Landing in a new country with kids can feel overwhelming — the heat, the queues, the paperwork, the are-we-there-yet energy. But Bali doesn’t have to feel that way.
With a little preparation, our arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) was one of the smoothest international entries we’ve experienced — calm, quick, and surprisingly stress-free.
Below, I’m sharing exactly what we did — and what I recommend — so you can land in Bali feeling organised, relaxed, and ready to ease into holiday mode.
Read This Your Way
(Best enjoyed in order — but jump to what you need)
Before You Fly: Do These 3 Things
1. Apply for Your e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA)
This one’s the big ticket item. You absolutely want to sort your visa before you land. It’s the same Visa on Arrival (VoA) you could get at the counter in Bali, but the e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA) lets you pay and submit everything online so you don’t waste time queuing after a long flight.
Most Australians pay about IDR 500,000, which works out to roughly AUD ≈ 50 per person (plus a small processing fee if you apply online) — and this gives you a 30-day stay that you can extend once if you decide to linger a little longer.
👉 Official site: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
Honestly, doing this at home with a coffee in hand meant zero stress after landing — and we waltzed straight toward immigration with our papers done.
2. Pay the Bali Tourist Levy
Okay, this one’s new — so don’t be surprised when you see it.
Bali now charges an arrival tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person, which is about AUD ≈ 15. This is a separate fee from your visa and is meant to help preserve Bali’s culture and environment.
You can pay this online before you go, which is what I recommend — that way, you don’t have to hunt for payment counters after a long flight.
⚠️ A Quick Heads-Up About Tourist Tax Scams
There are unofficial sites out there that charge way more, so stick to the official payment link (often through the Love Bali provincial portal) or you can pay it at the airport if the website isn’t working.
Treat it like your little contribution to keep the beaches clean and the temples beautiful — it’s a tiny price for peace of mind.
👉 Pay for tourist levy here (I used the Love Bali link)
3. Complete the Arrival Form
This is the newer bit of bureaucracy that can actually save you a lot of time if you get it done before you fly.
Instead of filling out separate health, customs, and quarantine forms, Indonesia now uses a unified “All Indonesia” Arrival Declaration Form that combines everything into one digital document.
You fill in your:
- name, passport and DOB,
- travel itinerary,
- arrival and departure details,
- accommodation information.
Submit it before you take off — you’ll get a QR code on your phone or email, and it’s so much faster at the airport than filling it out on the spot.
👉 Official site: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
Doing all three before we boarded the plane meant we cleared immigration in about 10 minutes flat. No stress, no chaos, just more time to sip a coconut on the beach.
Luggage, however, decided to test our patience.
Packing Tips for the Flight & Arrival
The flight to Bali is long, exciting, and slightly chaotic — especially with kids. These small packing choices made a huge difference for us in those first few hours after landing.
Dress Smart for Landing (Not Just Take-Off)
Layer clothes or pack light, warm-weather outfits in your carry-on.
Airplanes are cold, so jumpers make sense — until you land in Bali’s tropical humidity and you’re standing at baggage claim wondering why everyone is suddenly sweating and cranky.
💡 Think:
- T-shirt or breathable dress
- Easy change that takes 30 seconds
- Shoes you can slip on and off
Always Carry Snacks (Trust Me)
Carry snacks. More than you think you’ll need.
Luggage delays + jet lag + hungry kids = guaranteed meltdowns.
Airport food queues can be long, and not every child wants “mystery pastry number four.”
Pack:
- Familiar snacks
- Something filling
- One “emergency favourite” you hope you won’t need (you will)
This one tip alone saved us more than once.
Pre-Order Kids’ Meals on the Flight
If you’re travelling with kids, pre-ordering kids’ meals is worth it.
They’re served earlier, usually simpler, and you’re not negotiating dinner choices at 35,000 feet while everyone’s tired. Happy kids = smoother flight = calmer arrival.
Small thing. Big win.
