Bali Travel Tips

When packing to Bali, keep in mind that you will be in the topics, but that it can get cold in the mountains. Generally, you will want to dress light and wear natural fibers that absorb perspiration. Most tourists find a cotton batik shirt, more comfortable than what they brought along. A medium-weight sweater or wind breaker is a must, as is a sturdy pair of shoes. Suits and ties are almost never worn. Don't bring too much, as you will be tempted by the great variety of inexpensive and stylish clothes available here. If you visit a government office, men should wear long trousers, shoes and a shirt with collar. Women should wear a neat dress, covering knees and shoulders, and shoes. For those wanting to travel light, a sarong purchased upon arrival in Indonesia ($5-10) is one of the most versatile items you could hope for. It serves as a wrap to get to the bath, a beach towel, a waist sash which is required dress for Balinese temples, pajamas, bed sheet, fast drying towel, etc.

Bali Indonesian are renowned for their ability to sleep anytime, anywhere; so they are not likely to understand your desire for peace and quite at night. Sponge rubber earplugs are available from pharmacies, hardware departments or travel stores in the West. Many consider them the most important 4 grams they carry. Tiny padlocks for use on luggage zippers are a handy deterrent to pilfering hands. Some come with combination locks. Flashlights are essential for finding your way along Indonesia's poorly lit roadways and sidewalks; these can be easily purchased locally. Bring along some pre-packaged alcohol towelettes (swabs). These are handy for disinfecting your hand before eating, or after a trip to the kamar kecil (lavatory). Also available at local supermarkets.

Dental floss, tampons, and sanitary napkins are available in Western style grocery stores which are fast becoming common in Indonesian cities (such as a Matahari chain). Condoms are available at all apotik (pharmacies). Bring sunscreen and insect repellent; also available locally. Passport photos may come in handy for applications/permits (for parks) or even as gifts, but these can be had appreciably cheaper here. On your travels you will meet people who are kind and helpful, yet you may feel too embarrassed to give money. In this kind of situation a small gift is appropriate. Chocolates, biscuits, family photos, pens and pencils, notebooks and other stationery and T-shirt with foreign designs are all appreciated.

VISAS
Check your passport before leaving for Indonesia. You must have at least one empty page to be stamped upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after date of arrival. Upon landing, you will be given a white embarkation / disembarkation card to fill out. Keep this card carefully with your passport as you must present it when leaving the country and will be fined if it's lost. International passengers arriving at Bali's airport must pay for their visa-on-arrival before heading to immigration and being issued their visas. Payments can be made by credit card or cash (money changers are available).

Other Visas
A social visa, usually valid for 4-5 weeks, can be extended for up to 6 months, but it more difficult to get. You must have a good reason being in Indonesia (relatives, language or cultural study), and you must have a sponsor who will assume financial responsibility for you. The process can take several weeks, extensions are at the discretion of the immigration office where you apply, and you must acquire the visa at an Indonesian embassy overseas. A business visa requires a letter from a company stating that you are performing a needed service for a company in Indonesia. It is also valid for up to six months and you must leave the country every 6 months. This it not intended as an employment visa, but is for investors, consultants, or other business purposes. You are not permitted to earn money in Indonesia on a business visa. Two other types of passes are available: the temporary residence pass (KITAS) for research, formal study, or employment, and the permanent residence pass (KITAP). Both are difficult to get.

Bali Customs
Narcotics, firearms, pornography and ammunition are strictly prohibited. The standard duty-free allowance is: 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco. There is no restriction on import and export of foreign currencies in cash or travelers checks, but there is an import limit of 5 million Indonesian rupiah. All narcotics are illegal in Indonesia. The use, sale or purchase of narcotics results in long prison terms, huge fines and death, in some cases. One caught, you are immediately placed in detention until trial, and the sentences are stiff, as demonstrated by Westerners currently serving sentences in the Kerobokan jail for as long as 10 years for just possession of marijuana.

Passport Loss
If you lose your passport, it will be difficult to get new documents to leave the country unless you have the proper official forms from the police. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, visa and international driver's license separate from the originals. You can then prove your identity to your consul in Bali in case of theft or loss. When theft occurs, report to your consulate. Verification of your identity and citizenship takes two or three weeks and involves going to the immigration office in Denpasar Bali.