Health
Regulations
Officially there are no vaccinations required.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended as well as
having a tetanus and polio booster if necessary.
Electricity
220 V AC.
Clothing
During the day it is recommended light cotton
clothes. For mountain excursions you should
take along some warmer clothes
Customs and Traditions
Shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in and
around temples. It is a custom to take off the
shoes in temples, on festival grounds and in
private houses. It is strongly recommend following
these custom to show your respect for the religious
traditions.
You should never touch someone's head (including
children) or point your finger at someone as
this is considered impolite. For the same reason
you should avoid standing with your head above
someone you are talking to. In doubt you should
rather squat or sit. Shaking hands is not customary,
except on farewells or congratulations. Intimate
touches or embraces are absolutely inappropriate.
Nude or topless swimming and sunbathing is forbidden.
If you see Balinese taking a bath in the rivers
along the streets you should discreetly overlook
them and resist the appeal to take pictures.
When handing over or taking something from someone
only the right hand is to be used. The left
hand is considered unclean.
Yet another advice: The Balinese love to bargain.
especially in the markets, it is usual to haggle
over the prices. You can do so, too, but so
as no to be disappointed please inform yourself
in advance about the realistic prices.
Attending Ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasion and should
be treated as such. Religious guidelines : Always
wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front
of people praying. Do not use flash cameras
or push your camera into the priest's face!
Never sit higher than the priests or the offerings.
At cremation, do not get in the way of the attendees
- however important that photographic opportunity
is! Women are not allowed to enter temples during
menstruation.
PS
When attending Special Ceremonies or Anniversary
Celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations
are gratefully received. Your donations will
help in paying for the offerings and upkeep
of the temple.
Car Rental
Indonesia has left-hand traffic. We advise you
not to drive by yourself unless you have already
some experience with the Asian way of driving.
Traffic conditions are completely different
to what you know from home and traffic rules
are not easily comprehensible for a foreigner.
Motorcycles and bicycles without lights are
an additional hazard in the dark. In Bali always
expect the unexpected, always keep your eyes
open and your mind on driving.
It is best to rent a car with local driver or
charter a van (recommended) as this will save
your time and money, then you'll have free worries
on your trip.
Dangerous Sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance
or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.
Drinking Water
Do not drink water from any taps. Bottled mineral
water is highly recommended for your health.
Petty Crime
There have been a few cases of handbags being
snatched after tourists have chased money at
Banks or Money Changers! Put your money away
in your 'bum-bag' or hold onto your handbag
tightly. When changing large amounts of money
please check each note carefully as there are
a number of (noticeably) fake notes in circulation.
When trying on garments do not take your jewelry
off and leave it laying around - give it to
a friend or leave it in the hotel safe.
Swimming in the Sea
Currents / undertows can be strong, always swim
between the red and yellow flags, do not swim
too far out! Do not leave your belongings unattended
on the beach.
Tips for Taking Taxis
in Bali
* It is always best to order a taxi by phone-especially
at night.
* If you must hail a taxi on the street, be
sure that the name of the taxi company is clearly
marked on it.
* Insist on using the meter. Don’t fall
for a driver who bargains or claims that his
meter is broken.
* In the taxi, note the taxi's number and the
driver’s ID. This may come handy if you
want to register a complaint or trace belongings
left behind.
* In places such as Ubud, Sanur and Kuta there
are many people who offer you transportation
services. If you must take any of their services,
make sure you establish the price up front.
* There are licensed taxis at Bali’s airport.
Avoid taking services from ‘’brokers’’
who offer you transportation.
Some taxi companies and their telephone numbers
:
Bali Taxi : 701111
Praja Taxi: 289090
Ngurah Rai Airport Taxi:724724
Pan Wirthi: 723366
Street Vendors
Can be overbearing at times, however they are
trying to make a living .... so, please be understanding
if FIRM. If you would like to lodge a complaint,
please do so by taking down their vendor-card
details and reporting to the nearest Police
Post or Police Station. If you don't want to
be pestered, it is best not to look at the 'wares',
avoid all eye contact. Remember in Indonesia,
if you ask the price, you must want to buy!
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