Before Going to Bali with Kids: A Conscious Guide for an Authentic Trip

Things to Know Before Going to Bali

A Practical (and Spiritual) Guide for Travelers

Bali is a destination that gets under your skin even before you arrive. But to truly enjoy it (and avoid hiccups), there are a few things you should know before going to Bali. This guide explains it all in two parts: a super practical one, with checklists and common mistakes to avoid, and a more spiritual and cultural one, to help you experience the island the right way.

In this article about what to know before going to Bali with kids (or without), we’ll talk about:

Part 1 – Practical things to know before going to Bali
Part 2 – Things to know before going to Bali that you won’t find in guidebooks
Other things to know before going to Bali (but that you definitely should)

Part 1 – Practical things to know before going to Bali

Documents, visas, and bureaucracy: don’t let panic get the best of you

One of the first things to know before going to Bali is the boring—but essential—stuff: documents.

Passport: make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Indonesia.
VOA (Visa on Arrival): you can get it directly at the airport in about 10 minutes or online at the official site immigration.go.id. It costs around 35 USD and is valid for 30 days (you can extend it for another 30 days).
Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD): must be filled out online within the 3 days before your arrival. They’ll ask for it during baggage check.
Health insurance: not mandatory, but highly recommended. Clinics are expensive. If you’re traveling with kids or planning to ride a scooter, don’t leave without it.

👉 Want all the latest details? Check out these articles:

📌 What you really need to enter Bali (without unnecessary panic).

📌 All the visas you might need to travel to Bali: updated 2025 guide for all Bali visas.

SIM card and internet: how to stay connected without spending too much

Another important thing to know before going to Bali is how to handle internet access.

The best solution is to buy a local SIM card (Telkomsel or XL) as soon as you land, or use an eSIM if your phone supports it. For just a few euros, you’ll get fast internet pretty much everywhere. Perfect for:

using Google Maps or Grab (the local Uber)
staying in touch via WhatsApp
booking a driver or a villa on the spot

We personally went with eSIM Bali, which had AMAZING customer service and super competitive prices.

Withdrawals, cash and useful money tips

Most ATMs let you withdraw up to 3,000,000 IDR (about 180 euros) per transaction. Watch out for bank fees!

Other practical money tips you should know before going to Bali:

Don’t bring too much cash with you, but do carry some (some small restaurants or warungs don’t accept cards)
Use only reliable banks like BCA, Mandiri or CIMB
Always keep a 50,000 or 100,000 IDR note in your wallet, in case the police stop you (sometimes they invent fines and want to “settle things quickly”…)

You can pay by card almost everywhere in Bali, but having cash on you is still essential, especially for:

markets
traditional warungs
parking
the police (yep…)

Yes, because it often happens that the police stop you while riding a scooter and invent reasons to fine you. The solution?

👉 Keep 50,000 or 100,000 IDR in your wallet, separate from the rest, and hand it over with a smile. Yes, we know it’s not right—but that’s the reality.

What are the best airlines to fly to Bali?

The big question: flights. Before going to Bali, search on Skyscanner for the best deals. My advice: avoid low-cost airlines like Wizzair—they have lots of layovers (which means extra stress when traveling with kids, and in my case, tons of airport food to buy) and are often canceled last minute or face huge delays.

Here are the best airlines flying to Bali:

Thai Airways: in my opinion the best. It makes a short stopover in Bangkok (a really nice airport), the planes are spacious, and the flight attendants are absolute angels. The only downside: it’s usually more expensive.
Singapore Airlines: the one we used this time. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it even though it’s the cheapest among traditional airlines. The planes are old, the staff isn’t great, and the food is honestly terrible. The pros? It’s the lowest price among regular airlines and includes a checked bag for each passenger at no extra cost.
Etihad: great value for money, but watch out because if you book through Skyscanner, checked luggage often isn’t included (you’ll have to pay around €15 per bag each way). Check carefully whether, after adding baggage costs, the price is still competitive.
Qatar Airways: an excellent airline with mid-range prices.

These details are up-to-date as of May 2025 but can obviously change over time. I always recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner.

Things to know before going to Bali: checklist

✅ Passport valid for at least 6 months
✅ VOA (Visa On Arrival) to be obtained at the airport or online
✅ Customs e-CD form to fill out online within 3 days before arrival
✅ Health insurance (essential, even if not officially required)
✅ Useful apps: SATUSEHAT, Google Maps, Grab for taxis, Gojek for everything else
✅ Withdraw cash upon arrival: max 3,000,000 IDR per transaction (around €180), only from official ATMs
✅ Carry some cash in your wallet for small expenses (and for the police 👮‍♂️)
✅ Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM card (Telkomsel is the best)
✅ Don’t forget your international driver’s license if you plan to drive a scooter

Part 2 – Things you need to know before going to Bali that you won’t find in the guides

This is the part I love sharing the most. Because Bali isn’t just beaches, smoothie bowls, and scooters. It’s a world of its own. And to truly experience it, you need fresh eyes (and respect).

What do you need to drive in Bali?

