Bali travel tips for Indian travellers

Travel insurance. Worth taking out before you leave India, covering medical treatment, evacuation and trip cancellation. Public healthcare in Bali is limited, and private hospital treatment for tourists can be expensive without cover.

Water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth. Most hotels and villas provide free refillable water stations, which also cuts down on plastic waste.

Food. Street food (warungs) is generally safe and a highlight of any Bali trip, but as with any travel, ease into it gradually and choose busy stalls with high turnover.

Sun. The equatorial sun is stronger than it looks, even under cloud cover. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated matter more than most first-time visitors expect.

Cash. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but carrying some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is useful for warungs, markets and scooter parking. ATMs are common, though check your Indian bank's foreign transaction and withdrawal fees before you go.

Connectivity. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and easy to set up on arrival at the airport, and generally more reliable than relying on hotel wifi throughout the trip.

Registration and advisories. Check the Ministry of External Affairs' current travel advisory for Indonesia before departure, and keep the Indian Consulate in Bali/Denpasar's contact details saved in case of an emergency.

Respect local rules. Indonesia enforces strict laws around drugs, with severe penalties including long prison sentences, and expects visitors to dress and behave respectfully at temples. It's worth reading up on local customs before you go.