Visa Requirements

 Entering Indonesia without a visa is possible now only for nationals of the following 11 countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Citizens of the above countries will be issued on arrival a stay permit for 30 days free of charge upon presentation of a passport which is valid at least for another 6 months. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa.

Visa on arrival is available for nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a visa on arrival valid for up to 30 days upon arrival by air.

Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia.

It is always wise to check with the Indonesian embassy in your home country for current visa.

 

  Useful Telephone Numbers

Long distance calls within Indonesia may be made by direct dialling through International Direct Dial (IDD) in major cities or through operator-assisted calls. Internet and fax services are readily available in major hotels and larger cities.

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: 118

Fire: 113

Police: 110

Search & Rescue: 51111

Red

   Medical

AEA International/International SOS (Clinic and Alarm Centre)

Email: sos.bali@internationalsos.com

Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X,

Kuta 80361

Clinic Tel: 720 100, 710 544

24 hour emergency number: 710505

 Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital): Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel: 227560

Kuta Clinic: Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel : 753268

Nusa Dua Clinic: Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel: 771324

Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel: 227911

 

                                                                               

   Language

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Bahasa simply means language. In the major cities and in hotels English is widely understood. A few Indonesian words are highly appreciated, but not really necessary. In the outer regions such as Nusa Tenggara, English is not spoken widely. In the main destinations many Balinese speak German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese

                                                                      

 

   Dos And Don'ts

Do drink bottled water.

Do put on loads of high factor waterproof sunscreen cream.

Do shake hands. Handshaking is customary, for both men and women. On introduction and greeting, smiling is a national characteristic.

Don’t drink from the tap, even in the most luxurious resort.

Don’t forget to take your passport or a photocopy of your ID with you at all times.

Don’t swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Do Swim between the red and yellow flags.

Don’t use your left hand to give or receive; it is considered ill-mannered.

Don’t point at anything with your foot as this is considered very rude.

Don’t touch people's heads - this is very offensive to Hindus.

Do obtain a copy of Bali Echo and the English-language daily, Jakarta Post. Both will give you an overall picture of current exhibitions, music, dances and films within Bali. Information can also be obtained through your hotel and notices outside establishments.

 

                                                                         

  Tipping

Major hotels and restaurants usually add 21% service charge and tax to bills. Where it is not included a tip of 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if the service is satisfactory. Airport porters expect Rp. 1.000 for a small bag and Rp. 2.000 for bags weighing more than 20 kg. Internet cafe and phone call cafe (wartel) Rp. 3.000 Tipping taxi and hire car drivers is not mandatory; if however the service was satisfactory a basic tip of 5% is sufficient for a taxi driver but hired car drivers normally expect a larger tip.

                                                                         

 

  Time zone

Indonesia stretches across three time zones: Western Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) + 7 GMT Central Indonesia (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sula wesi, Nusa Teng gara) + 8 GMT East Indonesia (Maluku and Irian Jaya) , +9 GMT.

                                                                         

  Office Hours

Banks Monday - Friday 8 am to 3 pm

Business Offices Monday - Friday 8 or 9 am to 4 or 5 pm Some offices are open half day on Saturday

Government Offices Monday – Thursday 8 am to 3 pm Friday 8 am to 11.30 am Saturday 8 am to 2 pm

 

                                                                                               

  Health

It is advisable when travelling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations or medications you may need for your trip. This applies even more so when travelling to tropical areas. If there’s a Tropical Diseases hospital nearby, contact it before departure for Indonesia. If not, then chat with your local doctor.

"Bali Belly" as it is known, is common to newcomers in Bali. It does not necessarily mean food poisoning. It could be that your body is not used to the foreign spices and bacteria. Bali Belly may be acquired by eating anywhere from small street stalls to exclusive five star resorts. The best way to keep your belly happy is to take a daily supplement of Acidophilus and add fresh ginger to your food or tea. Also, drink bottled water only.

Be sure to guard against sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Sunburn and dehydration can happen easily in Bali. Be sure to drink plenty of water and moderate your exposure to the sun.

                                                                      

Electricity

 Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles and two-pronged plugs. However it is not uncommon to find some hotels using 110 volts, particularly in the provinces. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request.

