Yes, bargaining is common and expected in Bali’s markets, traditional shops, and art stalls, often beginning with a, say, 50% lower offer than the starting price. It is part of the local culture and should be done politely to reach a win-win price. Bargaining is generally not appropriate in malls, restaurants, and, for example, fixed-price boutiques.
Prices for shopping are very affordable, and shoppers usually get a lot for their money. This means that a smart traveler can stock up on goods without breaking the bank. These days, most stores have set prices at a reasonable level, making bargaining unnecessary.
However, a tip of IDR 20,000–50,000 for excellent service is always appreciated. No Service Charge: For independent spas, consider tipping 10-15% of the treatment cost for good service.
The cost of soft drinks in restaurants and cafes typically ranges from IDR 15,000 to IDR 30,000 (approximately $1 to $2 USD) per can or bottle. You can also find them at convenience stores and supermarkets at slightly lower prices.
The "Bali 6-month rule" requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in Indonesia (Bali) to gain entry, a strict rule enforced by airlines and immigration to prevent denials and potential fines. You also need at least two blank pages and a return ticket, with some travelers facing increased scrutiny for potential visa violations, so renewing your passport if it's close to expiring is essential for smooth travel.
As a general guide, you should allocate per couple around $1000 per week for a budget trip, $2000-$3000 per week for an average trip and $5000 and upwards for a luxury stay in Bali.
The best shopping streets in Bali run through the island's most popular resort areas, such as Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, as well as the popular central resort area and cultural destination of Ubud.
While Bali is becoming more digital, especially in areas like Seminyak and Ubud, many small shops, local warungs, markets, and tourist spots still prefer cash. It's smart to bring small notes like Rp10,000 to Rp50,000.
A4: Yes, Bali Airport has several duty-free shops where you can purchase cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and more, with attractive tax-free prices.
It is undeniable that until now there are still some remote areas in Indonesia that practice bartering in transactions, although relatively few people still practice this tradition because in modern times almost all buying and selling transactions are valued in material terms.
In fact, you will see many Balinese wearing red on special occasions and festivals. The only time that it might be inappropriate to wear red is at a funeral or an event with a strict dress code.
The tap water in Bali isn't recommended for drinking, so avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water. That includes steering clear of more than you might think, including ice in drinks, brushing your teeth with tap water, ingesting water in the shower, and food that has been washed in tap water.
Some average prices you might want to know: 🍞 A loaf of bread: 20k IDR ($2 AUD) 🥛 A litre of milk: 25k IDR ($2.50 AUD) 🥚 A carton of eggs: 30k IDR ($3 AUD)
Before going to Bali, know that traffic is heavy, so use ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) or hire drivers; respect local culture by dressing modestly at temples and being careful with offerings; prepare for heat and humidity, but also cooler mountain areas; be wary of "Bali Belly," stick to bottled water, and watch for insects; and remember that while affordable, prices are rising, and cash is essential for smaller vendors.
Bali has "red zones" primarily related to a serious rabies outbreak in 2025, affecting popular areas like South Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Canggu (Mengwi District), requiring caution with stray animals, and also refers to land zoning for public infrastructure (government/roads) vs. commercial development, so "red zones" can mean health risks or land use.
