Organize your stay Bali
Money Bali
The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), which circulates throughout the archipelago. The US dollar is sometimes used as a reference, but it is now necessary to use the local currency for the majority of transactions.
To withdraw money with an international card, you'll have a wide choice of ATMs, offering maximum withdrawals ranging from Rp 1,500,000 to Rp 3,000,000 per transaction. Depending on your personal limit, you can make several withdrawals in a row. You can also choose between machines dispensing Rp 50,000 or Rp 100,000 banknotes.
In October 2024, the average exchange rate is around 1 USD = Rp 15,500 and 1 € = Rp 16,500, but this may fluctuate slightly depending on market conditions.
Budget & Tips Bali
Per day, per person based on two people (it's more expensive to travel alone):
Small budget. From 400,000 Rp to 600,000 Rp. Accommodation in losmen, meals in local warungs, public transport, visits to temples, beaches...
Medium budget. From 600,000 to 1,000,000 Rp. Air-conditioned room, small car or scooter rental, small tourist restaurants, cultural outings and occasional sports activities.
Large budget. From Rp 1,000,000 and up. Comfortable car rental with driver, accommodation in a charming hotel with swimming pool, diving, trekking or rafting.
Passport and visas Bali
Official website for 30-day eVisa: www.evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Price: Rp 500,000. 30-day extension available on the website. Please note: all you need is a passport valid for at least six months after your date of arrival in Indonesia.
Proceeding with your visa online before arrival means you can avoid the crowds at the border and use the automated gates.
How to proceed :
Choose B1 30-dayvisa, extendable for 30 days.
Enter your passportdetails and passport photo. Check automatic information to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Save your ticket as a PDF file.
Follow the payment procedure.
Validate within the hour and download your visa.
You can also apply for your visa directly on arrival (VOA) for the same price, but the queues can be interminable depending on your arrival time.
Please note: according to the France Diplomatie website, as of February 14, 2024, travelers entering Balinese territory will have to pay a tax of 150,000 Rp (around €9.5). This tax would be payable either prior to arrival, on thewww.lovebali.baliprov.go.id website, or on arrival, at the entities mentioned on the website. In reality, this tax has never been applied and remains to this day (November 2024) a project initiated by Bali's provincial government to support the tourism industry and environmental protection.
Driver's license Bali
You can easily rent a car with or without a driver. If you prefer to drive, an international driving license is required in addition to a valid French driver's license.
Health Bali
Chikungunya. The chikungunya virus is a heat-sensitive RNA arbovirus. The virus is transmitted from human to human by Aedes mosquitoes. After an incubation period of four to seven days, a high fever suddenly appears, accompanied by arthralgia (joint pain), which can be intense and particularly affect the extremities (wrists, ankles, phalanges). In rare cases, the disease develops into a chronic phase marked by persistent arthralgia, leading to disability lasting several weeks or even months.
Traveller's diarrhoea (tourista). Statistically, one out of every two travellers is affected by turista during the first 48 hours of their stay. These diarrhoeas and intestinal pains are caused by poor hygiene, undercooked food, over-spiced food or, more often than not, water. In fact, 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water. These symptoms usually disappear within one to three days. Take an antidiarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and stay well hydrated (no fruit juices). If the diarrhea persists or is accompanied by blood or mucus discharge, consult a doctor. To avoid these inconveniences, buy sealed water bottles, boil water (coffee and tea are "safe" drinks), avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit, avoid ice cubes, don't brush your teeth with tap water, and always carry disinfectant tablets. Before you leave, you can buy Micropur® Forte DCCNa - the only product on the market that rapidly purifies water (eliminating bacteria, viruses, giardia and amoebae) and keeps it safe to drink. There are also Aquatabs® and Hydroclonazone®. The latter is the least expensive, but the chlorine taste is very pronounced and only the bacteria are eliminated. For adventurers, a filter is essential for muddy water. Katadyn® filters meet the needs of these adventurers with several models, including the bottle filter, which provides instant drinking water without pumping (it also eliminates viruses).
