Practical Basics

Bali runs on 230-volt, 50-hertz electricity with round two-pin sockets of types C and F, the same as most of continental Europe. Travelers from the United Kingdom, North America and Australia will need an adapter, and devices rated only for 110 volts need a converter. The island is on Central Indonesia Time (WITA), UTC+8, one hour ahead of Jakarta and with no daylight saving. Tap water is not drinkable, but refill stations and filtered water are common.

Light, breathable clothing suits the climate, but swimwear belongs at the beach and the pool. Cover up when walking through towns, shopping or eating out, and carry a sarong for temples. Many toilets in tourist areas are Western style, but in rural places you may find squat toilets with a water scoop and no paper, so a small pack of tissues is useful. Shops and cafes open early, and life in villages winds down after dark.

Laundry services charging by the kilo are everywhere and usually return clothes folded the next day. Bali has moved to restrict single-use plastics, including plastic bags in shops, and a 2025 provincial policy targets small single-use plastic water bottles, so bring a reusable bottle and shopping bag. Drone flying is restricted near airports, including much of south Bali close to Ngurah Rai, above 150 meters and over temples or ceremonies without permission.

Indonesia's national public holidays and Bali's own Hindu calendar both affect daily life. Major Balinese festivals such as Galungan and Kuningan, which follow a 210-day cycle, bring ceremonies, decorated bamboo penjor poles and closures of some businesses. On Nyepi the entire island shuts down for a day. Check holiday dates before planning government business, bank visits or long drives, as roads and services can be affected.