Bali Travel Information
Bali is approximately 145 km in diameter, a comparatively large island with a population of more than 4 million. Denpasar is Bali’s capital however it is not the main tourist destination of the island.
Access to money
There are ATM’s for accessing cash located all over the islands however the daily withdrawal limits are quite low and vary between machines. Limits usually fall at US$100 per day and incur a fee, therefore bank branches are available to exchange your cash. There are also a number of money changers located in the main retail precincts. While they offer competitive rates, it is important that you ALWAYS check how much Rupiah you will receive for your money and count the exchange carefully to ensure the transaction is correct.
Bali’s International Airport
Although named the Denpasar International Airport Bali, the airport is in just a 10 minute drive south of Kuta. The Ngurah Rai Airport is also just a short drive from Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur some of Bali’s major tourist destinations. Direct flights are available from Australia and take approximately 6 – 6.5 hours from the east coast and only 4.5 hours from Perth.
Bali Currency
Name: Rupiah
Code: IDR
Symbol: Rp
Credit card
All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners) are accepted at most restaurants and retailers.
Electricity
127/230V 50Hz
Internet Access
Most Bali resorts offer high speed internet access (up to 512k) however there are also plenty of Internet Cafes in Bali’s main tourist areas.
Languages
Official: Indonesian
Secondary: English
Telephones
Please use 01017 + country code + area code.
Bali country dialling code +62.
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +8
Travel Advice
Click here for official Bali travel advice from the Australian Government.
Transportation
Compared to International standards, Bali’s transport is very cheap.
Self-Drive Options
Motorbikes are available for rent from 35,000 to 45,000 Rupiah (Rp) per day while older cars (Jimmy or Toyota) are available from 150,000 to 350,000 Rp. Newer models and luxury cars cost upwards of US$150 to US$250 per day however all self-drive options are only available with an International driver’s licence.
Taxis
Metred taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around Bali with flag falls of 5,000 Rp and 4,000 Rp per km after that. Depending on the distance you need to travel, most fares will cost between 35,000 to 60,000 Rp. It is recommended you use the blue taxis as this is the official company which uses the metered service.
Tuk Tuks (informal Taxis)
Tuk Tuks are an informal version of a taxi offering a slightly older model car as transport with negotiable rates. Local drivers are friendly however it is important to be aware as some earn commission from retailers for bringing visitors to their shops.
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 seven day visa on arrival for a fee of USD$10 or a 30 day visa on arrival for a fee of USD$25. Payment must be made in USD 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.
On leaving, travellers will need to pay a Departure Tax. Currently the tax is Rupiah 150,000. Please note that variations can occur with little or no notice.