Among the top things to know before going to Bali is how to survive driving a scooter. Here are a few tips:

✅ You need an international driver’s license

If you want to ride a scooter (like everyone does), you’ll need an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Without it, you might get fined.

The unwritten rules (the most important ones)

You drive on the left (and everyone overtakes on both sides)
Honking is for signaling, not for yelling
Everything moves slowly—embrace the chill pace
Watch out for potholes, dogs in the middle of the road, and sudden ceremonies
Always wear a helmet, even if nobody else does

🛵 Practical guide to riding a scooter in Bali

If you’re thinking of getting around by scooter… welcome to the club!

In Bali, the scooter rules the road, and it’s the easiest, fastest, and most budget-friendly way to explore. But watch out: riding here isn’t like back home.

Here are some unwritten rules you should know before you go:

🛣️ you drive on the left, just like in the UK
📣 honking isn’t rude—it means “I’m coming through, make space!”
➡️ always keep the right side clear: that’s the wild overtaking lane
⛑️ always wear a helmet, even if it’s hot (the police might stop you)
🐕‍🦺 watch out for potholes, stray dogs, roosters, and… random ceremonies in the middle of the road

👉 If you’re not feeling confident, don’t wing it. It’s better to hire a driver for your first few days.

Visiting Balinese temples: spirituality before photos

One of the things you should know before going to Bali is that spirituality is everywhere, especially in the temples.

How to behave in temples

🙏 How to behave in Balinese temples

Bali is a deeply spiritual island. Temples are not tourist attractions, but sacred places, part of daily life for locals. If you visit one (and I really suggest you do), keep in mind a few simple but important rules:

🟣 wear a sarong (you’ll often be offered one at the entrance)
🧣 cover your shoulders and legs
🦶 don’t point your feet toward statues
🚫 don’t enter if you’re on your period (it’s a spiritual taboo here)
🎁 don’t step over offerings placed on the ground
🤫 keep your voice down, always
📵 don’t take photos of people during ceremonies — this isn’t a photoshoot

Fun fact: locals place offerings every day in front of houses, shops, even on scooters. Don’t step on them! Read the full article

🌸 The world of offerings in Bali: discover their love language through spirituality, tradition, and respect

How to get around Bali (without stress)

The scooter is the most convenient way to get around Bali, especially in places like Canggu, Ubud, and the surrounding areas. But it’s not always the right choice.

If you’re not very experienced, it’s better to rent one with a helmet and insurance, and practice in quiet areas first.
For longer trips, like Ubud to Amed, hire a local driver. You’ll find plenty on WhatsApp, Grab, or Gojek.
Forget buses, public transport, or trains. They simply don’t exist.

Eating out in Bali

Bali is an island full of cultural diversity, and you’ll find great food from all over the world—and for every budget.

From luxury restaurants and trendy coffee bars, you can quickly end up in the most authentic warungs, where you’ll eat for just a couple of euros and taste the real flavors of Indonesia (if you’re curious, check out the article What to eat in Bali with kids).

Prices are much lower than in Europe, even in high-end restaurants. However, many places charge crazy prices for drinks—sometimes up to €5 for a small bottle of water. My tip? Buy water in local markets. No one will ever mind, and you can leave a little extra tip (which is much more appreciated).

More things to know before going to Bali (but you really should know them)

Balinese people are super kind but also quite reserved.
A smile goes a long way.
Every home has a temple: respect the silence and offerings, especially in the morning.
Religious ceremonies can block roads and mess with schedules.
Be patient—it’s part of the trip.
Bali isn’t just about the beach: explore the jungle, volcanoes, and inland villages.
Bring a powerbank—between maps and photos, your phone battery will disappear fast.
In Bali, no rushing—neither physically nor in life.
Everything flows slower, and that’s totally fine.
Learn a few words in Bahasa Indonesia, like terima kasih (thank you) or selamat pagi (good morning).
Don’t take photos of offerings or rituals without asking first.
Always smile. In Bali, a smile is the key to everything.
Don’t complain about traffic or roosters crowing at 4 a.m.—it’s all part of the experience.

I hope this guide really cleared up what you need to know before going to Bali, both the practical stuff and the invisible but essential things. Don’t let online scare stories put you off. Go informed, respectful… and be ready to be surprised.

👉 If you want to make your trip even more special, MiniLonely Bali will help you turn every stop into an unforgettable adventure!

MiniLonely Bali

A journey through nasi goreng, temples, and religion, discovering the island of the Gods

Buy it here

Planning a trip to Bali with kids?

From mystical temples to the rice fields of Sidemen, from local markets to beaches: Bali is a family-sized adventure waiting to be explored. I’ve gathered practical tips, authentic stops, and low-budget ideas to discover the island with curious eyes and light backpacks.

And if you want to go even deeper, to find the Real Bali—the one you won’t see in brochures—I recommend Viaggiaibali.com: a complete guide for those who dream of truly living it, with a sustainable and respectful look at local communities.

Read all articles about Bali with kids →
Go to Viaggiaibali.com →