Things to know before you travel to Bali

There are certain things that you need to know before traveling to Bali, especially if you are on a solo trip.

• Transportation
  If you are a solo traveler, I would suggest you rent a two-wheeler or install Go-jek or Grab.
  Things to know about transportation in Bali
  Throughout my travel, I used Go-jek for my travel and I would recommend the same.

Android

Click here to download go-jek on your android

Click here to download grab on your android

iPhone

Click here to download go-jek on your iPhone

Click here to download grab on your iPhone

• Sim Card 

  I would recommend you to get one from your stay. The one they sell at the airport costs more.

 

• Money exchange.
  
  Unless you are not buying any food from the flight, no need to exchange money. Money exchangers are the other kind frauds in Bali. And the exchange rates are too high. They charged me almost 25% of the amount.
  Just carry the cash for your taxi from the airport.
  There are ATM’s across the Bali. (not in outskirts though)
  Make sure your credit or debit card can be used International before travel.
  Withdraw money from ATMs, it won’t charge you much.
  Carry your MASTER or VISA card.
  My friend from China had to roam a lot to find an ATM that takes UNION PAY card. And no one accepts anything other than MASTER, VISA.
• Your plug point. 

  

  In Bali and Indonesia, you can expect the 2 pin socket and plug as used in the larger parts of Europe. Whether you are staying in a hotel or in a private villa you should be able to get an adapter if you ask for one. The pins are round, not flat or rectangular.
  Carry an extension cord, if you got phones, cameras, laptop etc. to charge.

• Carry light clothes.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• Carry an umbrella.
• You are not allowed to take water bottles inside the airport. When you return from Bali, during the baggage check, the guards will definitely ask you to dispose of your water.
• Canang sari

  

  It is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. You can find it all across Bali in front of your stay or restaurants or temples. Never step on it.

• Indonesian currency
  Bali currency system is bit crazy and confusing. As the value of Indonesian Rupiah is very less, they make themselves happy adding three zeroes at the end, that way they can handle great numbers daily.
  Instead of  .50 cents they use Rp 500,
  $2  –  Rp 2,000
  $10     Rp 10,000
  $100    Rp 100,000
  $1000    Rp 1000,000
  I wasn’t talking about the currency value, but the numbering system.
• Never drink water from the filter, probability that you fall sick in high.
• Most of the hotel will be charging Rp 20,000 or more for a bottle of water. Walk-in to your nearby Alfamart or Indomaret, there you can get 2L water bottle of Aqua (a brand used by the most) or VIT  for Rp 5,000.

  

• Never try street food though they look delicious unless you are on a long vacation.