Final Sidvice:
Use your card where you can.
Carry cash for the rest.
And trust registered money exchangers — not the guy promising miracles on a signboard.
Your holiday budget (and sanity) will thank you.
👉 For everything else — outfits, toiletries, kids’ essentials, and Bali-specific must-packs — read my full guide here: Complete Bali Packing Guide →
Airport Transfers
Pre-Book It
We pre-booked our airport transfer through Klook, and paid $22 AUD for a large van, which comfortably fit our group of five (and all our bags, moods, and snacks). I highly recommend doing the same.
Why I’ll always pre-book transfers with kids:
- Cheaper than on-the-spot taxis
- Driver
was waiting at pickup - Air-conditioned, hassle-free, no negotiations
Klook also has a small airport lounge, where you can grab a quick drink or snack while waiting — bean bags included for travellers who have been awake since yesterday.
Our Bali Driver (If You Prefer Direct Booking)
If you’re staying longer in Bali or want a reliable local driver for airport transfers, day trips, or sightseeing, we had a great experience with our driver and would happily use him again.
📱 Bali Driver Contact:
Name: Ismail
WhatsApp: +62 857-9809-2077
He was:
- Punctual
- Reasonable
- Calm and patient with kids
- Helpful without being pushy
- Great for families who want an easy, flexible experience
(As always, message on WhatsApp and confirm prices beforehand.)
SIM Cards, eSIMs & Internet in Bali
Sort This Early
Internet in Bali isn’t a luxury — it’s how everything works.
Your driver will message you on WhatsApp.
Grab and Gojek need data.
Google Maps will save you from arguing about directions in the heat.
What works best:
-
eSIM (before you fly):
If your phone supports eSIM, this is honestly the least stressful option.
You buy it online before you travel, install it at home, and land in Bali already connected — no airport queues, no setup counters, no negotiating plans while tired.
I recommend booking your Bali eSIM through Klook.
They’re reliable, easy to use, and clearly explain coverage and validity. -
Airport SIM:
Slightly more expensive, but very convenient. Staff set it up for you, and you walk out online.
💡 Sidvice:
- Make sure WhatsApp is installed and working — it’s Bali’s main communication tool.
- If travelling with kids, hotspot from one phone instead of buying multiple SIMs.
- Avoid roaming unless your plan specifically covers Indonesia — surprise bills are not holiday souvenirs.
Money in Bali
Let’s talk money, because Bali is one of those places where it’s very easy to get confused — not because it’s expensive, but because the numbers look wild.
When a coffee costs 50,000 and a massage is 250,000, your brain needs a moment. Mine certainly did.
Cards vs Cash (What Actually Works)
Good news first: Bali is mostly card-friendly now.
Cafés, restaurants, beach clubs, supermarkets, spas — most places happily accept cards.
Travel cards are your best friend here because:
- You don’t have to constantly convert currency in your head
- Exchange rates are fair
- Fees are lower than regular debit or credit cards
Good travel card options: (both can be purchased in Australia)
- Wise Travel Money Card
- Australia Post Travel Card (I used this card and most of the time the exchange rate was competitive)
I used cards for about 80–90% of our spending and saved cash for markets, tips, and smaller shops.
Cash Is Still Useful — Just Be Smart About It
You will need some cash in Bali — especially for: Local markets, Small warungs, Drivers and guides, Temple donations
Always exchange money at registered money exchange counters.
They’re clearly marked and transparent.
Yes, unregistered places may wave a “better rate” sign at you.
And yes — they will always trick you.
I’ve tried it. I’ve tested it.
I’ve watched notes magically disappear mid-count.
Never again.
💡 Sid rule:
If the rate looks too good to be true, it absolutely is.
Bali Money Mindset (This Helps)
AUD 1 ≈ INR 10,000
Here’s a little trick that kept me sane: Drop the last four zeros to estimate value
- 50,000 ≈ $5
- 100,000 ≈ $10
- 250,000 ≈ $25
It’s not exact, but it’s close enough to help you decide yes or maybe later.
