Bali Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before arriving for Kali in Bali
On this page, we’re sharing our pro tips for a hassle-free and fast arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali. There are several things to know about before arriving in Bali, and being prepared with the right documents can save you so much time and stress! Read the information below to start your holiday off the right, stress-free way…
Travelling to Bali is straightforward, especially once you know what to expect.
We've welcomed participants from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia, and over the years we've learnt which information makes the journey easier.
This guide brings everything together in one place, from passports and visas to airport transfers, local SIM cards and useful travel tips.
Whether this is your first visit to Bali or your tenth, we hope it helps you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy an unforgettable week.
Before you board your flight
Before you leave home, there are just a few important things to organise.
The checklist below will make your arrival in Bali much smoother.
✔ Passport valid
✔ Flights booked
✔ Accommodation confirmed
✔ Visa arranged (if required)
✔ Tourist Levy paid
✔ Airport transfer organised
✔ Travel insurance
✔ Travel money
✔ Mobile Phone
✔WhatsApp installed
Entry requirements
Passport & Visa
Before travelling, ensure your passport meets Indonesia's entry requirements.
Depending on your nationality you may also need a Visa on Arrival or another suitable visa.
Because visa regulations occasionally change, we recommend checking the latest official information before travelling.
Entry Requirements
Before you arrive, you will want to make sure you are familiar with the visa requirements for Indonesia. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity on it from your arrival date in Bali. If you do not have 6 months validity, you will not be allowed to board the plane from where you are embarking on your journey. Upon arriving in Bali, you must have a return flight out of Indonesia booked within your visa validity (unless you are a resident).
1. Completing the All Indonesia Digital Arrival Declaration Form
All international visitors must complete the new All Indonesia digital arrival declaration form before they can pass through customs in Indonesia. This single online form replaces the previous separate immigration, customs and health forms, and is now the starting point for entry into the country.
A few important details about the All Indonesia online arrival declaration form:
- The form can only be completed within 72-hours of departure.
- One submission can include your entire family – just select Add Traveller.
- Complete the customs and health declaration questions.
- After submitting, you’ll receive a QR code – screenshot and save it! You’ll present that code when requested at the airport, so don’t rely on scrambling through your inbox to find it later.
- If you haven’t already organised your visa prior to doing this, you’ll have the option to do so after you’ve completed your online form.
Bali Tourism Levy
Separate from both the arrival declaration and your visa is the Bali Tourism Levy (often called the Love Bali tax). This contribution supports environmental protection and cultural preservation initiatives across the island.
- It costs IDR 150,000 (AUD $15) per visitor.
- Paid once per trip.
- Make your payment via the official Love Bali website or Love Bali app.
- You’ll receive a QR voucher after payment – save it to your phone.
Whilst paying the Bali Tourism Levy is an official requirement, we find that it is often not consistently checked. However, we think paying this small amount to help support Bali’s infrastructure is an important way to contribute to an island that gives us so much!
Quick Arrival Checklist
✓ Passport
✓ Arrival Declaration
✓ Visa (if required)
✓ Tourist Levy
✓ Accommodation Confirmation
✓ Return Flight
✓ Travel Insurance
Arriving in Bali
The moment you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the process is usually straightforward.
Follow these steps:
1. Immigration
2. Baggage Claim
3. Customs
4. Exit the terminal
5. Meet your driver or taxi
Simple.
Getting to Candidasa
Puri Bagus is approximately 1½–2 hours from the airport.
You have several options.
Taxi
Approximate price.
Grab
Availability.
Puri Bagus Transfer
Booking through the resort.
Private Driver
Recommended for larger groups.
Staying Connected
Most visitors purchase either:
1. local SIM
or
2. eSIM
Explain briefly.
Recommended providers.
Average prices.
Coverage.
What about money?
This one we can keep simple:
Cash is king.
Useful for small shops.
Credit Cards
Accepted in most places.
ATMs
Easy to find.
Currency Exchange
Where to exchange.
Avoid airport exchange if possible.
What should I pack?
Recommended apps
Whilst this app is used more for arranging social gatherings with your mates and checking-in with family - in Bali WhatsApp is used as the main communication tool for pretty much everything.
From getting in touch with your driver friend, reserving tables at a restaurant, even booking hotel rooms or booking a massage, WhatsApp is the main communication app to use throughout the island. With its quick and direct response time, it is even the number one choice for arranging hospital and dental appointments – so make sure that this is installed on your device ready for your touchdown in Bali!
We also use WhatsApp for your group communication during the Kali in Bali camp so it's a must!
Grab
If you are staying anywhere outside the resort or venture off on your own to explore Bali, get Grab!
Gone are the days where you had to stand by the side of the road, desperately trying to flag down a taxi and waste your time bartering with the driver. Whether you prefer to travel by motorbike or by car, with the click of a button, the highly popular Grab app gives safe and reliable transportation to your chosen destination. It even tells you the exact cost of your trip before booking and gives you the option to pay by cash or online payment – making the whole experience totally hassle-free.
But Grab is not just an app for transport – it also allows you to order food and shopping directly to your villa or hotel. No more battling through the Bali traffic – instead relax by the pool and wait for your food to be delivered to you!
VPN
It is highly likely when travelling abroad that you will need to access the internet. If you're not using the roaming hotspot from your mobiles e-SIM to access internet, you should consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing your personal accounts or doing work related stuff – especially if using the free Wifi in public places. The last thing you need is to return home from your holiday to find out that all of your personal data has been compromised!
There are many VPN providers to choose from, pick one that works for your needs.
FAQ
Can I drink the tap water?
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What kind of power plug do they use in Bali?
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Should I carry cash?
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