The
dogs in Bali are not pets and wander the streets.
It is best not to try to approach or touch them
as they can often be snarly and you wouldn't want
your kids to get bitten
IMMIGRATION
-
To enter Bali, or Indonesia for that matter you
need a passport that has a validity period of
at least six more months. Travellers with passports
from some countries (including Australia and New
Zealand) are also required to purchase a 30-day
tourist visa upon arrival, costing US$25 per person.
(There is also a 3 day visa costing US$10 for
people transitting through Indonesia).
These
visas are not extendable. If a longer duration
is required you must organise that through your
nearest Indonesian Embassy prior to travel.
CUSTOMS
-
Like many of it's Asian neighbours, Indonesia
has very strict laws relating to drugs (including
possession for personal use), don't risk it! It
is also illegal to import weapons, TV sets, radio
receivers, fresh fruit, Chinese medicines and
anything remotely pornographic.
CURRENCY
-
The local currency is the Rupiah (Rp) which can
be found in the denominations from 100 to 100.000;
and coins from 25 to 1.000 rupiah denominations.
Due to the favourable exchange rate from Australian
and New Zealand dollars to Rupiah we suggest you
be extremely careful when exchanging money as
you will get a lot of Rupiah notes. As some money
changers are less than honest it is also a good
idea to change an amount that you can easily work
out mentally (such as $100) and count the money
you are given carefully.
Hotel money changers are generally honest but
the rate is not as good as that available "down
the road".
Credit cards are accepted in most retail establishments
and at hotels. In some cases, a service fee is
included when charging a purchase to your card.
However, when travelling to the village, take
Rupiah with you. Keep small change handy when
riding in bemo (public minibus) or buying a drink
at warung.
LANGUAGE
-
The national language is Bahasa Indonesia. English
is spoken by most of the younger people, especially
in hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.
CLOTHING
-
The dress code in Bali is definately casual. Take
light clothes, as the weather is warm-to-hot throughout
the year. There are really only two seasons in
Bali - wet and dry. During the wet season the
rains usually fall in short spells but it is generally
more humid during the day.
Nude
or topless bathing is forbidden.
CUSTOMS
& TRADITIONS -
Shorts, mini-skirts and exposed arms are not allowed
in and around temples. It is a custom to take
off the shoes in temples, on festivals grounds
and in private houses. We strongly recommended
you observe these customs to show your respect
for the religious traditions.
Embracings and intimate touchings are not well
seen in public.
ELECTRICITY
-
220V AC.
