Travel Information
Welcome to Bali! For many of our guests, this may be your first time visiting this beautiful island, and we want to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're here just for our wedding or planning to extend your stay into a holiday, we've compiled some essential tips to help you navigate Bali with ease. From cultural norms and local customs to must-see attractions and practical travel advice, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this incredible destination.
Passport & Visa
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Australians can get a visa on arrival in Bali for up to 30 days.
Ideally get your visa online 10 days prior, you will need to photocopy your passport and have accomodation and flights booked.
Please click HERE to be directed to the visa website
Health & Safety
Water: Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues, avoid consuming water from the tap when brushing teeth and showering
Food Hygiene: Avoid salad and anything not cooked, avoid local iced coffee or anything with homemade ice cubes (if unsure can ask staff at restaurants)
Health Insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies, including medical evacuation if necessary.
Avoid Mopeds/Motorcycles: The easiest and most common method of transportation around Bali is a moped, motorcycle or scooter. A lot of hotels subsequently offer rentals to their guests. Despite this, you are actually required to have a bike licence to ride them and they aren't the safest method of transportation - consider hiring a private driver or booking a taxi through hotel reception. If you need any assistance or have queries about a private driver, don't hesitate to contact us!
Avoid the taxi mafia: You will be asked if you want a taxi A LOT by people on the street, particularly when you arrive at the airport. A very common scam is to overcharge tourists in areas where they are not able to call taxis or gojeks. The only safe taxi service is bluebird taxi, and you can always ask hotel reception to call you a taxi to avoid any scams.
When you arrive at the airport, there are gojek and grab lounges (green kiosks) out the front of the terminal (before the carpark). You can go into these kiosks and ask them to call you car to get to your destination. Do not accept an unplanned ride from anyone who isn't a staff member of gojek or grab at the airport, and just ignore those who try to offer you one.
Local Laws & Customs
Respect for Culture: Bali is predominately Hindu, so dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Most sites will have sarongs for rent out the front for $2 - $5 for appropriate coverage.
Drug Laws: Indonesia has strict penalties for drug offenses.
Money
Currency: The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange currency at official money changers or banks to avoid scams. Exchanging in Australia before you enter Bali makes this A LOT easier.
Credit Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's always good to have some cash on hand. Majority of transactions are done in cash, and you can be confident you are not paying any international transaction fees.
Transportation
Gojek & Grab: The Indonesian equivalent to Uber is either Gojek or Grab, which you can link to your card or pay the driver cash. This is a safe method of transportation, but wait times can vary depending on where you are requesting the ride.
Taxis: Use Bluebird or other reputable taxi services to avoid scams.
Some areas are gojek and grab black zones, you will have to use a pre-booked taxis or use the local taxis. Negotiate fares before starting your journey if using these services and beware of scams.
Avoid Mopeds/Motorcycles: The easiest and most common method of transportation around Bali is a moped, motorcycle or scooter. A lot of hotels subsequently offer rentals to their guests. Despite this, you are actually required to have a bike licence to ride them and they aren't the safest method of transportation - consider hiring a private driver or booking a taxi through hotel reception. If you need any assistance or have queries about a private driver, don't hesitate to contact us!
Accomodation
Book in Advance: Our wedding falls within the peak season for travel (June-August) so book accomodation well in advance
Weather & Packing
Climate: Bali has a tropical climate, so pack light clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Communication
SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card for your phone to stay connected. Telkomsel and XL are reliable providers. These are available shortly after you get your bags through customs before you reach the taxi area - or you can get eSIM's in advance online.
Avoiding Bali Belly
Drink Bottled or Filtered Water: Avoid tap water, including ice cubes. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Be Cautious with Street Food: Choose food vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices. Avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Wash Your Hands Frequently:
Use soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
Eat at Reputable Establishments:
Dine at restaurants known for their cleanliness and food safety standards.
Peel Fruits and Vegetables:
Opt for fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas and oranges.
Avoid Raw or Undercooked Foods:
Steer clear of raw meats, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products. Ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of safe fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid drinks with ice unless you're certain it's made from filtered water.
Take Probiotics:
Consider taking probiotics before and during your trip to help maintain a healthy gut.
Flights
Book flights ideally 6 months in advance to secure your ideal flight date as it peak season.
Please note, Jetstar and Virgin are the only two Australian Airlines that fly to Denpasar, Bali.
A Thank you to our Guests
We are incredibly grateful for the time, patience, and money you are investing to join us on our special day in Bali. We understand that attending our wedding requires significant effort, and we want you to know how much we appreciate your commitment.
Your presence means the world to us, and we truly value each and every one of you. If you need any assistance with planning, finances, or anything else to ensure you can be with us, please don't hesitate to reach out to either myself or James. We are here to help in any way we can to make sure you can share in our celebration.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making the journey to be with us. We can't wait to create unforgettable memories together.
With love and gratitude,
Amanda and James
xo