Travel Tips

Preparing in advance is the key to a smooth trip to Indonesia, especially when visiting Bali, Flores, and Lombok. We highly recommend researching local customs, currency, and travel regulations before you arrive. Here are our top essential travel tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable journey.

🛂 Entry & Visa Requirements – Travel tips.

  • Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available for over 90 nationalities at major airports and seaports. It costs IDR 500,000 (~$33 USD), is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once.
  • e-CD (Customs Declaration): Fill out the official electronic customs form online up to 3 days before arrival to get a QR code for fast scanning at the airport.
  • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

💳 Money & Payments

  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
  • Cash is King: While hotels and high-end restaurants accept credit cards, cash is necessary for local markets, street food, small warungs (local cafes), and rural areas.
  • ATMs: Use ATMs located inside physical bank branches (like Mandiri, BCA, or BNI) to minimize the risk of card skimming. Always notify your bank of your travel dates.

🕌 Cultural Etiquette – Travel tips.

  • Dress Modestly: When visiting religious landmarks, temples, or mosques, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Always carry a light sarong or scarf in your bag.
  • The Right Hand Rule: Always use your right hand to give or receive items, shake hands, or eat. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
  • Sacred Offerings: Watch your step on sidewalks, especially in Bali, to avoid stepping on Canang Sari (small palm-leaf baskets filled with flowers and offerings).

🏥 Health & Safety

  • Avoid Tap Water: Never drink tap water. Use bottled, filtered, or boiled water even when brushing your teeth. Watch out for ice cubes in very rural or low-end establishments.
  • Bali Belly Protection: Pack stomach-relief medications (like activated charcoal, Imodium, or rehydration salts) to combat traveler’s diarrhea.
  • Mosquito Defense: Dengue fever is present in tropical environments. Apply a high-quality insect repellent containing DEET frequently, especially at dawn and dusk.

🚗 Transportation & Connectivity

  • Ride-Hailing Apps: Download Grab or Gojek. They are incredibly affordable, safe, and transparent for booking both cars and motorbike taxis.
  • Taxis: If you hail a physical street taxi, always choose the reputable, metered Blue Bird Group taxis to avoid getting overcharged.
  • SIM Cards: Buy an eSIM online before arriving or purchase a physical tourist SIM card from local providers like Telkomsel at the airport to maintain reliable mobile data.