 

                                                                     

 

Dress Code

Dress is generally informal in Indonesia. Light fabrics are recommended due to the warm, humid climate. For men, a jacket and tie is considered appropriate when making official visits. The simplest is to follow local custom by wearing a long-sleeve batik shirt. Indonesians are accustomed to shaking hands upon meeting and greeting. It is recommended to bring a sweater or light jacket for travel to mountainous areas. Shorts and beachwear are not considered appropriate except at sports facilities and on the beaches and never appropriate for walking around town or visiting temples and other places of worship. Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

                                                                                                                    

Currency Exchange

Western currencies and traveller’s cheques are easily changed at banks and moneychangers. You can get a cash advance on credit cards as well.

Foreign currency, whether in banknotes or traveller's cheques, should be exchanged at major banks or authorised moneychangers. Exchange rates offered by the moneychangers are generally better than the banks; they also stay open longer and transactions are quicker. Look around for variable exchange rates advertised on boards along the footpaths or windows outside shops. Always ask about any commission imposed before the exchange as many moneychangers with better rates often charge a small commission.

  Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries.

WARNING - Driving in Bali without a licence can incur a fine of 2,000,000 rp. Seat Belts Seat belts are fitted to some vehicles, but there are no legal requirements to use them. If you intend to rent a motorcycle, helmets will be supplied by the hire company for the rider and passenger. It is a legal requirement to wear one and it has to be in good condition. Which Side of the Road Traffic drives on the left. Priority It is your responsibility as driver to avoid all other road users. Any vehicle has the right of way to pull out in front of you. Drivers in Bali rely on audible warnings, so use the horn regularly to let them know of your presence and in particular when overtaking. Likewise, other drivers will use their horns to let you know of their presence.

                                                                    

 

  Getting Around

You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.

 

                                                                 

  Passports and Visas

Bali Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.

Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia visa policy.
[ updated December 1st 2006 ]

Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali.

Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hongkong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region,
Malaysia
Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam

Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals - cost for these visas are US$10 for a stay of up to 7 days, US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days.
[ updated June 18th 2007 ]

Algeria
Arab Emirates
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
China
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Egypt
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Iran
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Panama
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tunisia
United Kingdom
United States America
 

It is important to also note the following:

• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.
• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.

Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.

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). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

Check out the nearest Indonesian Embassy click here
Indonesian Embassies with websites click here
Indonesian Consular offices worldwide click here

 

 

                                                                    

 

Animal Quarantine

Bali is free of rabbies. When planning to carry your pets with you, please prepare an official letter from your vetenarian stating that your pet is disease free. However this is also not a guarantee that your pet will not be quarantined. Please consult your nearest Indonesian consulate or embassy for details.

Culture and local customs Indonesian laws forbids visitors from bringing weapons, narcotics and pornography material into the country. Fresh fruits, plants, animals and exposed films and video might be checked. You may carry a maximum of two liters of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco, and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photograpgic equipment, typewriters and radios are granted admittance provided these will be taken out on departure. Visitors are encouraged to declare all the equipment and the amount of foreign currencies they carry by completing a declaration form upon arrival. This is usually handed over at the immigration counter. The limit of the foreign currencies you may import or export is US$5.000 and for Indonesian currencies is Rp. 50.000,- Export of national treasures is prohibited as well as tortoise shell, crocodile skin, and ivory products. To the Balinese, the world is their living room and its foreign visitors their guests. Decades of tourism have somewhat diminished this positive attitude, however people in Bali remain notably friendly and courteous. Balinese people also remain substantialy conservative, for tradition is the backbone of their highly civilized culture thereby please do your best to respect their traditions and attitudes. The Balinese are a very polite people and smiles are an island-wide characteristic. Shaking hands on introduction is common for both men and women. It is consider bad or taboo if you use the left hand to give or to receive something- as the left hand is used for hygienic purposes. Also pointing with your left hand is consider rude and the same case for crooking a finger when calling someone. A good principal when shopping is never to ask for the price if you do not intended to buy, and always bargain before payment.

Weights & Measures

Indonesia use the metric system of measurement. 1 kilometer is equal to 0.6214 miles; one meter is equal to 3.2808 feet; one kilogram is equal to 0.2642 U.S. gallons or 0.22 imperial gallons. To convert Celcius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 and add 32; to convert Fahrenheit to Celcius, substract 32 and multiply by .55.

 

What to bring

Do not carry too much luggage as you will be surprised to see if you soon become out of space of your luggage when you travel to Bali as so many beautiful, inexpensive things to buy. You might bring insect repellent, a flashlight if you plan to stay in the hotel near the village where the road to go to your hotel may be a bit dark, sunscreen, a supply of prescription medicines and an extra set of prescription glasses.