smart:
Carry more than one debit or credit card, just in case your go-to card decides to misbehave.
Use your Apple wallet’s tap-to-pay feature on your phone when you can.
Cards like Wise or Revolut are lifesavers, avoiding the crazy fees most banks charge.
Must-Have Apps for Bali
WhatsApp: The universal communication tool in Bali. Hotels, drivers, and even cafes use it. Trust us, you’ll need it.
Google Maps: Download maps offline, and you’ll never get lost, even in the island’s hidden gems.
Gojek & Grab: Your all-in-one solution for rides, deliveries, and more. Pro-Tip: You may need an Indonesian SIM to register for Gojek, but once you do, you’re golden.
Klook: For booking tours, private drivers, or even fast boats in advance. Save yourself the haggling and lock in great prices.
Nord VPN: Protect your data and bank accounts while traveling, and enjoy the added bonus of accessing services like Hulu abroad. Nord VPN has been a reliable go-to for years, ensuring secure connections and privacy no matter where you are.
Packing Essentials: Keep It Light, Keep It Smart
No need to overpack. Bali has everything you might forget, and laundry services are easy to find. Here are a few essentials you’ll be glad to have:
Reusable water bottle: Help fight Bali’s plastic problem by bringing your own bottle.
Medications & sunscreen: Bring any must-have meds, and don’t forget sunscreen (it’s expensive here!). You can easily pick up bug spray and other basics once you arrive.
Multiple cards & cash: ATMs can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to have a backup plan.
Valid passport: Make sure it’s valid for six more months, or you won’t get in.
Health + Travel Insurance:
When traveling to Bali, having health and travel insurance is non-negotiable. Accidents (motorbikes) and unexpected situations (monkey bites!) can happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Here are some trusted options to consider:
Genki: Comprehensive Health Coverage
Genki offers worldwide health insurance tailored for travelers, covering everything from motorbike accidents to monkey bites, reef cuts, and even Bali belly. Unlike many travel insurance plans, Genki specifically includes coverage for riding motorbikes—something that sets it apart if you plan to cruise around the island on two wheels. It’s strictly health insurance, but it’s perfect for peace of mind when exploring Bali's vibrant streets.
Heymondo: Travel Insurance Made Simple
Heymondo provides travel insurance that covers a range of needs, from trip cancellations and delays to emergency medical expenses. It’s an all-in-one solution for travelers looking to protect their health, belongings, and plans while abroad.
SafetyWing: Flexible Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
SafetyWing is another solid choice, particularly for digital nomads or those planning longer stays. Their coverage extends to health and travel-related incidents, ensuring you’re protected whether you’re working from a beachside cafe or trekking through Bali’s lush rice terraces. Plus, their plans are flexible, making it easy to extend your coverage as needed.
International Driver’s License
Planning to rent a scooter? It’s wise to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). I got mine at AAA in America- it took 1 hour and was $20. Note: while this is oftentimes not required to rent a scooter, it will be required by your insurance if you get in an accident.
Book Your Airport Transfer in Advance
The last thing you want after a long flight is to deal with the chaos of Bali’s airport. While you technically can use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek, it’s often a hassle—they’ll make you walk quite a distance to the designated pick-up point, which can be overwhelming after a tiring journey. Save yourself the trouble by booking an airport transfer in advance.
You can arrange this via Klook or book with one of my trusted drivers for a seamless, stress-free start to your Bali adventure.
Ngakan- Book Here
One of our local drivers who is always dependable, laid back, and along for wherever the road may take us. He even adopted a puppy we rescued in Kintamani.
Wayan- Book Here
Wayan is one of our oldest Balinese friends. He is the epitome of Balinese hospitality- he even kept our surfboard at his home for 3 months.
Ari & Edi- (Click Name to Book)
These 2 brothers from Munduk are some of the sweetest humans to ever exist. Ari lives in Munduk, while Edi is in Denpasar. Both will give you an amazing time.