Dengue fever. This virus, fairly common in tropical countries, is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same vector of the Zika virus and chikungunya. Dengue fever is characterized by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, severe joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in the event of fever, and to drink water regularly.
Japanese encephalitis. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by a nocturnal mosquito (peaks at dusk and dawn), mainly in rural areas. Depending on the region, transmission may be perennial, or limited to the rainy or hot seasons. Initially confined to East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the disease now extends to Papua New Guinea and the far north of Australia. Most forms of the disease are symptomless, but it can also lead to neurological sequelae, and even death.
The Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique (HCSP) does not recommend systematic vaccination but, since September 2013, has strongly recommended it for people aged 2 months and over in the event of expatriation or a stay with outdoor exposure in rural areas (e.g. camping, hiking, cycling, rice paddies and flood irrigation areas, outdoor work).
The vaccine is available in France from vaccination centers under the name Ixiaro® (2 injections 28 days apart, with a booster 12 to 24 months after the first injection). Vaccination by appointment only. Contact the Institut Pasteur medical center.
Avian flu. Avian flu usually affects poultry. However, the virus can occasionally be transmitted to humans. In principle, this transmission only concerns people in direct contact with affected animals, but some cases have suggested exceptional person-to-person transmission. To prevent transmission: avoid high-risk areas such as poultry farms and live-animal markets. Avoid direct contact with birds, especially chickens, ducks and wild birds. Avoid surfaces contaminated by bird droppings or secretions. Observe good hand and food hygiene. No vaccine is available.
Malaria. Malaria is also known as malaria. If you're travelling through a malaria-transmitting country (especially in Africa, but also in all humid and/or equatorial zones), consult your doctor about the appropriate preventive treatment: it differs according to the region, the period of travel and the person concerned.
In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing). The risk of being bitten is highest between sunset and sunrise, near stagnant water and shady areas.
Rabies. Rabies is still present in the country. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The onset of the first symptoms (phobia of air and water) varies between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms have been observed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. In the event of any doubt following a bite, it is essential to consult a doctor, who will administer an anti-rabies vaccine combined with appropriate treatment. Preventive vaccination does not exempt you from curative treatment in the event of a bite.
Typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by high fever, febrile diarrhea and loss of consciousness. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period varies from ten to fifteen days. Contamination occurs through stool or saliva, either directly (contact with a sick person or healthy carrier) or indirectly (ingestion of contaminated food: raw vegetables, seafood, water and ice cubes). The vaccine, which takes two to three weeks to take effect, protects you for three years. In the event of contamination and non-vaccination, treatment with fluoroquinolones is recommended.
Mandatory vaccination Bali
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Indonesia. However, you should consider general vaccinations before leaving (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, and possibly rabies). A safety vaccination against yellow fever may also be considered, depending on the length and type of trip. Make an appointment with your doctor, or with a physician at a specialized institute or hospital, for specific advice. Advice in a travel guide is absolutely no substitute for advice from a doctor! For any further information, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.
Hepatitis B. High risk in the country. Hepatitis B is more serious than hepatitis A. It is contracted through sexual intercourse or blood. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart (but there are accelerated one-month vaccinations for travellers in a hurry), followed by a booster six months later to reinforce the duration of protection.
Hepatitis A. For hepatitis A, prior immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad or are over 45 years of age. Hepatitis A is usually benign, but it can be serious, particularly over the age of 45 and in cases of pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food. If you have liver disease, vaccination against hepatitis A is highly recommended before any trip where hygiene is precarious. The first injection, one month before departure, is enough to protect you for a short trip. The second injection (six months to a year later) reinforces immunity for decades.
Security Bali
Since the Bali bombings in October 2002 and 2005, and those in Jakarta in July 2009 and January 2016, the country has been highly unstable in certain regions. These events have deterred many tourists from visiting Indonesia. However, in Bali, which was hit hard by the bombs on two occasions, you'll be welcomed with open arms by a population that's eager to exchange ideas, deeply open-minded and pacifist.
During your stay, it's a good idea to have your passport (or at least a copy), your repatriation insurance call number, your embassy or consulate call numbers, your bank's telephone number, and your national and international driving license to hand if you drive. Photocopy your important documents: plane ticket, passport. Keep these documents in two different places.
