1. Visa & Entry Rules

Visa on Arrival (VoA): Most nationalities get 30 days on arrival (extendable once for another 30) for ~IDR 500,000 (~USD 32). Pay in cash or card at airport.

e-VoA / B211A: Apply online before arrival for smoother entry (same price, skip lines). 60-day tourist visa also available.

Visa-Free: ASEAN countries + several others get 30 days free (no extension).

Important: Passport must be valid 6+ months, return/onward ticket required, customs may check proof of funds.

Overstay fine: IDR 1 million per day – avoid at all costs.

2. Scooter Safety & Rental Rules

International Driving Permit (IDP): Required by law for scooter/motorbike rental (even 50cc). Get one before departure.

Helmet mandatory: Both rider & passenger – police fine IDR 250,000 if caught without.

Insurance: Most rentals don’t include full coverage – buy travel insurance that covers scooter accidents (very common).

Best practice: Rent from reputable shops (Kuta, Ubud, Canggu), check brakes/tires, never ride at night in rural areas, avoid carrying large cash.

Popular areas: Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok, Yogyakarta – all scooter-friendly.

3. Eat Like a Local – Street Food & Hygiene

Must-try: Nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, rendang, gado-gado, sate lilit (Bali), ayam betutu, bebek goreng, martabak manis, es campur.

Warungs: Small local eateries – freshest & cheapest (IDR 20,000–40,000 per meal).

Hygiene tip: Choose busy places (high turnover = fresh food), watch food being cooked, avoid ice in drinks unless from sealed bottles.

Spice levels: Say “tidak pedas” (not spicy) or “sedikit pedas” (a little spicy) if sensitive.

Vegetarian: Plenty of options – tempeh, tofu, gado-gado, nasi campur sayur.

4. Money, ATMs & Cash Strategy

Best ATMs: BCA, Mandiri, BRI – lowest fees (~IDR 25,000–50,000 withdrawal fee). Avoid Prima/Cimb Niaga for foreigners.

Daily limit: Usually IDR 2.5–5 million per withdrawal – take max amount each time.

Cash is king: Many warungs, markets, temples, ferries, remote areas don’t accept cards.

Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in tourist areas; use no-foreign-transaction-fee card.

Tipping: Not expected, but IDR 10,000–20,000 appreciated for good service.

5. Respect Temples, Dress Codes & Culture

Sarong + sash: Required at all temples (borrow or buy cheap IDR 50,000–100,000). Shoulders & knees covered.

Behavior: Never step on offerings (canang sari), don’t point feet at people/statues, remove shoes inside temples/homes.

Women: Avoid temples during menstruation (traditional belief) – be discreet if asked.

Greeting: “Terima kasih” (thank you), hands together “salam” or slight bow. “Selamat pagi/siang/sore” for hello.

Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially in traditional attire.

6. Domestic Flights & Ferries – Booking Strategy

Best airlines: Lion Air, Citilink, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia (full-service). Book 2–6 weeks ahead for best prices.

Popular routes: Bali–Yogyakarta, Bali–Labuan Bajo (Komodo), Bali–Lombok, Jakarta–everywhere.

Ferries: Bali to Gili/Lombok (fast boat 1.5–2 hrs), Java to Bali (ferry 4–5 hrs). Book via 12Go.asia or direct.

Delays: Common – build buffer days for connections.

Luggage: Budget airlines 20 kg included – weigh bags at homestays.

7. Beaches, Surf & Marine Safety

Best beaches: Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Nusa Penida (Kelingking), Gili Trawangan, Pink Beach (Komodo), Raja Ampat (advanced).

Riptides: Very common in Bali – swim between red/yellow flags, ask locals, never turn back on ocean.

Surf: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Canggu, Mentawai Islands – respect local lineup rules.

Snorkel/Dive: Gili Islands, Nusa Penida (manta rays), Komodo, Bunaken. Use reef-safe sunscreen.

Monsoon: Nov–Mar wet season – east coast (Lombok, Flores) drier; west (Bali, Java) rainier.

8. SIM Cards, Internet & Apps

Best SIM: Telkomsel (best coverage), XL Axiata, Indosat Ooredoo. Buy at airport or convenience stores (IDR 100,000–250,000 for 30–90 GB).

Registration: Passport required – staff help register.

Wi-Fi: Good in hotels/cafés, patchy in remote areas – get SIM for Google Maps, Gojek, WhatsApp.