Logistics
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Bali?
A: Most travelers, including those from the US, UK, Australia, and many other countries, can obtain a visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days. To apply for the visa on arrival, you must have an ordinary passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter and the date you plan to leave Indonesia and a return or onward flight booking to another country.
There is a 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah fee (about $30). Check the latest visa regulations to confirm.
Q: Which airports should I fly into?
A: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali is the main airport.
Alternatively for cheaper fare, you can fly into Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta and take a cheap local flight for about 1-hour to Bali.
Q: Where should I stay in Bali?
A: We have curated a list of recommended hotels here
Q: How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
A: We have created a detailed instructions here
Q: What should I pack?
A: Pack light, breathable clothing for a summer weather, and swimsuit for a dip in the ocean or pool. Wear sunscreen, hats or sunnies to protect yourself from the sun.
Q: Will my mobile phone work in Bali and do I need a local SIM card or an international plan?
A: International roaming is available, but it can be expensive. There are plenty of places to buy a SIM card at Bali Airport. As you leave the luggage claim area at Denpasar Airport and pass through customs, you will find booths from all major telecom providers on the island. They usually offer a special tourist SIM Card deal around $10-$15. Telkomsel is the big provider in Bali- you can preorder a card here. You can also use Klook to buy one for pickup or delivery here. If SIM cards aren’t your thing, pocket WiFi’s are also available at the airport.
Q: What is a typical cost of going to Bali?
A: Flight will be the bulk of the cost of going to Bali, prices for an economy seat typically ranges from $800 - $1600, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to secure the best price. There are all type of accommodations in Bali that fit different budgets and you can get a full meal as low as $3.
Q: What if I can’t afford it?
A: We fully understand if this is a big ask! We can celebrate together another way another time and place.
Wedding Details
Q: When should I fly in?
A: We’ve scheduled the wedding to be in between Juneteenth and July 4th weekend. We recommend, if your schedule allows, to spend at least 1-2 weeks in Bali to have an ample amount of time to adjust over the jetlag. Please note that the time difference is 12 hours ahead of New York.
Q: What is the itinerary?
A: We have detailed the itinerary here, please join our whatsapp group to stay updated should there be changes to the schedule
Q: What is the dress code for the wedding?
A: We have detailed the dress code here
Q: Will transportation be provided to and from the wedding venue?
A: We will be arranging shuttle service from the selected hotel on the day of the wedding, please join our whatsapp group to stay updated with the shuttle schedule.
Q: Do I need to bring a gift?
A: We very much appreciate your attendance at our wedding. However if you’d like to fund our honeymoon / wedding expenses, you can chip in here.
Q: Can I bring a +1?
A: Please contact Jon or Josephine in advance, and note your +1 when you RSVP. We will do our best to make it happen however there is a limited headcount that our venue can accomodate. Thanks for understanding!
Cultural and Local Information
Q: Are there any local customs or traditions I should be aware of?
A: Balinese culture is rich in traditions. The demographic predominantly practice Hindu. Be respectful of local customs, especially in temples. Dress modestly when visiting temples and remove shoes before entering. Do not step on or steal offerings that are often seen around the island.
Q: Do I need to tip at restaurants or other service providers?
A: Tipping in Indonesia is not mandatory, but there is a mandatory government tax of 10% added to the bill in most restaurants and hotels. However, we encourage to tip 5-15% anyway to service employees.
Q: Are there any health precautions I should take (vaccinations, medications, etc.)?
A: No mandatory vaccinations are required, but check with your doctor for any recommended ones like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
Q: Is Bali safe for tourists?
A: Bali is generally safe, but practice usual travel precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and safeguarding personal belongings.
Q: Who do I call and where do I go to if I’m sick?
A: Getting used to the food in Bali can sometimes result in some food poisoning symptoms- if your symptoms do not improve after two or three days, there are many local urgent care clinics to visit like this one in Uluwatu and this one near the airport. There are also many options for a doctor to come to you like this one.
Q: Who do I call and where do I go to if I feel unsafe?
A: You can call the Bali police dept at +62 110, ambulances at +62 118 and +62 115 for search & rescue.
Activities and Sightseeing
Q: What should I do in Bali?
A: We have detailed some suggestions here and we will be organizing some group outings here, please sign up to join
Q: What should I eat in Bali?
A: We have curated a list of restaurants, bars, spas, gyms, and more here
Q: Will you cater to dietary restrictions?
A: Please note your dietary restrictions on the RSVP forms. Bali has a wide array of food offerings for any dietary restrictions, please communicate this to your server.
Practicalities
Q: What is the local currency and exchange rate?
A: The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available. Check here for the latest exchange rate.
Q: Should I bring cash, or are credit cards widely accepted?
A: Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, however we highly recommend to always have cash in hand if you do not have a travel cards, to pay for taxis and to tip service workers.
Q: Do people in Bali speak English?
A: English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Q: Will I need to learn any basic Indonesian phrases?
A: Learning basic Indonesian can be helpful and appreciated.
Terima Kasih - Thank You ∙ Selamat Pagi - Good Morning ∙ Apa Kabar? - How Are You? ∙ Berapa? - How Much? ∙ Permisi - Excuse Me ∙ Selamat Malam - Good Night ∙ Selamat Siang - Good Afternoon ∙ Selamat Sore - Good Evening ∙ Tolong - Please / Help! ∙ Nama Saya (Your Name) - My Name is (Your Name) ∙ Sampai Jumpa - Goodbye ∙ Dimana? - Where? ∙ Bagus - Great / Good ∙ Ini Enak - This is delicious
Special Requests
Q: Are children welcome at the wedding?
A: While we do not recommend children under 12 years old to attend, you are able to bring your children at your own discretion. Please note that there will be presence of alcohol, adult language and loud music. If you decide to bring your children, we will set up an area on site for children and we are happy to suggest babysitter or nanny to be present on site to accompany your children. Here are a couple places you can contact prior to the wedding: Bali Super Nannies and Bali’s Best Babysitting. Please contact Josephine and Jon for more info or questions.
Q: Are there any childcare options or family-friendly activities?
A: Bali offers family-friendly activities like the Bali Safari and Marine Park, Waterbom Bali, and various beach activities. If you need a nanny during your stay, please contact Jon or Josephine for more info.