General Bali information

Information from A to Z for your stay on Bali (as of January 2025 – all details subject to change).

Entering Indonesia

Visa: The visa can be applied and paid for online as an e-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival) at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. It costs IDR 500,000 (approx. EUR 32), payable by credit card. Requirements: a passport valid for at least 6 months (ideally beyond your departure) and a valid return ticket. The VOA (Visa on Arrival) can also be bought directly at Denpasar airport – usually with a longer wait.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, have at least 3 blank pages and be in good condition, without water stains or other damage. Please check current regulations with the Indonesian embassy and immigration authority – visa rules can change at any time.

Customs declaration: The required customs declaration can be completed online at ecd.beacukai.go.id from 3 days before arrival; at the airport you then simply scan the QR code. Each person completes their own declaration. The declaration is free of charge – beware of fake websites charging money for it. Important: enter your smartphone's IMEI number (found under Settings → About phone), otherwise Indonesian SIM cards will not work.

Health pass: Since August 2024 an online health declaration has been required for entry. The generated QR code is checked sporadically on arrival – save or print it to be safe.

Bali tourism levy: Since February 2024 a tourism tax of IDR 150,000 (approx. EUR 9) has been payable for entry to Bali – via the app or website lovebali.baliprov.go.id. If you have difficulties, you can also pay at the airport, in hotels or at various sights.

From A to Z

Airport tax – has been included in the ticket since May 2015 and no longer needs to be paid on departure.

Doctor – in an emergency, the hotel (reception) will call one. Many larger hotels have a clinic; for minor problems there are pharmacies (apotik). In an emergency, always inform your tour guide or partner agency as well.

Excursions with Bali VW Tour – can be booked locally with the tour guide during hotel office hours, by phone on +62 361 8956561, by WhatsApp on +62 81 246 21 8000 – or directly via our reservation form.

Swimming in the sea – On the beaches of Sanur, Nusa Dua, Candidasa and Lovina, swimming shoes are advisable because of sharp coral stones. Beyond the reef, swim or snorkel only with a boat escort. On supervised beaches, swim only between the yellow-red flags; red means "no swimming". Beware of underwater currents and locally high waves.

Shopping – Opening hours are not regulated, typically 9 am to 9 pm; many shops also open on Sundays and holidays. At small shops and beach vendors you can often bargain to less than half the price; boutiques and supermarkets have fixed prices. Bali is famous for paintings, woodcarvings, silver jewellery, textiles and leather goods. The duty-free allowance for souvenirs is EUR 200 in EU countries, CHF 120 in Switzerland.

Food and drink – The tourist areas offer a wide choice of local and international cuisine; restaurants are open until about 11 pm. Drinking water and ice cubes are made from purified water; bottled water is widely available. Tap water is fine for brushing your teeth.

Photography and filming – People are happy to be photographed in fine clothing. It is considered impolite to surprise people with snapshots – especially when bathing or at home. Restraint is also expected at ceremonies.

Changing money – best done at the hotel. Money changers often offer slightly better rates but usually charge a fee. Important: always count your money carefully! Cash in rupiah can be withdrawn at the numerous ATMs with all common credit and debit cards.

Credit cards – accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; a surcharge of 3–5 % is common.

Car hire – An international driving licence is required for cars, motorbikes and mopeds. Because of the heavy traffic and hard-to-fathom traffic rules, we strongly advise against driving yourself.

Post – can be handed in at the hotel. International mail is automatically sent by airmail and takes about a week to Europe.

Electricity – Indonesia generally uses 220 volts; European standard plugs fit, so no adapter is needed. In villages and smaller hotels the available power is limited; heavy rain can cause power cuts.

Taxis – There are plenty of metered taxis. For private transport, always agree the price before the journey.

Phone – Mobile phones work with all Indonesian providers that have roaming agreements. Dialling codes: Germany +49, Austria +43, Switzerland +41.

Time-sharing – Beware of agents who lure tourists with surveys and supposed prizes and sell overpriced holiday-apartment usage rights.

Tipping – is gladly accepted. As a guide: in restaurants approx. IDR 20,000–30,000; room service approx. IDR 20,000–40,000 per day; on excursions IDR 50,000–100,000 per guest per day each for guide and driver; porters approx. IDR 20,000 per piece of luggage. The 10 % service charge added by hotels is not a tip. Remember: in service jobs, tips are a substantial part of the salary.

Environment – Please help keep your holiday destination clean: take hazardous waste such as used batteries home with you, bring your rubbish from excursions back to the hotel (rural areas often have no waste collection) and use electricity and water sparingly. Thank you!

Time difference – Bali is 6 hours ahead of Central European Summer Time and 7 hours ahead in winter. At 12 noon CEST it is 6 pm on Bali.

Room use – On departure day the room is generally available until 12 noon; luggage can be stored at the hotel until your transfer.