25 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip to Bali

Before You Go

1. You Need a Visa on Arrival ($35)

Many nationalities need to pay $35 USD at the VOA counter before immigration. Don't walk straight to the immigration queue — you'll be sent back. It takes 10 minutes and accepts cash or card.

2. Get Travel Insurance — Seriously

Medical evacuation from Bali costs $15,000–25,000 USD. A 2-week travel insurance policy costs $20–50. The math is obvious. Use SafetyWing or World Nomads for easy online policies.

3. Buy an eSIM Before You Fly

Having internet the moment you land is a game-changer. eSIMs from Airalo or Holafly ($5–10 for 30 days) are activated instantly. You'll need data for Grab, Google Maps, and WhatsApp — all essential in Bali.

4. Bali Traffic Is No Joke

What looks like a 15-minute drive on Google Maps can take 45 minutes in Canggu or Seminyak traffic. Always add 30 minutes to estimated drive times, especially during morning rush (8–10 AM) and evening (5–7 PM).

5. ATMs Limit Withdrawals

Most ATMs cap withdrawals at 2.5M IDR (~$155) per transaction. Some allow 3M IDR. Use BCA or Mandiri ATMs inside bank branches for the best rates and highest limits. Avoid standalone ATMs — skimming risk is higher.

Getting Around

6. Grab is Your Best Friend

Gojek and Grab work almost everywhere in southern Bali. In Ubud and some remote areas, local taxi mafias block ride-hailing apps. If Grab doesn't work, ask your accommodation to arrange transport or walk to a main road first.

7. Scooter Riding is Risky

Yes, everyone rents scooters. Yes, it's the cheapest transport. But Bali has the highest traffic accident rate in Indonesia for tourists. If you're not an experienced rider, use Grab or hire a driver. Many travel insurance policies don't cover scooter accidents without an international driving permit.

8. Negotiate Before You Get In

If using unofficial taxis or drivers (not Grab), always agree on the price before the ride. Never accept "we'll see" or "I'll give you good price" — these always end with you overpaying.

Cultural Essentials

9. Cover Up at Temples

Both men and women must cover shoulders and knees to enter Hindu temples. Most major temples provide sarongs with your ticket. But bringing your own lightweight scarf/sarong is easier.

10. Don't Step on Offerings

Those small woven baskets with flowers, incense, and rice on the sidewalk are canang sari — daily Hindu offerings. Step around them, never on them. It's deeply disrespectful.

11. Use Your Right Hand

In Balinese culture, the left hand is considered impure. Use your right hand to give and receive items, especially money and food.

12. Don't Touch People's Heads

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Balinese Hindu culture. Never touch anyone's head, including children — even affectionately.

13. Nyepi Can Catch You Off Guard

Nyepi (Day of Silence, usually in March) means no travel, no lights, no noise, no leaving your hotel for 24 hours. The airport closes. If your trip overlaps, plan accommodation accordingly — many hotels turn it into a special experience.

Health & Safety

14. Bali Belly Is Real

Your stomach will likely revolt in the first 2–3 days. Bring Imodium and oral rehydration salts. Avoid raw vegetables at cheap warungs, skip the ice in street stalls, and always drink bottled/filtered water.

15. The Sun Is Brutal

Bali is 8 degrees south of the equator. UV levels are extreme. Apply SPF 50+ every 2 hours and don't underestimate overcast days — you can still burn badly. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral.

16. Mosquitoes Carry Dengue

Dengue fever is present in Bali, especially during rainy season. Use DEET-based repellent, sleep with AC on (mosquitoes hate cold), and wear light, long clothing at dusk.

17. BIMC Is Your Emergency Hospital

If you need medical care, BIMC Hospital in Kuta is the best international-standard facility. They're experienced with tourist injuries and have English-speaking staff. Save their number: +62 361 761263.

Money & Practical Tips

18. Everything is Negotiable

Markets, taxis, souvenirs, monthly villa rates — always negotiate. Start at 30% of the asking price and aim to settle around 50%. Be friendly and smile — aggressive haggling is considered rude.

19. Round Numbers for Tips

Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated. Round up to the nearest 10K IDR for small services. For drivers and guides, 20K–50K IDR per day is generous. At restaurants, check if service charge is already included (many add 10–15%).

20. Learn Three Indonesian Words

"Terima kasih" (thank you) — Use this constantly. Balinese people genuinely appreciate it.
"Permisi" (excuse me) — For getting through crowds or entering temples.
"Berapa?" (how much?) — Essential for markets and negotiations.

21. Monkeys Will Steal Your Stuff

At Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple, monkeys target sunglasses, phones, water bottles, and dangling jewelry. Secure everything. Seriously — they're professionals.

22. Bali Runs on "Jam Karet"

"Jam karet" means "rubber time." Things don't always run on schedule — your driver might be 15 minutes late, restaurants might open late, and queues may be unpredictable. Relax into it. You're on island time.

23. Power Outages Happen

Brief power outages are common, especially in rural areas and during storms. Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank.

24. The Internet Varies Wildly

Café WiFi in Canggu is usually decent (10–30 Mbps). In Ubud and rural areas, it's inconsistent. If you're a digital nomad, co-working spaces (Dojo Bali, Outpost) have the most reliable connections.

25. You'll Want to Come Back

This is the one thing every Bali visitor says. The combination of culture, scenery, food, affordability, and warmth of the people is genuinely special. Don't try to see everything in one trip — save some magic for next time.

Related Guides

📋 Don't forget anything — complete 2026 arrival checklist.

🗓️ Plan your days with our 7-day itinerary.

🛡️ Stay safe: 22 scams to avoid.

💰 Know your costs: fair price guide for every service.

🏠 Where to stay? Canggu vs Seminyak vs Ubud.