25 tips for a safe and respectful trip to Bali

Bali is a friendly island and most trips go smoothly. These tips come from our drivers and office team, who help visitors every day.

Health

1. Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and scooter accidents (check the fine print).
2. Drink bottled or filtered water; don't drink tap water. Many hotels and cafés offer refills — carry a refillable bottle.
3. Avoid "Bali belly": wash hands often, choose busy food stalls with fresh cooking, and be careful with raw salads and ice from unknown sources in your first days.
4. Sun and heat: high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water. The equatorial sun burns fast, even on cloudy days.
5. Mosquitoes: use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk in the rainy season; dengue occurs in Bali.
6. Monkeys and dogs: don't feed or touch them. Bali has had rabies cases — if you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap for 15 minutes and see a doctor the same day.
7. Avoid unlabelled arak (local spirit) from unknown sources; methanol poisoning cases have happened.

On the road

1. Scooters: only ride with a valid licence for motorcycles (an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle category, or an Indonesian licence), a helmet, and real experience. Police checks are common, and insurance may not pay without a licence.
2. Traffic is slow: plan 1–1.5 hours from Kuta to Ubud, more at peak times.
3. Use reliable transport: ride-hailing apps, metered taxis, or a private driver with a fixed price. Our car with driver packages include petrol and a fixed rate.

In the ocean

1. Swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards are present.
2. Rip currents: if you're pulled out, don't fight it — swim parallel to the shore, then back in, or float and raise your arm.
3. Reef shoes protect you from coral and sea urchins.
4. Boats: choose licensed operators with life jackets for Nusa Penida and Gili trips; don't board overloaded boats in rough weather.

Money and scams

1. Money changers: use authorised ones (look for the Bank Indonesia licence sign, "PVA Berizin"), count the money yourself before you leave, and be wary of rates that look too good.
2. Prefer ATMs inside banks or malls; cover the keypad.
3. QRIS (scan-to-pay) is widely accepted; carry small notes for parking, donations and small warungs.
4. Agree on prices before services — massages, boat rides, parking "fees" — and get receipts.

Culture and etiquette

1. Temples: cover shoulders and knees and wear a sarong and sash. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples.
2. Never step on offerings, climb shrines or sacred trees, or pose disrespectfully at holy sites.
3. Use your right hand to give and receive; don't touch people's heads.
4. Ask before photographing people, especially during ceremonies.
5. Respect Nyepi (the Day of Silence) rules if you're in Bali that day.

Connectivity and emergencies

1. Get a local SIM or eSIM on arrival for maps and ride-hailing — see our tourist SIM options.
2. Save emergency numbers: 112 (general emergency), 110 (police), 118/119 (ambulance), 113 (fire). Keep your hotel address and passport copy on your phone.

When in doubt, ask

Our team is reachable 24/7 on WhatsApp, and our assistant Eka can answer travel questions instantly on any page of this website.