Looking for the best Bali tips before your trip? The Island of Gods is a magical place, but like any destination, a little bit of preparation goes a long way.
After our own incredible journey, we’ve compiled a list of my most valuable Bali tips for first timers to help you navigate the island like a pro. This isn’t your standard travel guide; these are the lessons we learned firsthand, the little details that made all the difference.
👉 If you’re planning your adventure, start with our Active 10 Day Bali Itinerary to see how to make the most of the island – and don’t forget to check out our Food in Bali guide, where we share all the delicious dishes and drinks you’ll want to try along the way.
*Heads up, fellow travelers! Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase or book an activity through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We only recommend things we absolutely love and believe will enhance your adventure. Your support helps us keep this site going, so thank you for being part of our journey!
Always Have Cash (Even Before Landing)
One of the first Bali tips we learned the hard way: cash is king. You’ll need it right away – whether it’s to buy water, tip your driver, or pay for temple and waterfall entrances.
Our advice: exchange just a small amount at the airport (rates aren’t amazing, but in our case better in EU and better than having nothing). Once you settle in your hotel, look for a reliable ATM inside a bank such as Mandiri or BCA. Avoid sketchy standalone ATMs.
And then? Always keep cash with you. Most entrances cost between 10k–50k IDR per person, and if you’re with a driver, there’s usually a 5k IDR parking fee too. Small amounts add up, and you don’t want to be stuck without change.
👉 Not sure which part of Bali is right for you? We’ve put together a complete guide on where to stay in Bali, breaking down the best areas. Whether you’re after rice terraces, surf breaks, or hidden waterfalls, this guide will help you choose the perfect base for your trip.
Stock Up on Drinking Water
Tap water in Bali isn’t safe to drink, and you shouldn’t even brush your teeth with it. Many hotels provide filtered water, but usually just a small bottle per day – not nearly enough. One of the best Bali tips is to buy large bottles from a convenience store and keep a few in your hotel room and day bag.
Extra tip: be careful in the shower (avoid swallowing water) and always ask if the ice in restaurants is filtered. In small villages, it’s better to skip the ice altogether.
Beat Bali Belly With Probiotics
“Bali belly” is real – stomach problems caused by bacteria your body isn’t used to. To stay safe, start taking probiotics 3–5 days before your trip and continue daily while you’re there. We took Lucovitaal Pre-Pro-Post Biotica capsules and had no issues, even after eating street food.
And please, don’t avoid warungs (local restaurants). Some of our best meals came from these little family-owned places. Just pick ones with good reviews, a clean kitchen, and a steady flow of customers.
Bonus tip: pack some diarrhea medicine (like Lopedium), drink lots of water, and stay hydrated with coconuts and fresh juices.
Carry Sanitizer Everywhere
Cash changes hands all the time in Bali, and you’ll be touching it constantly. That’s why hand sanitizer is your best friend. We went through three small bottles in two weeks, disinfecting before meals and after handling money. It may feel excessive, but trust us, it’s worth it.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
The Bali sun is no joke. Even when it feels cloudy or breezy, UV is strong. Always keep sunscreen in your bag – your skin will thank you.
Download Grab or Gojek Apps
If there’s one app you’ll use daily in Bali, it’s Grab or Gojek. They’re amazing not just for cheap and reliable rides, but also for ordering food, snacks, or even water delivered straight to your hotel.
It saves you from negotiating prices with random drivers, and you’ll know upfront how much the ride costs.
Be Smart About Traffic & Travel Times
Bali looks small, but getting around can take way longer than expected. Sometimes, 10 km can take more than an hour – especially around tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu, and Ubud.
Scooters are faster, but driving one is not for the faint of heart. Traffic is chaotic, they drive on the left side (confusing for many Europeans), and accidents happen often. If you’re not confident, it’s safer to hire a driver.
In central and northern Bali (Sidemen, Munduk, Kintamani), traffic is usually lighter, but you might run into ceremonies (like funerals) where whole streets are closed. It’s beautiful to witness, but it can add unexpected delays.
Our trick? Leave early – we often started our day around 6AM to beat traffic and avoid crowds.
