Bali (Canggu) Acclimation Playbook
8 steps to get settled | 0 of 8 complete
🇮🇩Indonesia GuidePre-Arrival
Visas, phone registration, and everything to sort before you fly
Visa options for digital nomads
US passport holders can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for IDR 500,000 (~$35 USD), valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days (60 days max). Your passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond arrival with 2+ blank pages. You can apply for an e-VoA online before travel or get a paper VoA at Ngurah Rai Airport. For longer stays, the B211A visa is the best option for digital nomads — it gives 60 days initially, extendable up to 180 days with three 60-day extensions. Cost is approximately $205 USD (including $150 visa fee plus agency/sponsor fees of $100-200). You must apply BEFORE entering Indonesia through an authorized sponsor/agent, and you need proof of funds (~$2,000). The B211A is single-entry — if you leave Indonesia, you need to reapply. The official E33G Digital Nomad Visa exists but is only available to remote workers employed by companies outside Indonesia, not freelancers or self-employed.
IMEI phone registration — do NOT skip this
ALL foreign mobile devices must be IMEI-registered or your local SIM will not work and your phone WILL be blocked from Indonesian networks. If staying under 90 days, you can purchase a local eSIM or SIM card that includes temporary IMEI registration (30 days). If staying over 90 days, you must register at the Customs (Bea Cukai) desk at the airport immediately upon arrival — this is your 'golden window' and is the easiest time to do it. Registration is FREE for devices valued under $500 USD. Devices over $500 face a 40% tax on the value exceeding $500. Maximum 2 devices per passenger.
Pay the Bali Tourism Levy
All international visitors must pay a one-time tourism levy of IDR 150,000 (~$10 USD) per person per entry, regardless of length of stay. This applies to everyone including infants. Pay online before travel at lovebali.baliprov.go.id or at airport counters on arrival (cashless only). The levy has been in effect since February 14, 2024, and funds preservation of Balinese culture and the natural environment.
Get a SIM card or eSIM sorted
Telkomsel has the best 4G/5G network coverage in Indonesia. A tourist SIM offers 25 GB data plus 25 minutes of calls for IDR 150,000 (~$9.50) with 30-day validity. eSIM options start from ~$5.50 for 1 GB, with Jetpac offering 20 GB for $21 USD (best value). Telkomsel eSIMs are available from ~$12.86 for up to 87 GB via Balisim. You can buy eSIMs online before travel or pick up a physical SIM at airport kiosks (slightly more expensive but convenient) or Telkomsel/XL stores in town. XL Axiata is more affordable with generous data but has slightly weaker coverage in remote areas.
Airalo
eSIM for 190+ countries
Pack for tropical climate
Bali is tropical year-round with temperatures of 20-32°C (68-90°F) and humidity consistently above 75%. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Dry season (May-October) is the best time to visit. Wet season (November-April) brings heavy afternoon downpours but mornings are usually clear. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended — the equatorial sun is intense), DEET 20%+ mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a light rain jacket if visiting during wet season. Imported sunscreen is expensive in Bali, so bring it from home. Power adapters: Indonesia uses 220V with Type C and F plugs (European 2-pin round). US visitors need a plug adapter.
Arrange travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential in Bali. Make absolutely sure your policy covers scooter/motorbike accidents — this is the number one injury risk for foreigners and many basic travel insurance policies exclude motorbike injuries unless you have a valid International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement. SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Genki are popular among nomads. Some visa types require proof of valid health insurance as part of the application.
World Nomads
Adventure travel insurance
Complete the digital arrival declaration
As of October 2025, all arrivals at Bali and other Indonesian airports must complete the 'All Indonesia' digital arrival card. This is a mandatory digital declaration that should be completed before or upon arrival.