Bali International Airport: Arrival Essentials

Your journey to Bali begins the moment you land, through the series of essential things to complete before heading out the arrival gate. 

This guide will help you with immigration, customs, getting a SIM card and finding a way to your hotel. Whether you have been to Bali before or this is your time, here’s everything you need to know before you get off the plane.

Quick Facts About Bali Airport

It is in Tuban, which's about 15 minutes from Kuta and 30-45 minutes from Ubud, depending on traffic

  • Terminals: There are terminals for domestic and international flights
  • Currency: They use Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)

Visa and Immigration Process

The process of getting into Bali is usually easy. Sometimes the lines can be very long especially when a lot of people are traveling.

Visa-Free Entry

Passport holders from certain countries are allowed to enter Bali without needing a visa, including Visa on Arrival.

Here is a list of countries that can enter Bali visa-free:

  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Cambodia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Timor Leste
  • Vietnam

Currency Exchange and ATMs

Visiting Bali for the time and need a Visa on Arrival? It's easy. You can get it at the airport. Here's what you need to do.

1. Check if You Can Get a Visa on Arrival
Visitors to Indonesia can get a Visa on Arrival if they are citizens of more than 80 countries. This includes citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and all European countries. 

2. Go to the Right Counter at the Airport
When you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport, follow the signs to the Visa on Arrival counter. You need to proceed before you go to immigration.

3. Pay for Your Visa
A Visa on Arrival costs IDR 500,000 which's about USD $35. You can pay with cash or your credit or debit card.

4. Show Your Receipt to Immigration
After you pay, you'll get a receipt. Take this and your passport to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your entry.

5. How Long You Can Stay
With a Visa on Arrival, you can stay in Indonesia for 30 days. If you need more time, you can extend it once for another 30 days. 

e-Visa Option

You can also apply for an e-visa online before you leave your country. This will save you time when you get to the airport. Here’s how to Apply for an e-Visa:

1. Go to the official Indonesian immigration website.
2. Select the type of visa according to your travel purpose.
3. Enter your details and travel information.
4. Attach scanned copies of the required documents.
5. Pay for the application online.
6. Receive your e-visa via email and print it for arrival.

It is recommended to apply for an e-Visa before traveling, making it more convenient for you to arrive in Bali.

Customs Declaration

You’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form. You can do this online before you arrive or you can do it at the airport.

🛂 Tip: Immigration lines can be long. For departure flights, arrive at least 3 hours early.

Baggage Claim and Customs

After you go through immigration you will need to get your bags.

  •  It usually takes around 15-30 minutes to get your bags.
  •  There are screens that show which flight bags are coming out and which belt they are on.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: Up to 1 liter per adult
  • Cigarettes: 200 sticks per adult

Prohibited Items

Some things, like drones, are not allowed unless you have a permit. Always check Indonesian customs regulations in advance.

You’ll pass through either the Green Channel or the Red Channel:

  • If you do not have anything to declare you can go through the Green Channel.
  • If you have things to declare you need to go through the Red Channel.

 If you are not sure, it is better to declare the things you have. If you don’t declare and you get caught, you could get in trouble.

Getting a SIM Card or eSIM

It is essential to get a SIM card or eSIM so you can stay connected and use apps like Grab or Gojek to get around or contacting hotels.

  • You can buy a SIM card at the airport from companies like Telkomsel, XL Axiata or IM3.
  • The cost is around IDR 100,000-250,000 depending on the package you choose.

Tips: Buy your SIM card at the airport so you can use it away to get a taxi or contact your hotel.

Currency Exchange and ATMs

You can exchange your money. Use an ATM at the airport.

  •  The exchange rates at the airport are a little higher than in town.
  •  Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard.
  •  You can only take out Indonesian Rupiah from the ATMs.

Suggestion: Exchange or take out a small amount of money at the airport around IDR 500,000. You can exchange money later in town where the rates are better.

Transport from the Airport

Taxi in bali

It is easy to get from the airport to your hotel. The prices can vary.

OptionSeminyakCangguUbud
Taxi Counter (Fixed Fare)IDR 150K–200KIDR 250K–300KIDR 350K–400K
Grab/GojekIDR 130K–180KIDR 220K–280KIDR 300K–380K
Hotel Pick-UpVariesVariesOften included
Private Driver (Klook, BaliCab)Pre-booked fixed ratePre-bookedPre-booked

Options Explained

  • Taxi Counter: Official airport taxis with fixed pricing. Reliable and simple.
  • Grab/Gojek: Pick-up usually at the Domestic Terminal area. Slightly cheaper.
  • Hotel Pick Up: If you are arriving late at night it is best to have your hotel pick you up.
  • Book a driver: It’s good for families or groups with a lot of luggage.

Important: Always ignore people who approach you in the terminal and offer to take you to your hotel for a price.

Airport Facilities

airport sign
  • The airport in Bali is very nice. Has everything you need.
  • There is Wi-Fi.
  • You can buy SIM cards.
  • There are convenience stores.
  • There are prayer rooms.
  • There are lounges.
  • You can wrap your luggage to protect it.
  • The airport is clean air-conditioned and easy to navigate.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Here are essential things to remember when you arrive in Bali:

  • Make sure you have a printed copy of your hotel reservation.
  • If you have an e-visa, take a screenshot of it.
  • Write down the address of your hotel in English and Indonesian.
  • Bring an amount of Indonesian Rupiah with you.
  • Download the Gojek app on your phone.
  • Light clothing (Bali is humid immediately outside!)

FAQ

Is there Wi-Fi at the airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

Can I use Grab or Gojek from the airport? 

Yes you can. Pick-up areas are designated near the Domestic Terminal.

What documents do I need to get into Bali? 

You need a passport, a visa if you need one, a return ticket and a customs declaration QR code.

Should I exchange my money at the airport? 

It is better to exchange a small amount of money at the airport and then exchange more in towns where the rates are better.

Arriving at Bali International Airport is easy when you know what to expect. With your visa, SIM card and transportation ready you can start your adventure in Bali away. Welcome to Bali, your island adventure starts here. 

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