First Time to Bali? Your Essential Pre-Arrival Checklist & FAQs (2025)

First time to Bali? How incredibly exciting! Get ready for an amazing journey filled with stunning natural beauty, a unique and vibrant culture, delicious food, and the famously warm hospitality of the Balinese people. Visiting a new destination, especially one as rich and diverse as Bali, naturally brings up questions. Being prepared with the essentials ensures you can relax and soak up the magic from the moment you arrive.

To help you feel confident and ready for your adventure, think of us here at Merusaka Nusa Dua as your friendly concierge, providing this essential pre-arrival checklist and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). We’ve gathered the absolute must-knows to cover before you travel, making your planning smoother and your arrival seamless.

1. Essential Entry Requirements Checklist

Let’s start with the paperwork and official requirements needed to enter Bali smoothly:

• Passport Validity: Check your passport expiry date now! It must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Indonesia. Also, ensure you have at least one or two blank pages for stamps. Airlines strictly enforce this.
• Visa Check: Do you need a visa? Citizens of many countries need one. Common options for tourists include Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VoA) or Visa-Free Entry (for specific nationalities, mainly ASEAN). Research requirements for your nationality well before travel. For detailed info, see our guide.
• Bali Tourist Levy: Remember the mandatory IDR 150,000 (approx. $10 USD) levy for international arrivals. We strongly recommend paying this online via the official Love Bali website (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) before you fly to avoid delays. Keep the QR code voucher handy. 
• Return/Onward Ticket: Have proof of your flight leaving Indonesia within your permitted stay duration (e.g., flight confirmation). Airlines and immigration may ask to see this.
• Accommodation Booking: It’s wise to have confirmation of your first few nights’ accommodation booked (like your stay with us at Merusaka! [link to Merusaka booking page]).
• Customs Declaration (e-CD): All travellers need to fill out the electronic customs declaration online shortly before arrival via the official Indonesian Customs website (https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/). Have the resulting QR code ready upon landing.

2. Money Matters Checklist

Getting your finances organised makes things much easier on the ground:

Money Matters Checklist

• Currency: Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Familiarize yourself roughly with the current exchange rate to your home currency before you go – you’ll be dealing with notes that have lots of zeros!
• Payment Methods: Plan for a mix. Major credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. However, IDR cash is essential for smaller warungs, market shopping, entrance fees, drivers, and tips.
• Getting Cash: Inform your bank about your travel dates to avoid blocked cards. Use ATMs attached to reputable banks for withdrawals. If changing cash, use only authorized money changers (look for PVA Berizin signs) and count your money carefully before leaving. 
• Tipping Awareness: Understand that tipping culture differs from many Western countries. It’s generally discretionary but appreciated for good service. Check bills for included service charges. 

3. Health & Safety Checklist

A few simple preparations ensure a healthier and more secure trip:

• Travel Insurance: We can’t stress this enough – get comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies (including evacuation), accidents, cancellations, and lost belongings. It’s absolutely vital for peace of mind.
• Doctor Consult (Optional): Consider chatting with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel about recommended vaccinations or any personal health considerations for tropical travel.
• Basic Health Kit: Pack essentials like pain relievers, plasters, antiseptic wipes, anti-diarrhea medication, oral rehydration salts, insect repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, and any personal prescriptions. 
• Food & Water Safety: Remember the golden rules: drink only bottled/purified water, be mindful of ice in drinks (usually safe in reputable places), eat freshly cooked hot food, wash hands frequently. 
• General Safety Awareness: Bali is generally very safe, but be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of common tourist scams (like money changer tricks). Read our safety tips.
• Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency numbers (Police 110, Ambulance 118/119) and your country’s embassy/consulate details in your phone.

4. Packing Basics Checklist

Pack light, smart, and for the tropics!

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, rayon) are best. Pack tops, shorts, skirts, light trousers/capris, sundresses. Include at least one outfit covering shoulders and knees for temple visits. Don’t forget swimwear!
• Footwear: Comfortable sandals/flip-flops and good walking shoes are essential.
• Key Essentials: High-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, effective insect repellent, universal travel adapter (Type C/F plugs), power bank.
• Temple Attire: A sarong is highly recommended (versatile!), though often rentable at major temples. Ensure you have appropriate tops too. 
• Documents: Passport, visa papers, tickets, insurance details, IDP (if driving/riding), plus copies.

5. Getting Around Basics Checklist

How will you explore?

• Airport Transfer: Pre-booking your transfer from the airport to your hotel (like Merusaka) ensures a smooth, stress-free arrival. Ask us for assistance! 
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Download Gojek and Grab before you go. They are invaluable for booking affordable car and motorcycle taxi rides in main tourist areas. Consider getting a local SIM for easier use. 
• Private Driver: For day trips exploring further afield (like Ubud or Kintamani), hiring a private car with a driver is the most comfortable and efficient option. Arrange through reputable sources or our concierge.
• Scooter Rental: Only attempt this if you are an experienced rider with the correct license and International Driving Permit (IDP). Always wear a helmet! 

6. Quick Cultural Etiquette FAQs

A little cultural awareness goes a long way!

• Greetings? Smile! Learn “Selamat Pagi” (Good Morning), “Selamat Siang” (Good Day), “Selamat Sore” (Good Afternoon), “Selamat Malam” (Good Evening), and especially “Terima Kasih” (Thank You).
• Which Hand? Always use your right hand (or both hands for extra respect) when giving or receiving items, including money. Avoid using your left hand.
• Temples? Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), wear the required sarong and sash, speak softly, don’t climb structures, be respectful of worshippers.
• Offerings on Ground? Those beautiful little flower baskets (Canang Sari) are sacred offerings. Please do not step on or over them! Walk around them. For more details, see our full guide.

Conclusion: You’re Ready for Bali!

Preparing for your first trip to Bali might seem like there’s a lot to remember, but focusing on these key checklist items will cover the most important bases. Getting the essentials like visas, money, safety awareness, and basic packing sorted beforehand allows you to arrive feeling confident and ready to immerse yourself in the incredible experiences that await.

Bali is a wonderfully welcoming island, and the Balinese people are incredibly gracious. Don’t worry about being perfect, but your effort to be prepared and respectful will surely enhance your journey.

The entire team at Merusaka Nusa Dua is excited for you to experience the magic of Bali for the first time. If you have any questions at all during your planning or after you arrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge team. We’re here to help make your first Bali holiday absolutely unforgettable!