About Bali

Weather

Bali is in the tropics situated in the region of 6 degrees south of the equator. It only means that the sun comes up at six in the morning and sets at six in the evening nearly all of the year. The temperature disparity is very insignificant, and Bali has got only wet and dry seasons.

Typically, wet season is from September to February while dry season is from March to October. Although the distinction is subsidiary, during the peak of wet season, 30-minute to an hour heavy shower in the afternoon may be observed.

Currency

The currency used locally is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Bali prices may be given in three different currencies. Prices in U.S. dollars are most common, particularly away from the budget sector. Euros are sometimes used, specifically at European establishments. Lower-end places are usually (but not always) priced in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

For credit card payments, the amount in the currency you agreed to when making the booking is converted to Indonesian Rupiah on the day you pay and your account is charged with that amount of Rupiah. Credit card transactions are only allowed in Indonesian currency by law.

There are no additional charges or conversion rates for cash payment.

Useful Language

There are relatively numerous languages which are abounding and adaptable. Thus as far as the Bali languages are concerned, the Indonesian and Balinese are the most essential ones. Balinese is the language that is extensively spoken by the local residents in Bali.

There is a modern adaptation of the Bali language that is generally used these days. There are a small number of bi-lingual and tri-lingual group of people in Bali. Consequently, they use not only one adaptation of the Balinese language as they speak. These are what they called specialties of the Bali language.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 “Schukostecker” or “Schuko” or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 “Europlug” types. American and Canadian travellers should pack a voltage-changing adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment (although a lot of electronics with power adapters will work on 220 volts, check your equipment first).

Time

Bali is in the UTC+8 time zone (known in Indonesia as WITA, Waktu Indonesia Tengah), same as Western Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and 1 hour ahead of Jakarta.

Telecommunications

Do check with your cellular operator back home if they have roaming capacity in Bali.

Immigration

Visitors taking flights to Bali from a point of origin outside Indonesia will be clearing customs and immigration at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and may require to purchase a visa on arrival (VOA).

As of January 2010, the only type of visa on arrival available is US$25.00 for 30 days. This may be extended later at the local Immigration office for a further once only period of up to 30 days. (The previous 7 day visa on arrival is no longer available).

Exact change in dollars is recommended, although a selection of other major currencies including rupiah are accepted, and any change will usually be given in rupiah. Credit cards are accepted in Bali (but don’t count on the service working).

Useful Contacts

Dive Asia NOW!

+65 6536 6532

Emergency Service Numbers:

118 – Ambulance
110 – Police
+62 361 754599 or 763753 – Tourist Police

Hospitals with 24 hours emergency room (ER)

RS Umum Sanglah, Jl Kesehatan 1, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 243307, 227911, 225483, 265064
RS Umum Badung, Jl Raya Kapal Mengwi, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 7421880
RS Umum Dharma Usadha, Jl Jend Sudirman 50, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 227560, 233786, 233787
RS Umum Manuaba, Jl HOS Cokroaminoto 28, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 426393, 226393
RS Umum Surya Husadha [52], Jl Pulau Serangan 1-3, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 233787
RS Umum Wangaya, Jl RA Kartini 133, Denpasar. Tel: +62 361 222141.

What is the weather like in Bali?

Bali is in the tropics situated in the region of 6 degrees south of the equator. It only means that the sun comes up at six in the morning and sets at six in the evening nearly all of the year. The temperature disparity is very insignificant, and Bali has got wet season from September to February and dry season from March to October.

What is the currency in Bali?

Rupiah is Bali’s currency. Rupiah comes in coins and there seems to be limited amount of small money and change maybe not easy to get ahold of at times.

What is an ideal clothing to wear in Bali?

Light clothing is recommended to be worn while staying in Bali. The weather condition is generally in the late warm hence comfortable outfits are appropriate.