Get a SIM Card or eSIM
Having mobile data makes life so much easier – for maps, translations, Grab rides, and staying connected. Most of the hotels offer Wi Fi but we found it very unreliable and slow at most places.
We used eSIMs from Nomad (around €15 for 10 GB / 30 days) and were super happy. Easy to set up before the trip, and the connection worked almost everywhere.
Local SIM cards from Telkomsel or XL are also a good option if you prefer a physical card.
Beach Safety Matters
Bali beaches look dreamy, but don’t underestimate the waves. Currents can be extremely strong, especially in Uluwatu and on the west coast. During high tide, some beaches are completely inaccessible – at times, we couldn’t even reach the sand in Uluwatu.
Also, don’t expect endless wide beaches like in Thailand. Many are small coves with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. It’s cozy and beautiful, but be prepared to pay for a spot.
Always check tide times before heading out, and if you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow dips.
Protect Yourself From Mosquitos
Mosquitos are part of Bali life, and besides being annoying, they can carry dengue. Sprays help, but we also brought a plug-in repellent for our hotel room – it barely took any space in the suitcase and worked wonders. We never had a mosquito problem at night.
If you don’t bring one, just make sure to spray regularly, even in the evenings before bed. A local repellent we loved is Soffell (the pink one) – smells nice and works well.
Don’t panic if you get bitten – not every bite means infection. Long dresses or cover-ups for Rumi also help keep skin protected.
Tip Your Driver
If you’re hiring a driver for a day (or multiple days), tipping is a kind gesture and deeply appreciated. For us, €3–5 per day felt right. Over eight days, we gave our driver €30, and he was genuinely grateful. For you, it’s a small amount – for them, it makes a huge difference.
Buy Your Own Sarong
Temples in Bali require visitors to wear a sarong (a traditional wrap). Many temples provide one with the entrance fee, but it’s worth buying your own. It’s cleaner, more comfortable, and doubles as a beach towel or even a blanket. Plus, it’s a beautiful keepsake to bring home.
One last temple tip: try to cover your shoulders as well. It’s a sign of respect, even if they don’t always enforce it.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
This might not sound exciting, but trust us – it’s one of the most important Bali tips we can give you. Unexpected things can happen on the island. You might need medical help for Bali belly, twist an ankle while hiking, or get scratched by a monkey or dog (yes, it happens!) and suddenly need rabies treatment.
Healthcare in Bali is available, but it can be expensive without coverage. Having travel insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re protected, no matter what little surprises your trip throws at you. Hopefully, you’ll never need it – but if you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.
Be Aware of Monkeys and Street Dogs
Bali is full of monkeys and street dogs, and while most of the time they’ll leave you alone, it’s good to be cautious.
Around temples like Uluwatu, the monkeys are known for being aggressive – stealing glasses, food, plastic bags, and even phones. The trick is simple: don’t carry plastic bags, keep your belongings close, and never try to feed them.
Street dogs are also common, and while many are harmless, some can be territorial. Avoid approaching or petting them, and be careful if you’re walking at night.
If you ever do get scratched or bitten, seek medical attention quickly, as rabies shots might be needed.
Respect Local Customs
One of the most important Bali tips is to always respect local traditions. You’ll see daily offerings (“canang sari”) on the ground everywhere – don’t step on them.
At temples, follow the rules (wear your sarong, don’t climb on sacred statues, and never enter restricted inner areas).
It’s also good to know that women on their period are traditionally not allowed inside temples, so if you’re visiting during that time, plan your days accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Our Bali Tips
Bali is magical, and a little preparation goes a long way. Carry cash, drink safe water, protect yourself from Bali belly, and show respect when visiting cultural sites. These small steps will save you from headaches and let you enjoy the island to the fullest.
Most importantly – please be kind to the Balinese people! They are some of the warmest and most welcoming people we’ve ever met. Return a smile when you get one, and always try to tip when you can. For us, it’s a small amount, but for them it makes a huge difference.
We hope these Bali tips help you on your adventure – and we promise, once you’re sipping a fresh coconut after a long day of chasing waterfalls, you’ll realize every bit of planning was worth it.