For those who plan to visit Bali, I have Ten Essential Tips for your Bali Vacation as the following:
1. Passports: To enter Bali, or Indonesia for that matter, make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months upon entry into Indonesia, otherwise you’ll find yourself on the next plane out. You must also have proof of a return ticket or one paid showing you are leaving the islands on a certain date to elsewhere. Tourist, social and business visas can be obtained from any Indonesian embassy or consulate abroad. Citizens from Asian countries comprising Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippine and Laos do not require a visa, only a valid travel document. Visitors from some thirty countries are also provided with a 60-days tourist visa issued directly upon arrival. Make sure you remember to Consult your travel agent or airlines and mention your nationality.
2. Money matters: The rupiah is the basic unit of money. Foreign currency, in bank notes and traveller’s checks is best exchanged at major banks or authorized moneychangers. As you are at the airport getting ready to fly to Bali you can get your money exchanged at the airport. Once in Bali do change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotel’s calculator before changing), as the ones used by some places can be “a little inaccurate”. Most important; always count your money before you leave the place of exchange. Traveller’s checks are accepted at all major hotels and large shops; some smaller shops will also accept them. Passport number is required. Do not forget to take passport (and a photocopy of your ID), with you at all time.
3. If having to changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of obvious fake bills in circulation.
4. There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after one has cashed money at banks or moneychangers which happens all over the world not just here. Put your money away in your “bum-bag” or hold onto your handbag tightly.
5. Credit cards and charge cards: Today many hotels, shops large and small accept plastic, with the provision that an additional 3% is added onto your bill. However, when Traveling to the village, take rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when riding in public transports or buying drinks at warung as these places does not accept plastic at most places.
6. Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover in any accidents. If you rent a car it must be rented with insurance, beware of motorbikes, as there are too many on the road at the best of times. When you park your car, always remember to remove all your property from it. Crime is on the increase and can spoil your holiday. Be careful with your belongings at all times is a good rule to remember when ever you travel. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe (carry photocopies). Do not forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop but then again motorbikes may not!
7. Going to Bali you should dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is warm through to hot throughout the year. Remember Bali is a land where prayer and religious festivals take centre stage. Remember when visiting a temple or attending ceremonies, make it a point to respect local customs and traditions. If you can, wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front of people praying. Do not use a flash camera or point your camera to the priest’s face. Do try not to step on offerings in the street it is easy enough to walk around them. Women are not allowed to enter temples during the menstruation.
8. Do not carry drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Government prison service.
9. Warning: Do not swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents/undertows can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags. Don’t swim too far out. Also do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
10. Health: Make sure before you travel you have any inoculations you may need. International health certificates of vaccination against smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever are required only from travellers comprising from infected areas. Typhoid and paratyphoid vaccinations are optional but still advisable. Drink only distilled or mineral water, or water that has been boiled and eat a lot of fresh fruit – do your body a favour or you can get sick very quickly, Don’t worry too much about ice, it’s a government quality controlled product in established bars and restaurants. Most people travelling through Bali get the infamous "Bali Belly" at some time or other. Taking Imodium will fix most the symptoms. At the first signs of discomfort (diarrhoea and cramping), drink strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy foods. Taking charcoal tablets will help alleviate the cramping.
Bali is worth a visit, plan your vacation, go on line and book your preferred Bali hotels or contact your travel agent.
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