Travel Planning & Preparation

Over more than a decade of welcoming students, interns, and volunteers to Indonesia, we have learned that good preparation makes all the difference. Your internship has been confirmed, your flight is booked, and your documents are ready congratulations! Now comes the next important step: planning and preparing for your stay in Bali, Indonesia. This guide brings together our experience and the little things that first-time visitors often overlook, helping you arrive confident, informed, and ready to begin your journey. Even though Bali is one of the world’s most visited destinations, there are still small insider details that make a big difference. Let us walk you through what to expect, what to pack, and how to enjoy your stay responsibly and comfortably.

Yes, bring your summer clothes! You are heading to the tropics. But before you fill your suitcase with only light dresses and shorts, keep in mind that you are not coming to Bali just for a holiday. You will be joining a professional internship or volunteering placement, where appropriate dress is part of showing respect for your host organization and community.

Dress codes vary by program, so make sure to consult both Bali Internships and your host company before departure. Some placements require office attire or business casual clothing (neat shirts, trousers, dresses, closed shoes), while others, especially outdoor or fieldwork programs may allow more relaxed and functional clothing such as light long pants, breathable shirts, or covered footwear.

Beyond your program clothing, here are a few things to consider when packing:

• Climate & Comfort:
  From July to September, mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially if you ride a scooter. During the rainy season (October to March), long sleeves or light trousers help against mosquitoes and humidity.

• Modesty & Cultural Sensitivity:
  Balinese culture values modesty. When visiting temples or attending ceremonies, shoulders and knees should be covered. A light sarong and scarf are practical to carry at all times.

• Practical Items:

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.

  • Reusable water bottle, sunblock, and mosquito repellent.

  • Comfortable shoes or sandals, and closed footwear for work.

  • International plug adapter and small first-aid kit.

  • Foldable umbrella or rain poncho during the wet season.

  • Laundry is affordable and widely available, so pack light.

• Shopping & Local Finds:
  Bali is home to talented local designers and affordable boutiques, from linen shirts, handmade batik to bikinis. Leave room in your suitcase to bring back a few unique pieces.

What Not to Pack

You can leave behind heavy jackets, winter clothing, or bulky sweaters; they will take up space and never leave your suitcase. Avoid bringing expensive jewelry or unnecessary valuables. Revealing or offensive clothing (especially items with political or provocative symbols) should also be avoided out of respect for local culture. Remember, practicality and cultural awareness will make your stay much easier and more comfortable.

Bali offers every kind of payment option, from traditional cash to the most modern tap-and-pay systems. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants, but it’s still wise to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas or local warungs.

Here’s what you need to know:

Cash

Indonesia’s currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available across Bali, though they can be limited in smaller towns or northern regions. Withdraw cash upon arrival in Denpasar or South Bali, and keep small bills for transport, local markets, or small eateries.

Cards & International Payments

• Visa and Mastercard work in most ATMs and payment terminals, while Maestro cards are not always compatible.

• Before traveling, notify your bank to prevent your card from being blocked due to international transactions.

• Modern travelers often use Wise, Revolut, or Monzo to minimize international fees and manage exchange rates easily.

Contactless & Cashless Payments

Bali is increasingly cashless. Most cafés, convenience stores, and even local restaurants now use QRIS (Quick Response Indonesian Standard) a national QR code payment system. You can scan QRIS using:

• Indonesian e-wallets such as GoPay, OVO, or Dana (easy to top up locally), or

• international wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay if linked to a compatible card.

This QR-based payment system is now accepted nearly everywhere from beach cafés to parking lots making small daily transactions quick and effortless.

A Few Tips

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Double-check ATM machines for tampering before withdrawing.

• Keep an emergency amount of cash (~500,000–1,000,000 IDR) for areas where electronic payments may be unavailable.

• Always ask before paying whether the price includes service charge or tax (10–15% may be added in cafés and restaurants).

The easiest and most flexible way to move around Bali is by scooter but safety comes first.

To drive legally, you must have both:

• A national driver’s license from your home country, and

• An international driving license obtained before departure.

Tips:

• Always wear a helmet, it is required by law.

• Keep a copy of your passport and visa while driving; store the originals safely.

• Expect traffic, especially in South Bali. Drive calmly and defensively.

• If you are not comfortable driving, Grab and Gojek ride-hailing apps are affordable and safe alternatives.

• Scooter rentals start around €60–80 per month, depending on location and condition.

Health care in Bali is accessible, but international health insurance is mandatory for all Bali Internships participants.

Before traveling:

• Ensure your insurance covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation.

• Vaccinations commonly recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, and Rabies.

• Bring any personal medications with a doctor’s note if necessary.

• Tap water is not drinkable, use bottled or filtered water.

• Mosquito repellent is essential, especially during the rainy season.

• Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, the tropical sun is strong year-round.

Depending on your length of stay, our team will assist with the appropriate visa:

• C6 for volunteer placements.

• C22A for internship programs.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, and insurance for easy reference. Read more about entry permit Indonesia.

Staying connected in Bali is easy. Prepaid SIM cards are available at the airport or local stores, Telkomsel and XL are the most reliable networks.

• Data packages start from €5–10 per month.

• Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, cafés, and coworking spaces.

• For communication, WhatsApp is the universal standard in Indonesia make sure your number is active before arrival.

Traveling to Bali is more than just arriving at a beautiful island it is about understanding where you are, how you behave, and how your presence fits within the local rhythm of life.

As a Bali Internships participant, you are not just a visitor. You will live, learn, and work among local communities. Being here responsibly means being aware of your surroundings, respecting the people who host you, and carrying yourself with cultural sensitivity in every situation.

Responsible travel begins with self-responsibility.
Learn the basic customs, know where silence is expected, and dress appropriately in temples, offices, or community spaces. Respect is expressed not only in what you say, but also in how you move, how you speak to elders, how you enter sacred areas, and how you interact in daily life.

Here are some ways to practice responsibility and mindfulness during your stay:

• Support local warungs, family-owned shops, and markets instead of global chains.

• Reduce plastic use bring your own bottle, bag, and reusable utensils.

• Dress appropriately for temples, workplaces, and official settings; always cover shoulders and knees.

• Learn to read local gestures and etiquette when to be quiet, when to smile, when to wait.

• Avoid over-touristic spots and explore less crowded regions to help distribute economic benefits.

• Participate in local events or community activities to better understand everyday life.

• Be responsible for your own awareness know the laws, know the customs, and follow the guidance you receive from our team and your host organization.

Being a responsible traveler means taking part in Bali’s way of life respectfully not as an observer, but as a mindful guest. By doing so, you protect not only the island’s environment and culture, but also your own well-being and sense of belonging during your time here.