Bali Travel Information

Bali - Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple

Bali – Some facts you really should know

  • Bali is a relatively large island, approx 145km east to west, and is home to over 4 million people.
  • Denpasar is the capital of Bali but is not a major tourist destination.
  • The misnamed Denpasar International Airport Bali is in fact much closer to Kuta, located just 10 minutes by taxi directly south of Kuta. Map of Bali
  • Direct flights between Australia and Bali take an average of 6 - 6½ hours from the East Coast Capital Cities and just 4½ hours from Perth. It's no wonder why Bali holiday packages from Perth are very popular.

Access to money

You can access cash via hundreds of ATM’s however quite low daily withdrawal limits apply which vary by machine. Normally the limits is US$100 per day and a fee applies. If you prefer, you can walk into a Bank branch and exchange cash.

Money can also be easily accessed via the many money changers in retail strips. These money changers offer competitive exchange rates, however ALWAYS ask how much Rupiah you will get for $x and then count carefully. Some money changers are very quick and embellish their margins by slight of hand techniques.

Bali’s International Airport

Ngurah Rai Airport is conveniently located within easy driving distance of the main tourist centres of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. It’s a relatively short taxi ride from the airport to any of these destinations.

Bali Currency

Name: Rupiah
Code: IDR
Symbol: Rp

Check what your currency is worth in Rupiah.

Credit card

Major credit cards are accepted in most retailers and restaurants. (Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners)

Internet Access

Most Bali resorts offer high speed internet access (up to 512k).

Or there are plenty of Internet Cafés available in the main tourist areas of Bali.

Languages

Official: Indonesian
Secondary: English

Self Drive Options

If you have an International Driver's License, you can rent motor bikes from Rupiah 35,000 to Rupiah 45,000 per day, and five to ten year old self-drive cars (Jimmy or Toyota "Kijang") cost from 150,000 Rupiah to 350,000 Rupiah per day. Newer models are more expensive, and luxury cars such as a Volvo limousine or a new Toyota "Land Cruiser" will cost US$150 to US$250 and more per day.

Taxis

The metered radio taxis start with a flag fall of 5,000 Rupiah (plus 4,000 Rupiah per kilometer), and most trips cost Rupiah 35,000 to 60,000. Look for the BLUE taxis because these are the official taxi companies and charge using the meter which not all taxis will do.

Telephones

Please use 01017 + country code + area code.

Bali Country Dialing Code +62

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +8

Transportation

Bali has very cheap transport by international standards.

Travel Advice

Click here to check the Australian Governments official travel advice relating to Bali.

Tuk Tuks (informal Taxis)

In tourist areas you'll be offered "tuk, tuks", and the rates for these are negotiable. The cars are usually quite old. Most drivers are very friendly but BEWARE because some will try to bring you to shops because they earn a commission on your purchases.

Visas & Departure Tax

To enter Bali your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your date of arrival. Travellers holding passports from some countries (including Australia and New Zealand) may be granted a 30 day visa on arrival. Both visas are non-extendable and non-transferable. The period of stay for visas is calculated from the day of arrival. For example, if a tourist with a seven day visa arrived on a Sunday, they must depart Indonesia the following Saturday. If the tourist departed on the following Sunday, they would be considered to have overstayed their visa. This principle also applies to 30 day visas. Fines are imposed for each additional day in Indonesia.*

Please note that departure tax is now included in the airline ticket.