Travel essentials

Before you fly to Bali

Sort your visa, arrival card and mobile data in one place. Everything you need to land smooth, informed and connected.

For guidance only. Rules change often โ€” always verify on official government sources before travel.

Step 1

Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Most tourists can enter Bali with a Visa on Arrival โ€” apply online in advance to skip queues.

Cost
IDR 500,000
โ‰ˆ USD $35
Valid for
30 days
Extendable once, +30 days
Passport
6+ months
Valid from arrival date

Who is eligible for VoA?

Citizens of ~90+ countries including the US, UK, EU nations, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore and most of Asia. Check the official list before travel.

One passport-style photo (digital, if applying online)
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation (Gevitys booking works)
Credit/debit card for the fee
Step 2

Indonesia Arrival Card (SATUSEHAT)

Fill this out up to 3 days before travel. After step 4, screenshot the QR code โ€” you'll then be able to apply for your e-VoA.

How to complete it

  1. 1Open the official Indonesia All-in-One arrival card portal.
  2. 2Enter passport details, flight number and arrival date.
  3. 3Declare any goods over customs limits (see below).
  4. 4Save the QR code (screenshot) โ€” you'll show it at the airport.
Good to know
  • It's free. Anyone charging you is a scam site.
  • Fill one card per traveller (including kids).
  • Valid up to 3 days before arrival.

Complete the arrival card first, then apply for your e-VoA.

Step 3

Stay connected โ€” eSIM & SIM

Set up mobile data before you land. eSIMs activate instantly; physical SIMs are cheaper for longer trips.

Recommended eSIMs

Airalo
Best all-rounder
Cheapest for light users
7 days
1 GB
~$4.50
15 days
3 GB
~$8.50
30 days
10 GB
~$18
Buy Airalo eSIM
Holafly
Truly unlimited
Best for heavy data users
7 days
Unlimited
~$27
15 days
Unlimited
~$47
30 days
Unlimited
~$64
Buy Holafly eSIM
Nomad
Great value mid-range
Best value overall
7 days
3 GB
~$8
15 days
10 GB
~$18
30 days
20 GB
~$29
Buy Nomad eSIM
GigSky
Reliable for iPhones
Trusted Apple integration
7 days
1 GB
~$10
15 days
5 GB
~$30
30 days
10 GB
~$50
Buy GigSky eSIM

Physical SIM cards

ProviderCoverageAirport priceOutside priceBest for
TelkomselExcellent (nationwide, best in remote areas)~Rp 300k for 20 GB / 30 days~Rp 150k for 25 GB / 30 days
Best for coverage & speed
XL AxiataVery good in tourist areas~Rp 200k for 20 GB / 30 days~Rp 100k for 30 GB / 30 days
Best mid-range value
Tri (3)Good in South Bali & Ubud~Rp 150k for 15 GB / 30 days~Rp 75k for 25 GB / 30 days
Cheapest option

Tip: airport counters cost 2โ€“3ร— more than shops in Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud. Buy an eSIM for day one, then swap to a physical SIM if you're staying > 2 weeks.

Step 4

Customs โ€” what you can & can't bring

Indonesia has strict rules. Declare anything above the limit on your arrival card.

Allowed (personal use)

  • โ€ข Up to 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars
  • โ€ข 1 litre of alcohol
  • โ€ข Personal electronics (laptop, camera, drone*)
  • โ€ข USD 500 worth of goods per person

*Drones may require a permit for commercial use.

Prohibited / restricted

  • โ€ข Any illegal drugs โ€” extremely strict penalties
  • โ€ข Weapons, ammunition, fireworks
  • โ€ข Pornographic material
  • โ€ข Unlicensed medications (bring prescriptions)
  • โ€ข More than IDR 100 million in cash (must declare)

Indonesia enforces the death penalty for serious drug offences. Never carry packages for others.

Step 5

Money, ATMs & exchange

The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, cash is king in villages.

ATMs

Use bank-branded ATMs (BCA, Mandiri, BNI). Withdrawal limit is usually Rp 2.5โ€“3M per transaction. Watch for skimmers on standalone ATMs.

Exchange

Use authorised money changers (look for "PT Central Kuta" or "BMC"). Avoid tiny shops advertising very high rates.

Cards

Visa/Mastercard accepted at most restaurants, villas and shops. Notify your bank of travel; use Wise/Revolut for best FX.

Entry requirements โ€” quick summary

Passport valid 6+ months from arrival
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation
Visa on Arrival (or e-VoA online)
Indonesia arrival card + customs declaration
Travel insurance (recommended)