For a first trip to Bali, sort the paperwork first: passport with 6 months’ validity, the All Indonesia arrival card within 3 days of arrival, an e-VOA (IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40)) and the Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000 (approx. approx. A$12)). Then plan a week to ten days split between a beach base in the south and Ubud, and book a driver for the longer day trips.
What do I need to do before I fly to Bali?
- Check your passport. It needs at least 6 months of validity from the date you enter Indonesia. Smartraveller also recommends 6 months from the date you leave. Indonesia can refuse entry on a damaged passport, including water damage or torn pages.
- Book a return or onward flight. You need to show one for a Visa on Arrival.
- Apply for the e-VOA at least 48 hours ahead on the official e-Visa or All Indonesia website. The fee is IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40) plus a small processing fee. If you miss the 48-hour window you can still buy a VOA at the airport, where some checkpoints only take cash.
- Submit the All Indonesia arrival card within 3 days before you land. It includes the health declaration.
- Pay the Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approx. approx. A$12) on the official Love Bali website. The QR voucher arrives by email. You can also pay at the airport, but paying ahead saves time.
| What you need | Official rule (checked 14 November 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All Indonesia arrival card | Required for every traveller arriving at an international airport or seaport. Submit it online within 3 days (72 hours) before you arrive. It includes the health declaration. | Directorate General of Immigration, e-Visa site; Smartraveller, Indonesia (updated 21 October 2026) |
| e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) for Australians travelling as tourists | IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40), plus a small online processing fee. Apply at least 48 hours before travel on the official e-Visa or All Indonesia website. Valid for a 30-day stay, extendable once for up to 30 more days | Smartraveller, Indonesia; Official e-Visa website |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport, if you did not get an e-VOA | Same fee, IDR 500,000 (approx. approx. A$40). Needs a passport with at least 6 months of validity from your entry date and a return or onward flight booking. Some checkpoints only take cash | Smartraveller, Indonesia |
| Bali tourist levy | Separate from the visa: IDR 150,000 (approx. approx. A$12) per foreign tourist, paid once per visit. Pay online before you fly through Love Bali (the QR voucher is emailed) or at counters at Bali’s airport and seaport. Cashless only | Bali Provincial Government, Love Bali; Love Bali FAQ |
Rupiah amounts are as published on the official pages. Australian dollar figures are approx. conversions at the ECB reference rate on 13 November 2026 (1 AUD = 12,379 IDR) and are estimates, not a payment amount. Card and processing fees can add a little.
Beware of fake websites with similar names. Smartraveller and the immigration service both warn about them.
How long should I spend in Bali on a first trip?
These are suggested splits, not tours. Moving bases costs you half a day each time because of traffic, so fewer moves usually means a better trip.
| Trip length | Suggested bases | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 7 nights | 3 or 4 nights on the south coast, then 3 nights in Ubud | Beach time first, then culture, rice terraces and cooler evenings inland |
| 10 nights | 4 nights in Seminyak or Canggu, 3 in Ubud, 3 in Sanur or Uluwatu | Adds a quieter beach and, from Sanur, an easy boat day to the Nusa islands |
| 14 nights | South coast, Ubud, Sanur, plus 2 or 3 nights on Nusa Lembongan or in the north | Time to slow down and add the less visited parts of the island |
See where to stay in Bali for what each area is like.
What should I see on a first trip to Bali?
- Sea temples. Tanah Lot on the south-west coast and Uluwatu on the clifftops of the Bukit Peninsula are the best known. Both are busy around sunset.
- Rice terraces. Tegallalang, north of Ubud, is the easy half-day trip. Jatiluwih, further west and part of a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape, is bigger and quieter.
- Ubud. The Campuhan Ridge Walk, the royal palace area, galleries and dance performances.
- The highlands. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan makes a good day trip combined with Jatiluwih.
- The Nusa islands. Fast boats from Sanur reach Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Check the sea conditions and the operator’s safety record before you book.
For tickets and organised day trips, you can also browse things to do in Bali on Klook.
How do I get around Bali?
Traffic in the south is heavy, and Smartraveller describes road users as often unpredictable. Most first-time visitors use a private driver for day trips and taxis or ride-hailing apps for short hops. Ask your hotel how pickups work in your area.
You can book an airport transfer from Ngurah Rai (DPS) on Klook, or use Klook to find a private driver or day tour once you know your plans.
If you plan to ride a scooter, Smartraveller says you need an International Driving Permit as well as your Australian licence, and the right class for a motorbike. Travel insurers can refuse claims if you are unlicensed or hold the wrong licence. The Bali Provincial Government’s official Do’s and Don’ts also list driving legally and obeying traffic rules.
What etiquette rules does Bali expect visitors to follow?
The Bali Provincial Government publishes an official Do’s and Don’ts card for foreign tourists. In short:
- Respect local culture, dress appropriately and take part in ceremonies respectfully.
- Do not take or post disrespectful photos at religious sites, and do not walk on the small offerings you will see on footpaths.
- Use official money changers, do not work without a permit, and do not haggle too aggressively.
- Offences can lead to legal penalties or deportation.
What health and safety basics should I know?
- Drinks. Smartraveller warns of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, including cases in Bali. Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of cheap spirits and cocktails.
- Animals and rabies. Smartraveller advises avoiding direct contact with dogs, cats and monkeys, even where you are encouraged to interact with them, and getting medical help straight away after any bite or scratch. Talk to your doctor about vaccination.
- Drugs. Penalties include heavy fines, long prison sentences and the death penalty.
- Insurance. Get travel insurance that covers the activities you plan, including scooters and diving, and read the exclusions.
Read the full Smartraveller advice for Indonesia before you go. It was updated on 21 October 2026 and listed as still current on 14 November 2026.
How do I pay for things in Bali?
The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Cards work at many hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for small warungs, markets and drivers. Change money only at authorised money changers. The official Do’s and Don’ts card says the same, and Smartraveller links to the Bank Indonesia authorised money changer list.
How do I book flights and hotels for Bali?
Book flights first, then rooms for your first base. A free-cancellation room gives you room to change areas once you know your plans.
A prepaid Indonesia eSIM from Airalo is one way to have data when you land.
Is there a useful official video for a first trip?
An official Wonderful Indonesia film on Bali’s culture, villages and landscapes.
Back to the Bali travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to enter Bali from Australia?
A passport with at least 6 months of validity, a return or onward flight, the All Indonesia arrival card submitted within 3 days of arrival, a Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000, about A$40) and the Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000, about A$12).
Can I get a visa on arrival in Bali if I forget the e-VOA?
Yes. If you have not applied for an e-VOA at least 48 hours ahead, you can buy a regular VOA at the airport for the same IDR 500,000 fee. Some checkpoints only accept cash.
How long can Australians stay in Bali?
The e-VOA and VOA allow a 30-day stay and can be extended once, for up to 30 more days, at an immigration office. Apply for the extension within the first 30 days.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
Traffic is heavy and unpredictable. You need an International Driving Permit plus your Australian licence with the right class, or your insurer may refuse claims. Many first-time visitors use a driver instead.
Do I need cash in Bali?
Yes, for small restaurants, markets and drivers. Larger hotels and restaurants take cards. Change money only at authorised money changers.
Is Bali tap water safe to drink?
Most visitors drink bottled or filtered water. Ask your hotel what it provides.
Photo credits
- Hero image: Photo: Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
