General Info about Bali, Indonesia

Visa Requirements
Entry on arrival visas are available to residents of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and various European countries on arrival in Ngurah Rai International Airport. If your stay is longer than 30 days, you must get a visa before arriving in Indonesia.


Currency
The rupiah (Rp) is the currency used here. Notes are available in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. Coins come in amounts of 25, 50, 100 and 500.


Language
Balinese and Indonesian are the main languages spoken on the island. English is also widely spoken.


Climate
Bali has a tropical climate, so it sees a lot of hot and humid weather. Temperatures usually average out at 30˚C throughout the year. The wet season is from November to March, however, it does rain throughout the year from time to time.


Medical Care
Visitors from EU countries are entitled to reduced rate or free medical treatment under the EU Reciprocal Medical Treatment agreement. Before you travel you should collect a form, E111, from your local social security office. Check with your doctor about any vaccinations you should get at least 6 weeks before you travel.


Time Zone
Bali is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and is located in a time zone known in Indonesia as WITA.


Opening Hours
Most of Bali’s stores and businesses operate from 6am to around 6pm, or the daylight hours.


Tourist Offices
Bali’s Department of Tourism operates the main tourist offices on the island. These are located in Ngurah Rai International Airport, Ubud, Singaraja, Kuba and Denpasar. Another place to check out for great information is the Badung Government Tourist Office in Kuta.


Currency Exchange
Try the state sponsored Wartel Telecommunications Service Office for the best exchange rates. Many of the major hotels will also change currencies, but tend to charge higher commission rates. Cash is also available in local currency from the ATMs located all over the island.


Electricity
The electrical current is 220V 50 Hz and two-pin plugs are in use.


Telephones
The international code for Indonesia is +62. The area code for Bali is 0361. If you're calling from outside Indonesia, dial the international code of the country you’re in, drop the first 0 for Bali and dial the number.

If you’re dialling overseas from within Bali, dial 00 (international access code), the country code, then area code and the local number.

Hotel phone charges can be quite steep but a good alternative is the Wartel network of pay phones.


Post Office
The main post office on the island is in Denpasar at Jalan Raya Puputan Renon. Your hotel should also be able to mail items for you.


Tipping
Tipping isn’t required here as service is generally included in your bill.


Public Holidays
It is worth noting what the public holidays are before you travel to a country as the majority of businesses, banks and shops usually shut for the day. In Bali they take place on January 1st, 2nd and 26th, March 9th & 26th, Good Friday, May 9th and 21st, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st and 23rd, November 27th, and December 18th, 25th and 26th.