Don’t forget shorts and a T-shirt
Nowadays, Bali is at a good level with its facilities. However, remember that you are in the tropics and even in Bali there will be areas where certain services or standards you would expect are not commonplace.
- Electricity – the standard voltage in Indonesia is 240 V, sockets are the same as in Slovakia.
- Water – tap water is not drinkable, drink bottled water or water from gallons.
- Internet – Internet is everywhere but slow, buy a local SIM card for fast internet.
Electricity and water
Electricity – standard voltage in Indonesia is 240V (alternating) and frequency 50Hz. Sockets are the same as in Slovakia, requiring two or three pins. There are occasional power outages in Indonesia. Some hostels have weak fuses and when you plug in several appliances you can blow them out suddenly (very cheap hostels)
Water – tap water is NOT drinkable. You can buy drinking (bottled) water in every store. Some hotels have both cold and hot water, but the standard in cheap hostels is only cold water. CK Go2 Indonesia offers accommodation only in hotels with hot water. The exception is accommodation on other islands and in remote areas such as accommodation in the forest with orangutans in Sumatra.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be bought in supermarkets or restaurants, but be aware that it is very expensive. The most popular alcohol is the local Bintang beer. In Bali, you will also come across the local brandy Arak, made from rice. You can get any kind of alcohol in Bali and larger Indonesian cities, but expect a higher price than in the Slovak Republic. You can bring 1 liter of 40% alcohol into Indonesia. There are occasional spot checks at airports.
- BINTANG BEER – 1.5 EUR
- HATTEN WINE (NOT DRINKING) – EUR 5/GLASS
- HATTEN AUSTRALIAN WINE – EUR 6/GLASS
- LOCAL ARAK BRAND – PRICE NOT INCLUDED, BE CAREFUL
- COCKTAIL – EUR 6.5, SOMETIMES WITH THE USE OF LOCAL SPIRITS
The Internet
Internet is often available free of charge in hotels. In all major cities you will find Internet cafes that often offer CD burning. Do not expect miraculous speed, outside of Bali the internet is significantly slower.
OUR TIP
Buy a phone card, for example Simpati operator. I offer a 4G network internet package, it works in most areas in Bali.
Calling
We recommend purchasing a SIM card from any Indonesian operator. The country has a developed network of several mobile operators (Telkomsel, Satelindo, Excelcomindo, Indosat, Simpati, etc.) operating on GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies, where international roaming works without problems, only the Vodafone network works more problematically.
Tobacco and cigarettes
Tobacco and cigarettes are very cheap in Indonesia. If you are an avid smoker, you should try clove cigarettes.
Sun protection, seasickness
Tanning – Bali is located near the equator. The sun is much stronger here than in Europe. Protect yourself with at least factor 30+ and higher, apply several times a day.
Additional protection – wear a head covering and follow the drinking regime, min. 3 liters of liquid per day.
Seasickness – use ginger pills or anti-nausea pills on ships.
