Bali Holidays, Planned From Germany

German nationals normally enter Indonesia on a visa on arrival, paid at Ngurah Rai airport or bought online in advance as an e-VOA. It is issued for 30 days and can usually be extended once for a further 30.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the arrival date, and the electronic customs declaration is completed online around landing.

Check the Auswärtiges Amt travel advice for Indonesia before booking anything non-refundable — entry requirements change without much notice.

Bali is priced in Indonesian rupiah and the euro stretches well, particularly on villas, private drivers and spa treatments. Cards are accepted across the tourist south; warungs, markets and drivers are cash-first.

Use ATMs attached to bank branches, always decline the machine's own currency conversion, and check what your bank charges for withdrawals outside the eurozone.

Bali charges a tourist levy on arrival, payable online or at the airport. Hotel rates usually include service and tax; villa quotes sometimes do not.

The EHIC/EU health card is worthless in Indonesia. Take a policy with medical evacuation cover — the flight home under medical supervision is what makes an uninsured claim ruinous.

Read the two-wheeler clause. Most German policies only cover scooter injuries if you hold the appropriate licence and an international driving permit, and were wearing a helmet.

The dry season runs April to October, overlapping the German summer holidays in July and August, when fares and villa rates peak. April, May, September and October offer the best balance.