Tips
Arrival
You arrive at the airport Ngurah Rai Airport, close to the capital city of Bali called Denpasar. Your passport still needs to be valid for six months after you leave Bali.
Money
The currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Roephia (IDRP). The exchange rate depends of the political and economic situation in Indonesia. You can ask every bank in Bali or some shops for private money exchange. Most of the banks have a money machine where you can get money with your plastic card.
Nearby Pandan House
In Amlapura you can get money from the ATM money dispenser. In Tirtagangga you can also exchange money.
Customs
Please get up-to-date information regarding the rules for tobacco, perfume and alcohol. You should not bring drugs, weapons, ammunition and porno magazines with you.
Vaccinations
Please keep in mind that you need to have an injection or medicines for Hepatitis A and Typhus. There is no need to get vaccination for malaria if you stay only in Bali. If you wish to visit other islands of Indonesia there is a chance that you need to have an injection.
Transport
In Indonesia there are national air flights possible. In Bali there are bus connections between the big cities and villages. There are also the little busses for the small roads and for the short distances. Of course you can go by boat from Padangbai to Lombok; there are fast and less fast boats. Also there are taxis and many possibilities to rent a car (with driver). Please ensure that they have their driver’s licence. Of course you can rent a motor bike or car for yourself but think about your international driver’s licence.
Water and food
In Indonesia, and also on Bali, the hygiene is less. In the first place, if you drink water, cook it or buy water in the shops. Please also look if the food is cooked well.
Climate
Bali is nearby the equator, the sun is sharp. Protect your head with a cap, drink a lot of water and walk in the shadow where possible. Bali has a tropical climate; the raining season is from October till March. From April till September it is warm and dry. Since the climate is changing everywhere, sometimes you get something else then you expect. The mean temperature is 26 degrees Celsius.
Language
The language at school is Indonesian. On Bali they also speak Balinese. Every island has its own language but the universal language is Indonesian. A lot of Balinese people can also speak English, especially in the tourist areas.
Shopping
You can ask for discounts in the local shops and on markets. If you start to negotiate, the seller expects that you are willing to buy, so please be serious about this.
