What to Know Before Traveling to Bali

For my own trip, I chose to buy my Visa on Arrival after landing in Bali, and the process was much quicker than I expected. Even though I arrived during the early hours of the morning, I was through the visa counter in just a few minutes.

If you'd rather have everything sorted before you fly, you can also apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) through Indonesia's official immigration website. Both options are valid, so it really comes down to your personal preference.

👉 Apply for an official Indonesian e-VOA here.

I used Airalo throughout my trip, and it worked really well. I had reliable coverage across Bali and never experienced any connection issues, making it easy to navigate, book transport and stay connected wherever I went. I'd recommend installing your eSIM before your flight so it's ready to activate as soon as you arrive in Bali.

👉 Check Airalo's latest eSIM plans here.

I'd recommend arriving with a small amount of cash, but don't worry about carrying too much. During my trip, I was able to pay by card at every cafe I visited, which meant I didn't need to rely heavily on cash.

One thing I always do is keep an eye on how much cash I have left toward the end of my trip. If I still have a fair amount a couple of days before flying home, I'll start using cash instead of my card so I don't end up bringing too much foreign currency back with me.

Bali is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for. The dry season generally runs from April to October, while November to March tends to be wetter and more humid.

I spent almost two months traveling around Bali, and I found that the weather could change quite quickly depending on where I was on the island. Even during the wetter months, you can still have plenty of sunny days, but it’s worth being prepared for occasional heavy rain.

If you want the best chance of dry weather and plenty of sunshine, I’d generally aim for the dry season, particularly around May, June, September, or October. July and August are also popular, but they tend to be busier and more expensive.

If you’re more flexible with your dates, traveling during the shoulder seasons can be a great way to enjoy Bali with fewer crowds while still having a good chance of pleasant weather.

One of the things that surprised me most about Bali is just how different each area feels. Ubud is ideal if you want jungle, wellness, cafés, and a more peaceful atmosphere, while Canggu is a better choice if you’re looking for beaches, surfing, cafés, and nightlife. For a quieter mountain escape, Munduk feels completely different again, while Nusa Dua is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing beachfront resort.

I wouldn’t choose where to stay based purely on the hotel. The area you choose can completely change your experience of Bali, especially if you plan to explore different parts of the island.

I’ve put together a more detailed guide covering the best areas to stay in Bali, including the hotels I’d personally recommend across different budgets.

👉 Read my complete guide to where to stay in Bali here.

I'd highly recommend getting travel insurance before traveling to Bali. Hopefully, you won't need it, but it's one of those things you'll be glad to have if something unexpected happens, whether it's a medical emergency, lost luggage, or a canceled flight.

Getting around Bali is fairly easy, and there are several ways to explore the island depending on your travel style and budget.

🚗 Private Driver

For longer day trips, hiring a private driver is by far my favorite option. It's surprisingly affordable, you don't have to worry about navigation or parking, and you can easily stop whenever you spot somewhere interesting along the way.

🚗 Book your private driver in Bali here.

🚕 Grab & GoJek

For shorter journeys, Grab and GoJek are the apps you'll probably use the most. They're affordable, easy to use and available in most tourist areas, making them perfect for getting between cafes, restaurants and attractions.

🛵 Scooter

Scooters are the most popular way to get around Bali, but I wouldn't recommend renting one unless you're already an experienced rider. Traffic can be much busier than it appears online, especially around Ubud and Canggu.

🚙 Renting a Car

If you'd rather explore at your own pace, renting a car is another great option. Just keep in mind that roads can be narrow, traffic is often unpredictable and driving in Bali can feel very different from driving at home.

As a pharmacist, I always travel with a small pharmacy kit. Fortunately, I rarely need any of it, but there are a few essentials I never leave home without.

For Bali, I packed pain relief medication, probiotics, electrolytes, and mosquito repellent. I also ended up buying activated charcoal tablets from a local pharmacy after developing Bali Belly, and they were what helped me recover.

Tap water in Bali isn't considered safe to drink, so it's best to stick to bottled water throughout your trip. I'd also recommend using bottled water when brushing your teeth, just to help reduce the risk of stomach issues.

If you'd like to read more about my experience with Bali Belly, what helped me recover, and a few simple ways to reduce your risk, you can read my full guide here.