Island, Indonesia
Bali
Southeast Asia's top nomad island: surf, temples, rice terraces, yoga and coworking with easy flights. Traffic, tourist crowds and scooter crashes are the trade-offs; each area has a very different feel.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,400–2,240Comfortable, one person · Rp25M–40MDetails
- Value for money44/100Better value than 43% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Nov, 31°CDetails
- Air quality11.9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; most cafés and villas have filtered refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–50Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGojekYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in cafés, hotels and shops, sometimes with a surcharge; cash for warungs, markets, drivers and temples.Details
Where to stay in Bali
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Canggu | Nomads and surfers: cafés, coworking, gyms |
| Ubud | Yoga, nature, quieter long stays |
| Uluwatu | Surf breaks, clifftop views, beach clubs |
| Sanur | Calm, flat, easygoing long stays |
| Seminyak | Dining, shopping, nightlife |
Apps that work in Bali
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Bluebird: Reliable metered taxis booked by app
- Traveloka: Domestic flights, trains and hotels
- Love Bali: Paying the Bali tourist levy
- Taxis: Local taxi cooperatives block app pickups in some villages and at the airport; walk to the edge of the zone or book a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in cafés, hotels and shops, sometimes with a surcharge; cash for warungs, markets, drivers and temples. Use bank ATMs.
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR). US$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (skimming happens in Bali); limits often 2.5–3 million IDR; some banks add fees.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: QRIS codes everywhere; some Asian banking apps scan them. Cards and phone wallets work in Bali and Jakarta.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration (immigration, customs, health) online or in its app within 3 days before arrival.
- Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival can buy the e-VOA in advance on the official immigration e-visa site.
- Bali charges foreign visitors a one-time tourist levy, payable online through the official Love Bali site or app.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at a mark-up; city outlets are cheaper. Passport needed for registration. Telkomsel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Indonesia
Going to Bali solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.