Indonesia, Dry Season
A curated packing list for your trip between Ubud rice terraces, Uluwatu sunset cliffs, and the temple-and-beach rhythm of southern Bali. Built for tropical heat, sudden mountain coolness, and the gentle ceremony of Balinese days.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa on Arrival, $35 USD, 30 days
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most other tourists buy a Visa on Arrival (eVoA) for IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD), valid 30 days and extendable once for another 30. Apply online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before flying or pay at the airport. Passport must be valid 6+ months. Onward or return ticket required, immigration may ask.
Cash for warungs and beaches, cards in resorts
Cards work at upscale hotels, restaurants, and many shops in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. Warungs (local restaurants), beach vendors, scooter rentals, and small shops are cash-only. Use BCA or Bank Mandiri ATMs (max IDR 1.25-3M per pull); always pick "IDR" not your home currency to avoid 3-8% conversion markup.
Tipping is appreciated, never required
IDR 5,000-20,000 ($0.30-$1.30 USD) is generous in casual spots. Round up taxi fares. Tip drivers and guides 10% of the day rate. Many upscale places add 10-21% (service + tax) automatically; check the bill before doubling up.
Tourist Levy: IDR 150,000 per visitor
Since 2024 every foreign tourist pays a one-time IDR 150,000 (~$10 USD) Bali Tourist Levy. Pay online at lovebali.baliprov.go.id before arrival or at the airport. Keep the QR receipt; you may be asked to show it at temple entries or hotel check-in.
Sarong and sash for every temple
Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih, every temple requires a sarong tied at the waist and a sash tied over it (men and women). Most temples rent or include them with entry. Buy your own at Ubud market for IDR 50,000-100,000 and carry it everywhere.
Type C and F plugs at 230V
European-standard outlets (same as France, Germany). 50Hz frequency. US/UK travelers need an adapter; check voltage on hair tools (most are not dual-voltage). Chargers and laptops typically handle 230V automatically.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Lightweight, modest layer for temples, beachwear ready. Linen and cotton beat synthetics in the humidity.
Shoes
Sandals do most of the work. Closed-toe for hikes; sturdy soles for waterfall trails.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies (apoteks) are everywhere. Pack travel sizes; restock at Pepito or Indomaret.
Health & Medications
Bali Belly is real. Bring more stomach meds than you think you need.
Documents & Money
eVoA + Tourist Levy + cash = the entry combo. Cards in cities, cash in villages.
Tech & Electronics
Type C/F plugs at 230V. EU travelers can skip the adapter; everyone else brings one.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel scooter taxis and bumpy back roads better than wheels.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long flights and long ferry rides. Plan for sleep and snacks.
Weather & Climate Gear
Sun protection is the priority. Surprise mountain cool catches travelers off guard.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Temples, ceremonies, and the famous Balinese hospitality each ask for respect.
Safety & Precautions
Bali is broadly safe; scooter snatch-and-grab and beach theft are the recurring issues.