Necessities Guide
Currency & Money Changer
The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. Currently, 1 USD is equivalent to about 13,400 Rupiah. There are plenty of exchange facilities all over Bali's main tourist areas with majority accepting most currencies.
You will be able to exchange money at the airport, ATM or money changers which are open for visitors arriving on late flights. Outside the airport, only exchange money at reputed money changers or at the banks after checking the up-to-date exchange rates.
Electricity and Voltage
The electrical system in Bali uses 220V/50Hz. As such, you will need a two pin adaptor to use your appliances in Bali. We suggest bringing along a universal adaptor for your various appliances.
Connectivity
Bali is well-connected to a wide-ranging Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network. You can buy a prepaid card immediately upon entering the country; kiosks at the arrival area of most Indonesian airports sell most brands of GSM prepaid cards. And while there are quite a few local GSM providers in Indonesia, one recommended provider would be Telkomsel as it provides an ideal balance between competitive costs, good connection and widespread network.
Here are some important information with regards to the calling codes in Bali:
- Indonesian country code: 62, and Bali area code: 361
- Operator Assisted Calls: Within Indonesia: 100, International: 101
- Directory Information: Bali: 108, Indonesia: 106
Transport
It is not difficult to get around Bali with the different kinds of transportation available. Sea transportation also connects Bali to some of its sister islands. Trains are not available in Bali.
Taxi is the most efficient and convenient form of transportation on the island. Either chartered or metered, they are everywhere and are reasonably priced as compared to taxi services in other countries.
Should you wish to take a half or full day trip around Bali, an alternative to getting around in a taxi is having a personal hired vehicle. Prices will vary depending on the type of vehicle hired.
Alternatively, you can also hire a tour guide who speaks a language that you are comfortable with. The other possibility is to rent a self-drive car though an international driving license from your own country would be required.
In Bali, motorcycles can be rented on a daily basis. Weekly rates are probably less and insurance is usually covered in the rate. An international driving license from your own country would be required for motorbike rental, but in some cases you can get a temporary permit at a local police office. A safety helmet is compulsory when riding a motorbike.
Also, you can choose to hire a motorbike with its rider, also called Ojek. You may pay him for one single trip or you may hire him for the day, or by the hour. Ojeks can be found in cities and their suburbs, at intersections or at the mouths of certain side roads. Ojeks usually come in handy to go to places where roads are either too narrow or bumpy for four-wheel vehicles.
Bicycles are rented in Bali on a daily basis. There is no insurance for the bike or rider, so make sure to ride carefully by keeping left most of the time. A ride to the countryside to see the pleasant and paddy fields is certainly recommended.
- All rates & charges information are correct at the time of publishing, March 2016-
Necessities Guide
|
Top Attractions
|
Top Foods
|
|---|