Bali Travel Guide 2026: Entry, Currency, Dress Code, and Tipping

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Bali, Indonesia

Bali Travel Prep: The Ultimate Guide

Entry / Currency Exchange / What to Wear / Tipping Culture

Making your travels smooth, this is Travel Lubricant.

When you're planning your Bali trip, from entry documents,

to currency exchange, what to wear, and tipping culture,

many of you might have felt overwhelmed, wondering where to even start, right?

Today, I'll organize everything for you in one go.

① Bali Entry Prep at a Glance

There are three things you need for entry to Bali.

✔ Visa (VOA or E-VOA)

✔ All Indonesia Arrival Card

✔ Bali Tourist Levy

These three things need to be prepared separately.

Since you need to apply for each of the three separately,

you can find detailed application instructions in the post below.

[Indonesia/Bali] Entry Checklist: E-VOA · All Indonesia Organized in One Placeblog.naver.com

🔺 [Bali Pre-Entry Checklist]

✔ Family Travel Tip:

If your party includes children aged 6 or under, even with an E-VOA,

you cannot use the auto-gates.

Instead, there's a dedicated lane for children and the elderly,

which actually made immigration much faster than expected.

② Bali Weather & Wet/Dry Seasons

Bali is warm all year round, but

the perceived difference between the wet and dry seasons is quite significant.

There's no need to be too afraid of the wet season.

This is because downpours usually stop within 30 minutes to an hour,

so they don't really affect your travel plans much.

During the dry season, it can actually feel cooler than a Korean summer due to the breeze.

There were days when it felt quite refreshing.

However, after sunset, it gets surprisingly chilly,

so you'll need something light to wear for evening outings.

✔ UV radiation is strong regardless of the season.

Make sure to bring sunscreen with SPF50+ or higher,

and reapply it frequently, or you'll get sunburned.

③ Bali What to Wear & Packing Tips

✔ Basic Clothing

Breathable linen clothing is the best.

Linen felt much more comfortable than cotton.

✔ Beachwear

Pack clothes with vibrant colors.

They really complement Bali's unique atmosphere and look great in photos.

✔ Footwear

Road conditions aren't always the best, so

comfortable sandals are a must.

It's best to avoid high-heeled shoes.

✔ Preparing for the Rainy Season

A thin, lightweight waterproof jacket is all you need.

I found a lightweight foldable umbrella or

a waterproof jacket much more convenient than a thick umbrella.

✔ Cardigan / Cover-up

Indoor air conditioning is super strong!

If you tend to get cold easily, make sure to pack one for

restaurants, shopping malls, and massage parlors.

✔ When Visiting Temples

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Wearing clothes that cover your knees, or a sarong, is mandatory.

You can also rent or purchase one at the temple entrance.

Save this and refer back to it when packing for Bali!

④ Bali Currency Exchange Guide

The cost of living in Bali varies greatly

depending on where you spend your money.

Local restaurants are genuinely affordable,

but fancy restaurants can be similar to

or even more expensive than in Korea.

✔ Cash guideline: Approximately ~$51 per person per day

If you plan to use cards for accommodations and larger restaurants,

and only cash for local spots,

this amount should be sufficient.

Situations Where Cash is Essential

✔ Local massage parlors

✔ Taxis hailed on the spot

✔ Small local cafes and restaurants

✔ Traditional markets and street stalls

Most restaurants in popular tourist areas like Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta

accept card payments. However, some places might charge a card fee,

so it's a good idea to ask before paying.

Airport exchange offices usually offer unfavorable rates.

Use the fee-free ATMs we introduced last time.

[Indonesia/Bali] ATM Withdrawal Guide: Travel Card Exchange Fee-Free BNI Usage Comprehensive Guideblog.naver.com

🔺 [Bali Fee-Free ATM Locations/Usage Guide]

⑤ Tipping Culture & Local Etiquette

Tipping Culture

It's not mandatory. If you're pleased with the service,

10,000~20,000 Rupiah is usually sufficient.

You can subtly offer it at massage parlors or restaurants with excellent service.

Atmosphere

Bali values a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

It's best to avoid loud conversations in public places.

Temple Visits

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Always wear clothes that cover your knees or a sarong.

Sarongs can also be rented at the temple entrance.

Hindu Cultural Events (e.g., Odalan)

Restaurants and shops may be closed,

and areas around temples might be restricted.

It's a good idea to check the schedule before your visit.

There are usually about two major events annually.

⑥ Bali Belly & Water Precautions

One thing you might hear about in Bali is

'Bali Belly.'

It's an upset stomach caused by the water,

and I've heard it can be quite troublesome if you get it.

✔ Never drink tap water.

✔ If you have a sensitive stomach, it's safer to brush your teeth with bottled water.

✔ Only drink bottled water that you've purchased yourself from a convenience store.

✔ It's best to avoid street food and drinks if possible.

✔ Also, be cautious of ice from local shops.

It might be made from tap water.

However, you generally don't need to worry too much at

famous restaurants or resorts.

It's mostly

street food where extra caution is needed.

Entry documents, currency exchange, what to wear, tipping culture, and water precautions –

If you prepare just these five things in advance,

you'll likely avoid most surprises in Bali.

And remember, linen clothes and a cardigan are truly essential!

In the next post, I'll continue to introduce Bali's local activities and

recommended spots.

If you add me as a neighbor (or follow), you can check them out right away.

Have a safe and wonderful trip to Bali!

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'follow Travel Lubricant' !

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