TRAVEL TIPS
General things that you
should or shouldn't do...
√ 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 Sun Cream (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 'Immodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
• Have a great holiday!
× DON'T....
• Forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID), with you at all times and a copy of Bali Plus!
• 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. Airport Departure Tax is: International = Rp. 150,000,- ; Domestic = Rp. 35,000,-
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Bali Visa. Important change to Indonesia's Visa Policy for Tourists.
Please read carefully as there have been changes to Indonesia visa policy.
This affects all arrivals to Indonesia after February 1, 2004, are subject to new visa regulations.
Countries that do not require a Visa to enter Bali:
Brunei Darussalam,
Chile,
Hongkong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region,
Malaysia,
Morocco,
Peru,
Philippines,
Singapore,
Thailand,
Vietnam.
Countries that require and are eligible for Visa-On Arrivals
Cost for these visas are US$10 for a stay of up to 3 days, US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days:
Arab Emirates,
Argentina,
Australia,
Brazil,
Canada,
Denmark,
Finland,
France,
Germany,
Hungary,
Italy,
Japan,
New Zealand,
Norway,
Poland,
South Africa,
South Korea,
Switzerland,
Taiwan,
United Kingdom,
United States America.
It is important to also note the following:
• The Visa on Arrival is non-extendable and cannot be converted into a different visa.
• The Visa purchasing system will take approximately 3-5 minutes per applicant.
• There are 6 payment counters, a bank and a money changer set up to process payments.
• Once you have paid for and received your visa you will need to proceed to Immigration where your visa will be processed.
Citizens of countries not on the visa on arrival or visa free lists will be required to apply for a visa before entering Indonesia.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Indonesia, and you must have proof of onward passage (either return or through tickets). If you cannot fulfill both of these requirements, you may not be allowed to enter the country
CURRENCY
The Rupiah Notes 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 Currency Converter.
BALI TIME
Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
ELECTRICITY
Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch.
We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.
GETTING AROUND
You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.
DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License or license from ASEAN countries.
CLOTHING
Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.
A Word of Advice
ATTENDING CEREMONIES
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:
- Always wear a sarong and sash.
- Do not walk in front of people praying.
- Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!
- Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
- 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.
DANGEROUS SPORTS
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.
DRIVING
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident.
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
- 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!!!
- When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
- 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 SEA
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.
IMMIGRATION
You must have a minimum of six months validity in you passport upon entry into Indonesia and have proof of onward destination.
CUSTOMS
Indonesian Customs allows on entry a maximum of ;
-
The following need to be declared when entering the country:
- Cars
- photographic equipment
- typewriters
- tape recorders
- Prohibited from entry are:
- TV sets
- radios
- narcotics
- arms and ammunition
- printed matter in Chinese characters
- Chinese medicines.
-
Also note:
All movie films and video cassettes must be censored by the Film Censor Board.
Fresh fruits, plants and animals must have quarantine permits.
There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies.
However, the export or import of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp.50,000 is prohibited.
DEPARTURE TAX
There's a departure tax on domestic (Rp. 35.000) and international (Rp. 150.000) flights. Only children under two years of age are exempt.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Make sue you have medical insurance before you leave your country. Medical bills can be quite costly and having medical insurance could save your life. Contract your travel agent to get information on recommended medical insurance plans. Don't forget, if you extend your travel in Bali , you should also extend your insurance cover.
HEALTH
-
Travellers should be aware that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood.
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Personal Security
You could be robbed at any time. Watch out for pickpockets and bag-snatchers, and always lock your hotel room and car.
-
Keep your valuables (passport, airline ticket, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash) in a safe deposit box at your hotel, or at a bank.
- Secure the key in your money belt; don't leave it in your hotel room when you go out.
-
Money belts are better than 'bum bags', which are an open invitation to pickpockets. Hide your money belt under your clothes.
- Carry your handbag on the side of the road furthest from the roadway.
- Keep copies of your travel documents and emergency contact details on your person.
-
An unattended car can be broken into within minutes. If you are touring in Indonesia, either carry everything with you when you leave the car, or find somewhere to stay first and secure items at the hotel before you go out.
-
If you really need to travel with all your valuables, secure items in various places rather than lose everything if one bag is stolen.
DRIVING
-
To drive legally in Indonesia you must have a current Indonesian or International Driver's License that is valid for the type of vehicle you are driving.
-
If you rent a vehicle and you don't have such a license, you will be driving illegally and your insurer may refuse any claim you make.
Insist on paying for comprehensive insurance when you rent a vehicle. Negotiations with vehicle owners and families of injured parties can take at least a week to resolve. If you have organized comprehensive insurance, the rental agency is responsible.
You wouldn't ride without a helmet in your own country; don't when overseas. Check your travel insurance does it cover motorcycle riding?
Most companies that rent motorcycles only provide flimsy helmets. Bring a proper helmet with you or only rent from a company that supplies them.
Wear protective clothing (not shorts and thongs).
N.B. When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received.
Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple.
Thank you for respecting these suggestions. |