Bali Travel Tips

Before traveling to Bali, you will need to do some preparation and research. Our company provides you with information about Bali such as, tradition, culture, locating and getting directions to certain places, and many more things.  If you need any assistance, you can always contact Pambali directly.

There are some general things that you should or shouldn't do during your holiday in Bali so you will not be confused or surprised.

What you should Do...

• Change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
• Put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sunscreen (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
• Drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.
• Be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
• Try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
• Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!
• Haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods.)
• Buy 'Imodium AD' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
• Have a great holiday in Bali!

What you should not do...

• Forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID).
• Swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags
• Do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. Prison service!
• Touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
• Enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
• Forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot.
• Worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
• Forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!
• Forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying.

Currency
The Rupiah.
Notes 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000.
Coins 100, 200, 500, 1000.

Bali Time
The Country time in Bali time zone is GMT + 8 hours..

Getting Around
There are many ways of transportation in Bali. You can rent a motorbike, get on a tourism bus, or catch a taxi. Getting around is not a probably in Bali.

Driver's License
If you wish to rent a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from Asian countries.

Driving
In Bali, always expect the unexpected; always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with full insurance. This will save time and money if you are ever involved in an accident.

A WORD OF ADVICE!

Attending the ceremonial.
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:

1. Always wear a sarong and sash.
2. Do not walk in front of people praying.
3. Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!
4. Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
5. At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is! Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.

Money Changers
Be very careful when changing your money. Always check the rate of exchange and commission (if any) the money changer is taking. Most importantly, always count your money before you leave the premises and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some places can be "a little inaccurate".

Petty Crime (important!)

1. There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers! Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag tightly!!!
2. When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
3. When trying on garments do not take your jeweler off and leave it lying round - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.

Swimming in the ocean.
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and yellow flags, don't swim too far out! Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

NB: Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents

Thank you for respecting these suggestions.