Bali Travel Tips
Bali is a beautiful combination of lush landscapes, sandy beaches and turquoise seas. You can shop for wonderfully cheap goods, lose yourself in spectacular forests, or just relax and soak up the sun... To ensure that you have the best experience possible, we ask that you read the following information carefully. Do not hesitate to Contact us if you have any queries.
Visa Regulations
30 day visa on arrival is obtained in the arrival hall for and must be in USD
$25.00. It is recommended that travellers have the exact US dollars cash
available as not all entry points have bank facilities.
Departure Taxes
From Indonesia IDR150,000 (around $15) as at 1st August 2012
Currency and Exchange
The unit of currency is Indonesian Rupiah which is abbreviated to 'IDR or Rp.'
Currency notes are issued in denominations of Rp 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000,
50000, 100000. Coins are issued in Rp 5,10,25,50 and 100. As at 1st
August 2012 exchange rate was AUD$1 = 9,900 Rp.
Changing Money
There are a great number of registered money changers that offer very
competitive exchange rates. We recommend changing money at BMC money changers
as they are honest, have the best rates and are air conditioned.
Like many places around the world low life's have put skimmers on ATM's so try and use ATMs that have security guards on duty and if you must use another make sure you cover your hand when keying your pin.
WARNING: When changing money, be very careful to check that correct money is given. Many money Changers will try to 'confuse' you and give less money than what is due. REMEMBER IF IT LOOKS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT PROBABLY IS AND A FEW HUNDRED RUPIAH IS ONLY A FEW CENTS.
Shopping
Some of the better buys in Bali include furniture, home wares, leather clothing,
bags and wallets, casual clothing, paintings, wood and stone carvings and
beautiful handcrafted gold and silver jewellery.
Food
Bali has some of the world's best restaurants, once you book with Bali
Yarravillas we email attachments with plenty of information including our
restaurant reviews. Our reviews will save you a heap of time as we constantly
update the list. To illuminate or reduce the risk of Bali belly use hand
sanitiser before eating. Some of our must tries are Ultimo, Mamasan, Dahana, Sea
Circus, Black Pepper, Beach House at Echo Beach, Gateway to India.
Climate
Straddling the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly even climate
year-round, with an average temperature of about 28C. In the dry season between
April to September, the weather is clear and dry. During the wet season,
between October and March, the weather alternates between sudden showers and
bright sunshine. It is a lot more humid during the wet season and that makes it
seem hotter. In the mountain areas, the weather is cool and exhilarating.
Electricity
Electric power in Bali is 220 volts. All good hotels provide adapters, but it
is advisable to take your own international plug converter. Normal outlets are
plugs with two rounded pins.
Internet
Most restaurants, cafes and hotels have complimentary wifi the quality varies
and can be very slow.
Mobile phone
Local prepaid Sim Cards are available at very reasonable rates, we use Simpati
which has good rates and coverage. Cost is between Rp15,000 and 50,000
(AUD$1.50 to $5) with some credit and top ups are available everywhere. If
calling overseas from Bali there is a cheap prefix 01017 then country code then
number.
TRANSPORT
Taxis
We only use Blue Bird taxis as they are professional and won't rip you off.
There are many other taxis in Bali but many of them have dodgy meters, cars and
can be very rude and aggressive. Flag fall is Rp5,000 and if you book by phone
the minimum charge Rp25,000 which is about AUD$2.50. An example from Seminyak
to the airport is around Rp60,000.
Private tour guides
There are many, many Tour guides or private drivers in Bali and of course the
quality of service varies. Recommendations are the best way of finding a good
driver so talk to hotel staff or other guests and ask them. General guide for
price 8 hours Rp450,000 to 500,000 extra hours are an extra charge. Remember
that is only around AUD$50 for 8 hours so is extremely good value for money.
Personal Safety
Bag snatchers are operating in Bali as they are in many other tourist hotspots
around the world. Whether you be on foot or on a motor bike secure your bag by
having the strap over your head and keep the bag in front of you. If you are
walking along the footpath keep the bag on the opposite side to the traffic.
Always use the safety deposit box supplied in your room by all good hotels.
