Visa

US citizens need a visa to enter Bali. A Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs 500,000 IDR (about 30 USD) per person, and there are two ways to get it:

1. At the airport
The visa counter is located before immigration. You can pay with cash, Mastercard, or Visa. Most travelers choose this option, so wait times can vary. This is what Benji usually does.

2. Online (eVOA)
You can apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) before your trip, linked here. There is a dedicated immigration lane for eVOA holders, which can help you get through immigration more quickly.

Customs Declaration

All travelers must complete a customs declaration form before exiting the airport.

You can fill this out online ahead of time, at the earliest 3 days before arrival, linked here.

Alternatively, at the airport you’ll see signs with QR codes and computers near the baggage claim area. You can either scan the QR code on your phone or use one of the computers to complete the form.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code – be sure to save it on your phone and have it ready to show the officer on your way out.

Getting around

Use Grab or Gojek apps. These are the go-to ride-sharing apps in Indonesia, and Uber is not available. You can also use them to order food, drinks, and even groceries.

Use WhatsApp

Most businesses in Bali use WhatsApp for bookings, customer service, and general communication. Having it set up will make things much easier during your stay.

Consider a private driver

If you’re planning to explore Bali before or after the wedding, hiring a private driver is a great option. It may sound fancy, but it’s actually pretty affordable and a convenient way to get around for the day. Try this one‍.

Plan for traffic

Traffic in Bali can be unpredictable (and often worse than Google Maps suggests). We recommend allowing extra travel time, especially when heading to the wedding events.

Canggu and Seminyak
Great for dining, shopping, beach clubs, and nightlife. These areas tend to attract a younger crowd and are lively, busy (lots of traffic), and tourist-friendly.

Uluwatu
Known for its stunning cliffs, sunsets, and ocean views. It’s a beautiful area with plenty of great beach clubs and restaurants, though still quite popular and busy.

Ubud
Lush, green, and more cultural. If you’re looking for rice fields, temples, and a quieter atmosphere, this is a great option, but it’s farther from the main beach areas.

Nusa Dua
Home to many luxury resorts. Great if you’re looking for a quieter, resort-style stay.

Our wedding venue is in Jimbaran, in the South of Bali, close to Uluwatu and Nusa Dua. If you want to stay close to the wedding venue, check out our hotel suggestions here.

Stick to bottled water

Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so always opt for bottled water.

Bring mosquito repellent

You can easily find mosquito lotion or spray, like Autan or Soffell, at most convenience stores and supermarkets.

Watch the spice!

Indonesians love their spice, so be mindful of your spice tolerance when trying local dishes.

IV therapy to the rescue

If you’re feeling under the weather, maybe after a long night or some extra-spicy food, consider booking an IV drip therapy. Many clinics offer in-home appointments, so all you need to do is call. Some popular options are Saline Clinic or The Dose.

If you’re down to try local Balinese cuisine, here are some of the popular dishes:

Babi guling (suckling pig)
This is probably the most iconic Balinese dish. Some popular ones are Bu Dayu Kencani, Pak Malen, Bp. Dobil (our personal favorite!).
Hot tip: we’ll be serving babi guling at the farewell lunch, so you might want to save room for that!

Crispy duck
Another Balinese favorite. Some top places to try it are Bebek Tepi Sawah, Bebek Joni (we loved the Traditional Smoked Duck here), and Bebek Bengil.

Fresh juices
We love the fresh juices in Bali. They hit different! Our favorites are watermelon and fresh orange juice.