Automatic Teller Machines are quite common, especially at shopping centers and bank branches. Most of them are connected to international banking networks, thus making it possible to look for machines that are affiliated with your own ATM network.

Most major banks have branches in the main tourist centres and provincial capitals. Banking hours are generally from 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and until 11 am on Saturdays.

Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted by most of the bigger businesses and at hotels. Many shops that accept credit cards add a 3%-5% service fee. Cash advances can be obtained in all major tourist resorts in Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur and Ubud. The amount signed for is in rupiah and the bill is then converted to your domestic currency.

The rupiah is the basic unit of money, normally abbreviated to Rp followed by the value. Denominations of Rp 50 and 100 are in the form of coins; Rp 100, 500 and 1,000 are in either coins or bills. Rp 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 are only available in bills. Values below Rp 50 are rarely seen except as change and are often substituted by sellers with sweets in lieu of change. In Bali, carry a handful of coins or Rp 100 notes and do not exchange large sums of money even if you plan to be there for a long time.

Western currencies and traveller’s cheques are easily changed at banks and moneychangers. You can get a cash advance on credit cards as well.


Foreign currency, whether in banknotes or traveller's cheques, should be exchanged at major banks or authorised moneychangers. Exchange rates offered by the moneychangers are generally better than the banks; they also stay open longer and transactions are quicker. Look around for variable exchange rates advertised on boards along the footpaths or windows outside shops. Always ask about any commission imposed before the exchange as many moneychangers with better rates often charge a small commission.

Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles and two-pronged plugs. However it is not uncommon to find some hotels using 110 volts, particularly in the provinces. Check before using an appliance. Some hotels supply adaptors on request.

It is advisable when travelling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations or medications you may need for your trip. This applies even more so when travelling to tropical areas. If there’s a Tropical Diseases hospital nearby, contact it before departure for Indonesia. If not, then chat with your local doctor.

"Bali Belly" as it is known, is common to newcomers in Bali. It does not necessarily mean food poisoning. It could be that your body is not used to the foreign spices and bacteria. Bali Belly may be acquired by eating anywhere from small street stalls to exclusive five star resorts. The best way to keep your belly happy is to take a daily supplement of Acidophilus and add fresh ginger to your food or tea. Also, drink bottled water only.

Be sure to guard against sunburn, dehydration and heat exhaustion. Sunburn and dehydration can happen easily in Bali. Be sure to drink plenty of water and moderate your exposure to the sun.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Bahasa simply means language. In the major cities and in hotels English is widely understood. A few Indonesian words are highly appreciated, but not really necessary. In the outer regions such as Nusa Tenggara, English is not spoken widely. In the main destinations many Balinese speak German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

Banks Monday - Friday 8 am to 3 pm

Business Offices Monday - Friday 8 or 9 am to 4 or 5 pm Some offices are open half day on Saturday

Government Offices Monday – Thursday 8 am to 3 pm Friday 8 am to 11.30 am Saturday 8 am to 2 pm

Indonesia stretches across three time zones: Western Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) + 7 GMT Central Indonesia (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sula wesi, Nusa Teng gara) + 8 GMT East Indonesia (Maluku and Irian Jaya) , +9 GMT

Major hotels and restaurants usually add 21% service charge and tax to bills. Where it is not included a tip of 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate if the service is satisfactory. Airport porters expect Rp. 1,000 for a small bag and Rp. 2,000 for bags weighing more than 20 kg. Tipping taxi and hire car drivers is not mandatory; if however the service was satisfactory a basic tip of 5% is sufficient for a taxi driver but hired car drivers normally expect a larger tip.

Long distance calls within Indonesia may be made by direct dialling through International Direct Dial (IDD) in major cities or through operator-assisted calls. Internet and fax services are readily available in major hotels and larger cities.

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 113
Police: 110
Search & Rescue: 51111
Red Cross: 26465

Medical
AEA International/International SOS (Clinic and Alarm Centre)
Email: sos.bali@internationalsos.com
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X,
Kuta 80361
Clinic Tel: 720 100, 710 544

24 hour emergency number: 71050

Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada (Hospital): Jl. Panglima Sudirman No.50, Denpasar. Tel: 227560

Kuta Clinic: Jl. Raya Kuta No.100X, Kuta. Tel : 753268

Nusa Dua Clinic: Jl. Pramata No. 81A, Nusa Dua. Tel: 771324

Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar. Tel: 227911

Entering Indonesia without a visa is possible now only for nationals of the following 11 countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Citizens of the above countries will be issued on arrival a stay permit for 30 days free of charge upon presentation of a passport which is valid at least for another 6 months. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa.

Visa on arrival is available for nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a visa on arrival valid for up to 30 days upon arrival by air.

Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia.

It is always wise to check with the Indonesian embassy in your home country for current visa regulations.

Dress is generally informal in Indonesia. Light fabrics are recommended due to the warm, humid climate. For men, a jacket and tie is considered appropriate when making official visits. The simplest is to follow local custom by wearing a long-sleeve batik shirt. Indonesians are accustomed to shaking hands upon meeting and greeting. It is recommended to bring a sweater or light jacket for travel to mountainous areas. Shorts and beachwear are not considered appropriate except at sports facilities and on the beaches and never appropriate for walking around town or visiting temples and other places of worship.

Do drink bottled water.

Don’t drink from the tap, even in the most luxurious resort.

Don’t forget to take your passport or a photocopy of your ID with you at all times.

Do put on loads of high factor waterproof sunscreen cream.

Don’t swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Do Swim between the red and yellow flags.

Do shake hands. Handshaking is customary, for both men and women. On introduction and greeting, smiling is a national characteristic.

Don’t use your left hand to give or receive; it is considered ill-mannered.

Don’t point at anything with your foot as this is considered very rude.

Don’t touch people's heads - this is very offensive to Hindus.

Do obtain a copy of Bali Echo and the English-language daily, Jakarta Post. Both will give you an overall picture of current exhibitions, music, dances and films within Bali. Information can also be obtained through your hotel and notices outside establishments.