First Time in Bali: 27 Tips, Scams to Avoid & Local Rules (2025) | Komfytrip

Bali is magical, but a little preparation goes a long way in turning a good trip into a great one. For first-time visitors, navigating the essentials like visas, local customs, and new regulations can feel overwhelming. With recent changes including a mandatory tourist levy and stricter enforcement of local dos and don'ts, arriving prepared is more important than ever.

Think of this as your ultimate checklist. We've compiled the most critical tips, from pre-flight paperwork to on-the-ground etiquette, to ensure your first Bali adventure is seamless, safe, and respectful.

Quick Overview

Visa: Many nationalities can use e-VOA (apply online; extendable).

Levy: Pay the Bali Tourist Levy IDR 150,000 on the official Love Bali site/app and keep the QR voucher.

Customs: Fill the e-CD before landing; declare cash ≥ IDR 100,000,000.

Getting around: MyBluebird taxis, Grab/Gojek, or a day driver; ride a scooter only if licensed (IDP).

Local rules: Bali’s 2025 Dos & Don’ts are enforced (temple dress, licensed guides, no littering/single-use plastics).

Plan around Nyepi: the whole island (and airport) stops for 24h on Nyepi Day.

Before You Fly: Essential Pre-Trip Checklist

1. Check Your Visa Path: Many nationalities are eligible for the e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA). Applying and paying for this online before you travel allows you to skip long queues at the airport. Check your eligibility and apply on the official Indonesian Immigration portal (MOLINA).
2. Pay the Bali Tourist Levy: All foreign tourists must pay a one-time levy of IDR 150,000. Pay this online through the official Love Bali website or app. Save the QR code voucher you receive via email to show upon arrival.
3. Complete the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD): You must fill out the e-CD form online before landing. Only one form is needed per family. You can complete it at ecd.beacukai.go.id.
4. Get Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and any activities you plan to do, especially if you're considering riding a scooter. Government advisories strongly recommend comprehensive coverage.
5. Plan Around Nyepi (The Day of Silence): Bali observes Nyepi, a day of complete silence. The entire island, including Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), shuts down for 24 hours. For 2025, this falls on March 29th. Do not book flights to arrive or depart on this day.
6. Review Health Guidance: Check the latest health advice for Bali (e.g., from the CDC). Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and be aware of prevention measures for mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.

Getting In & Around: Transport & Money

1. Airport to Hotel Safely: To avoid touts and overcharging, use the official airport taxi counter or book a ride through the MyBluebird app once you've cleared customs.
2. Scooter Rules are Strict: Only rent a scooter if you are an experienced rider and hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. Always wear a helmet—police checks are common and enforcement is strict.
3. Hire a Private Driver for Tours: For multi-stop days exploring temples or waterfalls, hiring a private driver is often more cost-effective and far less hassle than self-driving and finding parking.
4. Use Bank-Attached ATMs: To avoid card skimming, only use ATMs located at a bank. Always shield your PIN when entering it.
5. Declare Large Amounts of Cash: If you are carrying IDR 100,000,000 or more (or its equivalent in foreign currency), you must declare it on your customs form upon arrival and departure.
6. Get a Local SIM/eSIM: Data is cheap and essential for using maps and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. You can buy a SIM card at the airport or from convenience stores like Circle K or Indomaret.
7. Embrace QRIS Payments: Cashless payment is widespread in Bali. The QRIS system works almost everywhere, from small warungs to large hotels, and is expanding to accept payments from other Asian e-wallets.

Culture & Local Rules (Don't Skip This!)

1. Master Temple Etiquette: Always wear a sarong and cover your shoulders when entering a temple. Some inner sanctums are reserved for worshippers only. Out of respect for local customs, women who are menstruating should not enter sacred temple areas.
2. Respect Sacred Places: Do not climb on sacred structures or statues for photos. Be mindful of your actions, dress modestly, and follow all posted signage. Indecent or disrespectful photos are not tolerated.
3. Follow Environmental Rules: Bali has banned single-use plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam. Be a responsible tourist by carrying a reusable water bottle and tote bag. Do not litter.
4. Use Licensed Professionals: For your safety and to support the local economy correctly, only use licensed tour guides and stay in registered accommodations. Always obey traffic laws.