ATMs & Withdrawals
ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, but:
- Use machines attached to banks or inside malls
- Avoid street ATMs late at night
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fees
And always shield your keypad — Bali is beautiful, but basic travel sense still applies.
Final Sidvice:
Use your card where you can.
Carry cash for the rest.
And trust registered money exchangers — not the guy promising miracles on a signboard.
Your holiday budget (and sanity) will thank you.
Health, Insurance
and “Just in Case” Tips
This isn’t the scary part — it’s the sensible part.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable
Even if you’re just “resorting and relaxing.”
Flights get delayed. Bags get lost. Kids get random fevers at the worst possible time.
Make sure your policy covers:
- Medical care
- Activities (ATVs, water sports, etc.)
- Children (double check this)
Health basics that help
-
- Pack hand sanitiser and wipes (especially for little hands)
- Use bottled water for brushing teeth if you’re sensitive
- Sunscreen
- Keep mosquito spray handy. Bali mosquitoes are persistent, especially:
- At sunrise and sunset
- Near pools, gardens, and rice fields
-
In Ubud and lush areas
Pack proper mosquito repellent, not just a mild “summer spray.”
Pharmacies in Bali
Pharmacies are easy to find in tourist areas and staff are generally helpful. Still, carry:
- Any prescription meds
- Kids’ basics (panadol, allergy meds)
- Rehydration salts — lifesavers after travel days
Before You Go to Bali
sid’s Checklist
📌 Save this for later
Do these before you fly so airport-you can stay calm and smug:
☐ Apply for your e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA)
💰 IDR 500,000 (≈ AUD $50) per person
🔗 https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
(Do this at home — future you will thank you.)
☐ Pay the Bali Tourist Levy
💰 IDR 150,000 (≈ AUD $15) per person
(Mandatory and separate from your visa.)
☐ Complete the Indonesia Arrival Form
🔗 https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
📱 Save the QR code on your phone
☐ Check passport validity
🛂 Must be valid for at least 6 months
☐ Travel with a travel-friendly card
Most places in Bali accept cards now — cafes, restaurants, spas, even many taxis.
Using a travel card saves you from constantly converting currency in your head.
☐ Carry some cash — but exchange wisely ⚠️
Only exchange money at registered money exchange counters.
☐ Save copies of travel documents
📂 Passport, visa, hotel booking, insurance
(Screenshots work when Wi-Fi doesn’t.)
☐ Download Grab or Gojek
🚗 Local ride apps — cheaper and easier than taxis
☐ Pack smart basics
🧴 sunscreen
🦟 Mosquito spray
🩴 Sarong (temples + beach + emergency towel)
Screenshot or save this checklist — it’s designed for travel day.
Final Thoughts
Bali doesn’t need perfect planning — it just needs a little preparation in the right places. Sorting your paperwork before you fly, packing smart for arrival day, pre-booking transfers, and knowing how money and internet work removes the stress from the very start. When those basics are taken care of, you’re free to do what Bali does best: slow down, breathe, and settle into holiday mode. A calm arrival sets the tone for the days that follow — and that’s when the magic really begins.
Where to Next?
Once you’ve landed, unpacked, and taken a deep breath, Bali opens up in the most beautiful ways — and where you stay really shapes your experience.
If you’re wondering what each area feels like, I’ve shared our honest, family-friendly experiences here:
-
Kuta — great for an easy first stop, beach walks, and lively energy
-
Ubud — adventures, jungle drives, waterfalls, rice terraces, and that slightly wild Bali magic
-
Nusa Dua — calm, polished, and perfect if relaxation is the goal
Wherever you choose, Bali has a way of meeting you exactly where you are — sometimes with a coconut in hand.
Tell me — what’s the one thing you always do before a big trip?
Share your thoughts and story in the comments or tag me on Instagram @eatplaytravelwithsid.
