Bali Travel Hints - Bali Holiday Planner

Do's:

• Reconfirm your outbound flight.
• Drink a lot of bottled water as you may dehydrated easily.
• Leave your important documents in your hotel safe and wandering around with the copies.
• Shop around when intending to change money as the rate may vary, check if the commission is added or not.
• Show your respect by wearing sarong when entering temple.
• Change money at a reputable looking location, use your own (or the hotel's) calculator before changing!
• Put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
• Be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
• Try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
• Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, for instance, don't honk!
• Haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods).

Don'ts:

• Stepping on offerings in the street.
• Honking if a caught behind the slow pace of processions.
• Attempt to swim outside designated areas on the beach.
• Deal in or do drugs. The death penalty is await.
• Touch people's heads even children, as it considers offensive.
• Enter temple during menstruation.
• Use your left hand in sacking or handing over something to someone as it is consider impolite. If there is no other option then express your apology.
• Forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID)
• Swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
• Forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!

A WORD OF ADVICE

Attending Ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:
1. Always wear a sarong and sash.
2. Do not walk in front of people praying.
3. Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!
4. Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
5. At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is!
6. Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.

Dangerous Sports
Make sure you have either personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.

Driving
In Bali always expect the unexpected, always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident.

Money Changers
Be careful when changing your money. Always check the exchange rate and commission (if any) the money changer is taking. Remember to count your money before you leave the premises and if you can, bring your own calculator, as the ones used by some places can be "a little inaccurate".

Petty Crime

1.	There have been a few cases of handbags being snatched after tourists have cashed money at Banks or Money Changers! Put your money away in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag tightly!
2.	When changing large amounts of money please check each note carefully as there are a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
3.	When trying on garments do not take your jewellery off and leave it lying round - give it to a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.

Swimming in the Sea
Current underflows can be strong, always swim between the red and yellow flags, don't swim to far out!
Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
P.S. When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received. Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple.

USEFUL INFO

Post Offices

The Region - Phone Codes in Bali

Bus Ticket Information

Stations

Taxi

Police Stations

Public Phone Services