Staying Safe: Health, Nature & Food

1. Don't Drink the Tap Water: Tap water in Bali is not potable. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice or washed salads if you have a sensitive stomach.
2. Be Wary of "Arak": Avoid dubious or cheap local spirits, especially "arak," which can sometimes contain methanol and be dangerous. Only drink at reputable bars and restaurants.
3. Protect Against Mosquitoes: Dengue fever is present year-round. Use an effective insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk.
4. Keep a Safe Distance from Monkeys: Do not feed, touch, or make direct eye contact with monkeys. They can bite and are known to snatch phones, sunglasses, and loose items, particularly at Uluwatu Temple and the Ubud Monkey Forest.
5. Respect the Ocean: Bali's surf can be powerful, and rip currents are a real danger. Only swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty and always pay attention to the safety flags.

Smart Logistics: Timing, Booking & Etiquette

1. Add Traffic Buffers: Traffic in Bali can be intense. Always add extra time to your travel schedule, especially for transfers to and from the airport or between towns like Ubud and Uluwatu.
2. Book Key Activities in Advance: Popular attractions fill up fast. Book tickets for the Kecak dance at Uluwatu, popular cooking classes, and fast boats to the Nusa Islands ahead of time.
3. Choose Two Bases, Not Four: For a one-week trip, stick to two main bases (e.g., a cultural hub like Ubud and a beach area like Seminyak). This reduces travel time and lets you explore each region more deeply.
4. Tipping is Appreciated, Not Mandatory: While not expected, rounding up your bill or leaving a small tip for excellent service is a kind gesture.

Common Scams & Hassles to Avoid

1. Fake Levy/Visa Helpers: Only use the official Love Bali site for the tourist levy and the MOLINA portal for your e-VOA. Ignore airport "helpers" or unofficial links.
2. Unlicensed Money Changers: Use only authorized counters with clear signage. Count your money carefully before leaving and always ask for a receipt.
3. Taxi Touts: Stick to the MyBluebird app or official airport counters to avoid being overcharged.
4. Temple "Guide" Pressure: You are not required to hire a guide at most temples. Buy your ticket at the official gate. If someone says you are dressed incorrectly to try and "fine" you or force a rental, politely decline if you are already wearing a sarong and have covered shoulders.
5. Bootleg Alcohol: Avoid "2-for-1" deals on shots or cocktails at sketchy bars, as these are more likely to contain dangerous bootleg alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I absolutely book before I arrive in Bali?

A: You should book your e-VOA (if eligible) and pay the Love Bali tourist levy online before you fly. It's also wise to pre-book your airport transfer for a smooth arrival and reserve seats for the Uluwatu Kecak dance if it's on your itinerary.

Q: Is Nyepi really a full shutdown?

A: Yes, it is a 24-hour period of complete silence. All businesses close, roads are empty (except for emergency services), and Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) completely ceases operations. For 2025, this is from 6:00 AM on March 29th to 6:00 AM on March 30th.

Q: Can I ride a scooter without an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

A: No. It is illegal and voids your travel insurance. You must carry a valid IDP with a motorcycle endorsement from your home country, along with your regular license. Always wear a helmet.

Q: Do I need to declare large amounts of cash?

A: Yes. Any amount equal to or exceeding IDR 100,000,000 (around $6,100 USD as of mid-2025) must be declared on your electronic customs declaration (e-CD) form.

Q. Is it easy to pay with my phone in Bali?

A: Yes, QRIS (QR code) payment is extremely common and accepted almost everywhere, making cashless transactions very easy.