Bali Travel Tips for Indians: Airport, Currency, SIM, Safety and Etiquette

Bali is a welcoming and easy island to visit, and many Indian travellers feel at home with its Hindu temples, festivals and friendly people. A little preparation still helps, from changing money safely to getting a SIM card and dressing correctly for temples.

Here are our practical Bali travel tips for Indians, covering the airport, currency, connectivity, getting around, safety and etiquette.

• Passport: valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
• Visa: Visa on Arrival or e-VOA; see our Bali visa guide.
• Arrival card and levy: fill in the free All Indonesia arrival card within 3 days before arrival and pay the IDR 150,000 Bali tourist levy; see our arrival card and levy guide.
• Plug adapter: Indonesia uses European-style two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 230 volts.
• Time: Bali is 2.5 hours ahead of India.
• Travel insurance: strongly recommended, especially if you plan water sports, trekking or scooter rides.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, also called Denpasar airport, is in south Bali next to Kuta. After landing, you pass the Visa on Arrival counter (if you do not have an e-VOA), immigration, baggage claim and customs, where your arrival card QR code may be scanned. In the arrival hall you will find money changers, ATMs and SIM card counters. On our packages, your driver waits outside with a name board. Kuta is about 10 minutes away, Seminyak and Nusa Dua 20 to 30 minutes, and Ubud 1 to 1.5 hours.

The Bali currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Prices have many zeros, so take care when paying: IDR 100,000 is a common note. Check the current rupee–rupiah rate before you travel.

• Exchange: use authorised money changers with a licence sign, or bank counters. Avoid tiny booths offering rates that seem too good, and count your money before leaving the counter.
• ATMs: use machines attached to banks or in malls, and cover the keypad.
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, malls and most restaurants; a forex card saves on foreign transaction fees.
• Cash: needed for markets, warungs, small shops, temple donations and tips.

A Bali SIM card is easy to buy at the airport or in town from providers such as Telkomsel, XL and Indosat. Tourist packages include plenty of data, and you need your passport to register. An eSIM bought online before you travel is even simpler if your phone supports it. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés and restaurants. Keep international roaming on your Indian number for bank OTPs if needed.

• Private driver: the most comfortable way to explore. A Bali car rental with driver for a full day is good value, and our packages include private transfers and drivers for tours.
• Ride-hailing: Grab and Gojek work in most areas, though some villages and tourist spots restrict pickups.
• Taxis: use metered Blue Bird taxis.
• Scooters: popular, but roads are busy and accidents common. Ride only if you are experienced, wear a helmet and carry an international driving permit.

Traffic in south Bali and around Ubud can be slow at peak times; plan your stays by area. See where to stay in Bali.

Yes, Bali is generally safe for Indian tourists, including families and women travellers. Take normal precautions:

• Keep valuables in the hotel safe and watch bags in crowded areas.
• Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and follow the flags; rip currents can be strong.
• Stay behind barriers at clifftop viewpoints such as Kelingking and Uluwatu.
• Use licensed operators for water sports and adventure activities.
• Drink bottled water and be careful with ice and street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws; never carry anything for anyone.

• Temples: cover shoulders and knees and wear a sarong and sash, usually provided or rented at the entrance. See our temples guide.
• Offerings: small baskets of flowers (canang sari) are placed on the ground every day; step around them.
• Respect: use your right hand to give and receive, do not touch people's heads, and dress modestly away from the beach.
• Nyepi: on the Day of Silence, usually in March, everyone must stay in their hotel for 24 hours.
• Bargaining: expected in markets, with a smile.

Use sunscreen and mosquito repellent, stay hydrated, and carry basic medicines and oral rehydration salts. Pharmacies (apotek) are common, and international clinics serve the tourist areas. Wash your hands often to avoid the stomach upsets locally known as "Bali belly".

• Terima kasih: thank you.
• Selamat pagi: good morning.
• Berapa harganya? How much is it?
• Tidak, terima kasih: no, thank you.
• Di mana toilet? Where is the toilet?
• Om Swastiastu: the Balinese Hindu greeting, appreciated by locals.

Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent is kind. For drivers and guides on full-day tours, a small tip at the end of the day is customary if you were happy with the service, and spa therapists appreciate a small tip too.

Our Bali tour packages include private airport and inter-hotel transfers, hotels with breakfast and the main sightseeing with an English-speaking driver or guide, so you can skip most of the planning. We also remind you about the visa, arrival card and levy before you fly. See our Indian food in Bali and best time to visit Bali guides too.