If you are planning a trip to Bali and you are wondering what is the essential information to know about the country, you’re on the right page! Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about Bali.
- Amazing people
- When you should go
- Money currency
- How to use your phone/SIM card
- Respect their culture
- Different accommodations
- Insurance
- Renting a bike
- Essential apps you need
Amazing people
Balinese people will shock you with their kindness. Please be grateful for it. They will always make you feel safe and welcome on their island. If you are traveling in Bali, I assume you are not in need monetarily, but most of them are. Tip when you can, I assure you they will appreciate it a lot!
When you should go
The wet season is between November and April. Obviously, if you don’t want to risk getting caught in a little bit of rain, you should go between April and October. I visited Bali in January, and it was perfectly fine. It was more cloudy in Ubud since it was the jungle, and it was more humid. But it would never rain for the whole day. I also visited Bali in March and it was the same. A little cloud now and then, but nothing long and serious. Bonus: if you go to Bali during the wet season, there are so many fewer tourists than during the summer.
What is the money currency
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. You can exchange your money at the airport or get it at almost every ATM with your bank card. For me, I would withdraw with my visa. The only thing I had to make sure of was that there was a Visa logo on the machine. I never had any problems. As of 2023, there was no fee to withdraw money. Always get a small amount, so you don’t risk losing your money. They are everywhere and easy to use. It’s always by thousands. 10k, 50k, 100k, 200k, you get the point? When you look at a menu, and it says the burger is 50k, it doesn’t mean it’s only 50 rupiah… The restaurants are just not writing 50 000 rupiah.
How to use your phone/SIM card
The most affordable and easy way to have access to your phone is certainly not by buying a phone package back home. Buy a Bali sim card! You can find them everywhere and they are so cheap! I bought mine directly at the airport, but I found out later that it is way cheaper outside the airport. Just ask your taxi driver to please stop somewhere you can buy a cheap sim card. They will know where to bring you. The price depends on where you get your SIM card and how much internet you get, but I would say it is between 200k and 500k. If you don’t have a driver, or you don’t want to ask, the little markets always have a sign that says SIM CARD, just ask their price. They should install it for you, and remember to keep your own SIM card from home!
Respect their culture
It won’t take you long to notice the offerings that are laying everywhere in Bali. The name “Bali” means “offering” and you will see that it makes a lot of sense. The Balinese people practice their rituals daily. They have for hundreds of years. They lay out these magnificent creations that they call “Canang sari” almost everywhere. I had the chance of being shown how to make them. The picture I took is one I made myself. Balinese people will love sharing that part of their culture with you, be nice and ask. Never step on them, always be respectful. If you plan on visiting temples, make sure to dress as modestly as possible. Cover your shoulders and upper arms, as well as from your waist down to your knees.
Different accommodation options
Villas: Renting a villa is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms.
Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.
Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are travelling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience.
Insurance
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Renting a bike
If you know how to ride a bike, motorcycle, scooter, name it whatever you want, this is your best option (also if you don’t know how but are not scared to learn like me).
In Bali, motorbikes are everywhere! They are much cheaper, can melt like butter through traffic and save a lot of time compared to cars. You can hop on them with a driver, but sometimes if you are going on a long day adventure your best option is to rent one yourself! This way you can go wherever you want, without waiting for a driver. Gas is available everywhere. Some places will be more expensive than others, but always negotiate! I would always get mine for 100k a day maximum. That’s a perfect price. If you are small like me, ask for a Scoopy. They are the smallest. You don’t need a big one, I promise. A tip I can give you is to always make sure there is space in the seat, so you can put things in it. They don’t ask for a license, and you will most likely never get arrested. Wear your helmet when you rent a bike! They are not obligatory in Bali, but don’t search for trouble!
Essential apps you need
Transport: Having access to transport in Bali is so easy!
- Download Grab and Gojek.
You can always just download one, but sometimes Grab is cheaper or faster and vice versa. It works the same as Uber. You order your car or bike knowing already the price it will cost. You know when your driver will be there, and you have the option of paying cash or directly with your card on the app. I would always prefer paying cash. This way I could always round up the amount and leave a tip. They deserve it! You can even order food on Grab, just like Uber Eat!
Places to stay :
- Booking: You will find all three types of accommodation.
- Airbnb: You will find amazing and original villas/apartments.
- Hostel World: This is an app for hostels only. You will find the best ones with an amazing rating system to help you make your choice. There are also group chats on the app with the people who will be staying at the same place as you.
