Dressing Tips
Dress modestly before entering a temple in Bali. Temple guests are expected to wear shirts that cover shoulders and part of the upper arms. The waist and legs should be covered by a temple scarf (known as a selendang) and a sarong (known locally as kain kamben) respectively.
Smoking is restricted
Don’t smoke in public areas. A “smoke-free” bylaw went into effect across Bali in 2011; smoking is now forbidden in most public areas, including restaurants, hotels, temples, and tourist attractions.
Money and Currency Changing Tips
Try changing your currency at one of Bali’s more reputable banks, or even better, try using their ATMs to withdraw cash directly from your credit card or bank account. Hotel front desks often permit currency exchange, but with lower exchange rates compared to banks and money changers.
Trust only money changers that have been recognized by Bank Indonesia; these establishments advertise their status as Pedagang Valuta Asing Berizin or PVA Berizin (Indonesian for "Authorized Money Changer") with a green PVA Berizin shield where it can be seen by customers.
Transportation Tips
The most honest taxis in Bali are the blue taxis marked "Bali Taxi" (known as Blue Bird Taxis); everybody else is hit or miss. They’re so honest, other taxi operators hate their guts and collude with some hotels to exclude Bluebird taxis from their area. Catch a Bluebird taxi in Bali if you can.
Beach Safety Tips
Look for the red flags. A section of Bali’s beach stretching from Kuta to Canggu is known to have rip tides and undertows. When the local authorities raise these red flags on a beach, do not attempt to swim there, unless you want to end your Bali vacation by being swept out to sea.
Health Tips
Drink a lot of water to avoid getting heatstroke. Don’t get your water from the tap. Bali tap water is often blamed for many a bad case of “Bali belly,” so avoid it entirely. Stick to canned drinks or bottled water.