Bali is more than just beaches and temples—it’s a lively island filled with adventure, culture, and hidden gems. Most travelers rely on cash for small vendors, local restaurants, and temple donations, while major hotels, cafés, and resorts accept cards. ATMs are plentiful in tourist hotspots like Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu, but remote areas may have limited access. Carrying smaller denominations makes daily expenses easier.
Insider tip: If you plan to explore temples, keep a lightweight sarong in your bag—it’s required at many sacred sites.
The official currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). For everyday expenses like meals, souvenirs, and market purchases, cash is preferred. Larger hotels, restaurants, and activity operators accept credit or debit cards, but small vendors usually do not.
Quick tip: Exchange a small amount at your arrival airport for immediate needs, then withdraw larger amounts from high-street ATMs in town for better rates.
Bali accommodates all types of travelers:
Traveler insight: Visiting local markets for breakfast or snacks can save money, and booking activities in advance often avoids peak pricing.
The dry season (April–October) offers sunny days, lower humidity, and ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Peak months of July and August are busy and expensive. The wet season (November–March) brings occasional tropical rain, fewer tourists, and discounted accommodation.
Pro tip: May, June, and September balance good weather with smaller crowds, making sightseeing and trekking more enjoyable.
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Most hotels and restaurants include a 5–10% service charge, so extra tipping is not required. For taxi drivers, spa therapists, and tour guides, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is polite. Local warungs (small eateries) may not expect tips, but a small gesture is welcomed.
Traveler insight: Small tips at hidden cafés or to local guides often go a long way in building goodwill and friendly experiences.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for adventure activities like surfing, diving, scooter rentals, or trekking. Medical care for tourists can be costly, and evacuation in remote areas may add expenses. A comprehensive policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, theft, delays, and adventure activities.
Personal experience: Having insurance allowed me to fully enjoy remote waterfalls and volcano treks without worrying about unexpected incidents.
This guide is based on real travel experiences, not generic advice. Every section provides practical insights to help travelers plan smarter, save money, and explore Bali safely. From hidden waterfalls to sunrise volcano treks, these tips ensure a memorable and immersive trip.
Instead of sticking to the main touristy places in Greece like Santorini or Mykonos, why not try a lesser known island like the beautiful Kimolos Island or Antiparos? They are much more affordable and you can avoid the crowds. I much prefer this style of traveling because you will have the whole place to yourself! And if you’d like to see a completly different side of Greece, take a cozy winter getaway to Epirus!
