Discover Bali

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Approximate Exchange Rate: $1 USD ≈ IDR 15,500 (rates fluctuate)

Daily Budget Expectations:

Budget Traveler (IDR 400,000-700,000 / $25-45 USD per day):

• •Guesthouse or hostel: IDR 150,000-300,000 ($10-20)
• •Local warung meals: IDR 100,000-200,000 ($6-13)
• •Scooter rental: IDR 70,000 ($4.50)
• •Free temples and beaches, some entrance fees
• •Local transport and activities

Mid-Range Traveler (IDR 1,200,000-2,500,000 / $75-160 USD per day):

• •Boutique hotel or villa: IDR 600,000-1,200,000 ($40-75)
• •Mix of restaurants and cafes: IDR 300,000-500,000 ($20-32)
• •Private driver or scooter: IDR 150,000-200,000 ($10-13)
• •Paid attractions, yoga classes, massages
• •Organized tours and experiences

Luxury Traveler (IDR 4,500,000+ / $300+ USD per day):

• •5-star resort or private villa: IDR 3,000,000+ ($200+)
• •Fine dining and beach clubs: IDR 800,000+ ($50+)
• •Private driver and premium experiences
• •Spa treatments, helicopter tours, exclusive activities

Money Tips:

• •ATMs widely available in tourist areas; withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees (IDR 50,000 fee typical)
• •Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants but cash essential for local businesses
• •Always carry smaller bills (IDR 50,000 and 100,000 notes) as change can be limited
• •Exchange rates better at money changers than hotels (use authorized changers, count carefully)
• •Bargaining expected at markets (aim for 50-70% of initial price)
• •Tipping not mandatory but appreciated: 10% at restaurants, IDR 20,000-50,000 for drivers/guides

Official Language: Bahasa Indonesia (national) and Balinese (local)

English Proficiency: Good in tourist areas (Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu), limited in rural villages

Essential Indonesian Phrases:

• •Hello: Halo (hah-loh) or Selamat pagi/siang/malam (good morning/afternoon/evening)
• •Thank you: Terima kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-see)
• •You're welcome: Sama-sama (sah-mah sah-mah)
• •Please: Tolong (toh-long)
• •Excuse me: Permisi (pehr-mee-see)
• •Yes/No: Ya (yah) / Tidak (tee-dak)
• •How much?: Berapa harga? (beh-rah-pah har-gah)
• •Delicious: Enak (eh-nahk)
• •I don't understand: Saya tidak mengerti (sah-yah tee-dak meng-er-tee)

Essential Balinese Phrases (appreciated by locals):

• •Hello/Goodbye: Om swastiastu (ohm swas-tee-as-too) - traditional greeting
• •Thank you: Suksma (sook-smah)

Communication Tips:

• •Download Google Translate with offline Indonesian
• •Most menus in tourist areas have English or pictures
• •Balinese people are patient and friendly with language barriers
• •Learn basic numbers for bargaining and prices
• •WhatsApp is primary communication tool; get local SIM card with data

Getting to Bali:

By Air:

• •Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Located in southern Bali between Kuta and Jimbaran
• •International hub with connections throughout Asia, Australia, and Middle East
• •Airport taxis: Fixed-price counter (IDR 150,000-300,000 / $10-20 depending on destination)
• •Grab (Southeast Asian Uber): IDR 80,000-200,000 ($5-13), order from departure level
• •Pre-booked hotel transfers: IDR 200,000-400,000 ($13-26)

Getting Around Bali:

Scooter/Motorbike (Most popular and flexible):

• •Daily rental: IDR 70,000-100,000 ($4.50-6.50)
• •International driving license required (though rarely checked)
• •Helmet mandatory, police checkpoints common (have license and registration)
• •Traffic chaotic but manageable once adjusted; left-side driving
• •Petrol stations everywhere: IDR 10,000 ($0.65) per liter
• •Pros: Freedom to explore, stop anywhere, cheapest option
• •Cons: Dangerous in heavy rain, steep learning curve, risk of accidents

Private Driver:

• •Full day (10 hours): IDR 600,000-800,000 ($40-50)
• •Half day (5-6 hours): IDR 400,000-500,000 ($25-32)
• •Airport transfers: IDR 150,000-250,000 ($10-16)
• •Negotiate price beforehand, driver waits while you explore
• •Great for temple tours, day trips, shopping with multiple stops
• •Book through hotel or trusted apps like Klook

Grab/Gojek (Ride-hailing apps):

• •Available in South Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud)
• •Short trips: IDR 20,000-50,000 ($1.30-3.20)
• •Limited in some areas due to taxi mafia; pickup at quiet spots
• •GoCar (car service) and GoRide (motorbike) options

Bemo & Public Transport:

• •Traditional minibuses, very cheap (IDR 5,000-20,000)
• •No fixed schedule or routes clear to tourists
• •Uncomfortable for long distances but authentic experience

Shuttle Buses:

• •Perama and other companies connect tourist areas
• •Ubud to Seminyak: IDR 80,000-125,000 ($5-8)
• •Book through accommodation or online

Important: Traffic in South Bali (Seminyak-Canggu-Ubud route) extremely congested during peak hours. Factor extra time for journeys.

## Top Attractions & Experiences