The definitive guide to Bali's best neighbourhoods, currency tips, SIM cards, and staying connected.
Each neighbourhood has a distinct vibe — here's how to choose the right base for your trip.
Bali's coolest neighbourhood. Canggu has the best café scene, excellent surf, and a thriving expat community. Slightly further from the airport but worth it.
Details →Bali's most sophisticated area. World-class restaurants, designer boutiques, and stunning beach clubs. Perfect for a luxurious short stay.
Details →Bali's spiritual and cultural heart. Surrounded by rice terraces and jungle. The best base for yoga retreats, cooking classes, and temple visits.
Details →Dramatic clifftop peninsula with world-class surf, stunning ocean views, and some of Bali's most spectacular hotels and villas.
Details →The original Bali tourist hub. Busy, loud, and budget-friendly. Close to the airport and great for first-timers who want everything on their doorstep.
Details →Bali's most relaxed beach town. Calm lagoon beach, a lovely beachside promenade, and a quieter pace of life. Ferry hub for Nusa Penida and Lombok.
Details →Everything you need to know about the Indonesian Rupiah and getting the best exchange rates.
Always exchange money at reputable money changers — never use street vendors offering "special rates".
Use bank ATMs (BCA, Mandiri, BNI) for the best exchange rates — they match the interbank rate
Always count your money carefully before leaving the counter
Avoid street money changers offering special tourist rates — it’s a common scam
Never hand over your whole stash — keep most cash secure at your accommodation
Refuse any money changer who insists on counting your money themselves
Carry small denominations — large notes can be hard to break at smaller warungs
Check for fake notes: use ATMs or reputable banks to avoid counterfeit Rupiah
Most mid-range restaurants and shops accept cards — budget places prefer cash
Indonesia has excellent mobile coverage. Pick up a local SIM at the airport or any convenience store.
WiFi quality varies widely across Bali. Here's what to expect by area and how to stay connected.
Cafés like Dojo, Outpost, and Swich have fibre-speed dedicated connections that rival co-working offices back home.
Most mid-range and above hotels have reliable fibre — budget guesthouses can be patchy — ask before booking.
Good dining restaurants usually have WiFi, but local warungs rarely carry one. Always ask for the password.
WiFi is weak in most spots and hotels. Can be slower in remote non-primary areas. A local SIM is essential for day trips.
Seminyak offers the best balance — central location, great restaurants, beach access, and lively nightlife. Canggu suits digital nomads and surfers. Ubud is ideal if you want culture, nature, and wellness. Kuta is budget-friendly but touristy. Nusa Dua is best for families wanting resort-style calm.
Citizens of 98 countries (including Australia, USA, UK, EU, and most Western nations) can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. A Visa on Arrival (IDR 500,000 / ~$30 USD) is available at Ngurah Rai Airport for a 30-day stay extendable once for 30 more days. Always check current requirements before travel.
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the currency. ATMs are widely available — use those attached to major banks (BCA, Mandiri, BNI) and avoid standalone machines in tourist areas due to skimming. Authorised money changers (PT Dirgahayu is reputable) offer better rates than hotels. Avoid touts on the street.
Telkomsel and XL are the most reliable networks with the widest coverage across Bali and the islands. Buy a tourist SIM at the airport or any convenience store (Indomaret, Alfamart). A starter pack with 10–20GB of data costs IDR 50,000–100,000. Bring your passport as it is required for registration.
Lightweight, breathable clothing. A sarong (for temples — or buy one there for IDR 30,000). Reef-safe sunscreen. DEET insect repellent. Comfortable walking sandals. A light rain jacket (wet season). Stomach medication and a small first-aid kit. A power adapter (Type C/F plugs, 220V). Download Grab and Gojek before arrival.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. At restaurants, leave IDR 10,000–20,000 or round up the bill. At spas, IDR 20,000–50,000 per therapist is standard. For private drivers, IDR 50,000–100,000 for a full day is generous. Luxury resorts often add a 10% service charge automatically.
Budget guesthouses/hostels: $10–30/night. Mid-range hotels and small villas: $40–120/night. Boutique villas with private pools: $120–350/night. Luxury resorts (Four Seasons, Mandapa, COMO): $400–1,500+/night. Private group villas (sleeping 8–12 people) split between guests can be outstanding value.