We have helped hundreds of Norwegians plan their dream trip to Bali. And one question always comes up when they return home: "Why did no one tell us this?"
Here are the ten things we wish everyone knew — before they packed their bags.
Do you want help planning a Bali trip that actually works?
Get free travel proposal →
1. Download Grab and GoJek — and add your card to the app
Forget everything you've heard about negotiating with taxi drivers. Download Grab and GoJek before you land in Bali. They are Southeast Asia's answer to Uber — you see the price in advance, you pay what's listed, and you avoid the classic airport discussion.
The most important thing to do: add your payment card to the app at home. That way, you pay directly in the app and avoid handling cash at every stop. Both apps work everywhere in Bali, are cheap, and the drivers are generally polite and reliable.
2. Scooters require an international driver's license with Class A
Scooter riding in Bali is tempting. It looks free and authentic. But Bali's traffic is chaotic, the roads are uneven, and hospitals see most accidents among inexperienced tourists.
A Norwegian driver's license is not valid for scooters in Bali. Most scooters are 150CC or higher, and that requires an international driver's license with Class A. Without it, you are driving illegally — and your insurance probably won't cover you in case of an accident.
Do you ride a lot of motorcycles at home and have Class A? Then Bali is unproblematic. Have you never ridden? Then Grab and GoJek are your best friends.
3. Bali is big — choose the right base
Many people think Bali is a small island that can be easily explored on your own. But the drive from Ubud to Seminyak often takes an hour and a half to two hours — and that's a lot of daily traffic. Plan your trip by zones:
Ubud — nature, culture, rice fields, temples
Seminyak / Canggu — trendy restaurants, surf culture, nightlife
Uluwatu — cliffs, world-class surfing, sunset
Sanur — quiet, family-friendly, good base for boat to the islands
Nusa Penida — perfect as a day trip from Sanur
Gili Islands — overnight trip, not a day trip — allow at least two nights
Don't try to cover everything. That will give you two hours in the car for each stop.
4. Arrange your papers before you land — save time in line
EVOA (Electronic Visa On Arrival) — apply and pay in advance at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. It costs the same as at the airport, but you can scan your passport at the autogate machine and go straight through without queuing.
Tourist tax — Bali has introduced a tourist tax of 150,000 IDR (approx. 90 NOK). Pay in advance at lovebali.baliprov.go.id and show the QR code upon arrival.
Customs declaration — fill out the digital customs declaration at ecd.beacukai.go.id in advance. With all three ready on your phone, arrival will be much faster.
5. Buy eSIM at home — don't rely on airport WiFi
International roaming is expensive, and free WiFi in Bali is unpredictable. The simple solution is to buy an eSIM at home before departure. Find one with enough GB for your entire stay — typically 10–15 GB is sufficient for a two-week trip with normal use.
Providers like Airalo, Holafly, and eSIM.me sell eSIM for Indonesia at a fraction of the roaming price. You activate it on your phone before boarding and are online as soon as you land.
Check that your phone supports eSIM — most newer models do.
6. Never drink tap water
This is the golden rule in Bali: always bottled water. This also applies to ice cubes in restaurants — make sure they are made from purified water. Brushing your teeth with tap water is usually unproblematic for most, but if you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water for that too.
7. Bali belly is real — prepare well
Many Norwegians experience stomach problems in the first few days. This is called "Bali belly" and is most often caused by bacteria in food or water that the body is not used to. Always pack rehydration salts, Imodium, and probiotics (preferably take them in the days before departure).
The best thing you can do: talk to your doctor about the oral vaccine (Dukoral) at least two weeks before departure. It protects against E. coli and cholera-like bacteria — the most common culprits behind Bali belly.
8. Temples require a sarong — but they'll gladly lend you one
Bali is a deeply religious island. When visiting temples, you must wear a sarong around your waist. The good news: almost all temples lend out sarongs at the entrance, for free or for a small fee. Also remember that sitting on temple walls, climbing statues, or behaving irreverently is considered very disrespectful in Bali.
9. Negotiation is culture — but don't overdo it
At the market in Ubud, with street vendors, and in many shops, the price is a starting point for discussion. It is expected that you negotiate. Start at about half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
But: do not negotiate in restaurants, in Grab/GoJek cars, or in places with clear price lists. And do not haggle for something you don't intend to buy — that is considered rude.
10. Book popular activities in advance
Sunrise at Mount Batur, snorkeling at Nusa Penida, silver jewelry making class in Ubud — the most popular experiences fill up quickly, especially during high season. Don't wait until you're in Bali to book. Some activities sell out weeks in advance — and the cheapest spots always go first.
We are happy to help you put together a program and book activities as part of your travel package.
See our activities in Bali →
Bonus: It rains — and that's not necessarily a problem
The rainy season in Bali roughly lasts from November to March. But "rainy season" doesn't mean it rains all day. Typically, there are short, intense downpours — often in the afternoon — and clear weather for the rest of the day.
High season (July–August) is drier, but also more expensive and crowded. Shoulder season (April–June and September–October) gives you the best of both worlds: decent prices, fewer crowds, and generally good weather.
Ready for your Bali trip? We respond within 24 hours — no obligation.
Send travel inquiry →