Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Indonesia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for IndonesiaEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 113
Currency
- Name
- Indonesian Rupiah
- Code
- IDR
- Symbol
- Rp
Notes have many zeros — double-check amounts when paying (100,000 Rp ≈ $6 USD)
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
WIB (UTC+7) west · WITA (UTC+8) central incl. Bali · WIT (UTC+9) east
Best Time to Visit
Bali dry season: April–October. Wet season (November–March): heavy afternoon rain but still warm. Avoid Nyepi (Balinese New Year) if you need to travel — the entire island shuts down
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Often automatically added to bills — check before adding more |
| Hotel staff | Rp 10,000–20,000 per bag or service | — |
| Tour guides / drivers | Rp 50,000–100,000 per day | — |
| Massage | Rp 20,000–50,000 | — |
Dress Code
- Temples in Bali: sarong and sash are mandatory — usually available to rent at the entrance
- Remove shoes before entering a temple
- Modest dress outside of beach and resort areas
- Swimwear stays at the beach or pool
Social Etiquette
- Bali is predominantly Hindu — respect temple ceremonies and rituals; don't walk over offerings (small leaf packets on the ground)
- Use the right hand for giving, receiving, and eating — left hand is considered unclean
- Don't touch anyone's head
- Smiling is universal in Indonesian culture — it de-escalates almost any situation
- Remove your shoes when invited into a home
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Drug offences carry the death penalty or life imprisonment — this is enforced seriously; no exceptions for tourists
- Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) has some of the strictest drug detection in the world
- Disrespecting Balinese Hindu culture or desecrating temples can result in deportation
- Drone use requires a permit
- Downloading pornography is illegal
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halo | hah-LOH |
| Thank you | Terima kasih | teh-REE-mah KAH-see |
| Please / Help | Tolong | toh-LONG |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Permisi / Maaf | pair-MEE-see / MAH-af |
| Thank you (Balinese) | Suksma | SOOK-smah |
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