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Bali, Indonesia Vacations 
Tips and What to Pack

Passport and Visas:

Indonesia has revoked visa-free travel for most foreign visitors. An easy to get visa on arrival costs US$35 for 30 days. Processing is relatively fast in Bali and those who cannot pay in US$ can change money on the spot at a money changer. If you do not have US currency it is recommended to get some prior to arriving in Bali to pay for your visa on arrival. Credit cards are not accepted.

The 30 day visa may be extended for a further 30 days by paying an additional US$35. You will have to leave Indonesia and return if you wish to stay longer than 60 days.

Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets).

Local Currency:

Bali, being part of Indonesia, uses the Indonesian currency, the Rupiah (abbreviated, Rp.) as its monetary unit.
Rupiah bills are issued in denominations of Rp 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. Rupiah coins come in denominations of Rp 25, 50, 100, 500 and a new gold and silver Rp 1,000 coin.

Rupiahs are available through most banks in the United States and upon arrival in Bali. ATMs are available in Bali to withdraw rupiahs from your bank account but an international withdraw fee and transaction fees are charged on most ATM transactions.

An assortment of low denomination bills and coins are a must when exploring Bali, as cash is used for most transactions and businesses and cab drivers often expect the customer to provide exact change

Due to counterfeiting, Indonesian establishments that accept American money do not take bills that are worn, torn, defaced or issued prior to 2004, The US bills must be in mint condition.

Local Time:

Bali, Indonesia is in WITA - Central Indonesian Time and is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. 12 hours ahead of EST and 15 hours ahead of PST

Electric Plugs:

Bali’s electricity power supply operates at 220 volt, this is the same as Australia and many European countries. North America however, operates at 110-120 volt.

If you try to operate your 110 volt appliance on Bali’s 220v power chances are you will damage or burnout the appliance, not to mention the potential risk of causing a fire

Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same volts the socket is supplying. This is good enough for some cell phones but most cameras and hair devices need a voltage transformer or a convertor.

Weather:

Bali climate is very tropical with high temperatures throughout the year. The daytime temperature averages 85 degrees and the island receives a lot of sun. There are two distinctive seasons; dry season, from May till September, and wet seasons, from October till April. However, even during the middle of a wet monsoon, you can expect the sun to make an appearance during the afternoon.

Top 10 Souvenirs and Gifts to Buy In Bali, Indonesia
Ornamental masks
Silver jewelry
Handmade Puppets
Batik Sarongs
Batik Bags and scarves
Wood Carvings
Batik Paintings
Beaded Jewelry
Traditional hats
Shell Jewelry and gift items

Local Foods:

Real Balinese food is not readily available to tourists unless a Balinese family invites you to their home or to temple. Most restaurants do not serve authentic dishes due to the long preparation and it is best when served fresh. Balinese food is often very spicy.

Chicken is a popular dish used for Balinese ritual offerings. After being used for the offering, the chicken is cooked with chilies to be served as a dish.

Jajan Bantal is well-known all over Bali. The main ingredients of this snack are sticky rice, peas and fruits all wrapped in coconut leaf, tied with a rope and steamed.

Lawar is Balinese traditional food, well-known in all over Bali and available in many Balinese restaurants. Lawar is mixed vegetable with chopped meat, vegetable, spices, and coconut which tastes is sharpened with natural flavors.

For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here


D
on’t Leave Home without your Passport!