It's handy to carry a belt or a discreet pouch around your neck that you slip under your shirt or T-shirt. In your hotel, beware of the window and bathroom door: make sure they're locked. In mid-range and luxury hotels, use thesafes to keep your belongings safe.
Beware of dishonest guides who take you to stores where they charge a percentage. Other guides will charge you exorbitant fees for excursions you could have done on your own. They're usually extremely clingy, and you'll have a hard time getting rid of them. To choose a guide, take your time and talk to him or her, or go through a travel agency. There are licensed guides - check with your local tourist office.
Time difference Bali
It's 7 hours later in winter in Bali and only 6 hours later in summer. So when it's midday in France, it's 7pm in Bali in winter and 6pm in summer.
Spoken languages Bali
French is spoken only by some tour guides, so brush up on your English or take a quick introduction to Indonesian. Originally the language of only a small minority on Java, Bahasa Indonesia was imposed by the fathers of independence as a means of building national identity. The language is not very difficult, and if you learn a few words and expressions, it can be very useful. In tourist areas, English is unquestionably the lingua franca: in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, books, maps... In Bali, you'll be amazed at the extent to which young people on the street speak Shakespeare's language (with a very strong local accent). The Balinese are therefore trilingual, speaking Indonesian, English and Balinese. The latter language is the least well mastered, as it's based on a complicated and highly idiosyncratic Brahmanic code, and it's very easy to offend someone by using the wrong formula. That's why everyone prefers to stick to Indonesian, which is more accessible and less risky.
Communication Bali
Wifi connection: generally speaking, everyone in Bali is hyper-connected, as most establishments have a wifi connection, provided you have your smartphone, tablet or laptop with you.
The national telephone code for Indonesia, and therefore for Bali, is 0062.
Area codes in Bali range from 361 to 368 and precede the number.
- Mobile prefixes: all numbers without an area code starting with 36 are mobile. Most mobile numbers start with 8. A telephone number has between 8 and 10 digits, including the 3-digit area code.
- Calling from France to Bali: 00 62 + area code + 5 to 7-digit local number.
- Calling from Bali to another part of the country: 0 + 3-digit area code + local number.
- Calling from Bali to France: 00 33 + 9-digit French number.
SIM card: since April 2018, a new law requires all people wishing to buy a SIM card to register with their ID. It is advisable to buy this card in an XL or TELKOMSEL store at the airport or in town. Offers of between 150,000 and 300,000 Rp are available, including an internet package and local call minutes.
Electricity and measurements Bali
Electricity is 220 volts and plugs are identical to those in France. In most cases, sockets are provided for the various electrical appliances we take with us on our trips. A flashlight and batteries may prove useful in some villages where electricity is scarce.
Weight is calculated in kilograms.
Kilometers are used to calculate distances.
Luggage Bali
Travel light! You'll find almost everything you need locally, and for very little money, so you'll be able to bring back many more souvenirs on your return.
In addition to your usual belongings, we recommend: a small backpack, good walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, a light sweater for cool evenings or mountain hikes, a lighter or box of matches, a flashlight with spare batteries, a Swiss Army knife, a first-aid kit, a mosquito net and the necessary items for hanging it up, a meat bag.
A word of advice : buy a sarong on the spot (maximum 100,000 Rp), as it will come in very handy. It's compulsory to wear one in Balinese temples, along with a small belt. It's also important to bring a few loose-fitting clothes, as outside the major tourist centers, you need to respect Balinese modesty: shoulders covered and pants or skirts below the knee are de rigueur. You'll also need something a little more elegant, as you may be invited to a wedding or party.
Otherwise, you can buy a nice Indonesian outfit on the spot(kebaya for women, batik shirt for men).
Last but not least, rubber sandals may be useful, as coral is present in most swimming areas. Coral is sharp and wounds quickly become infected in these latitudes. A pair of walking shoes will come in very handy if you're planning a trek. A jacket or waterproof poncho-type garment will be welcome in case of heavy showers.
On a motorcycle, beware : the sun burns the skin and the wind often seems icy cold.
