10 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Visiting Bali – from a Local!

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Visiting Bali for the first time? Here’s 10 common mistakes that people make when visiting Bali, and how you can avoid those – brought to you by your friendly Indonesian native!

1. Not bringing a travel card

Most places in Indonesia receive payment by credit/debit cards, which is much more convenient and even more common nowadays after the pandemic. However, a lot of places will charge foreign credit/debit cards, and these fees add up. So, the most logical thing to do is to get a travel card before your trip. I highly suggest getting a Wise card for your trip and make sure you top up the Indonesian Rupiah account (not whatever your home currency is). Then use Indonesian Rupiah to pay, so you avoid the foreign exchange fees. Also, many of the vendors pass the foreign exchange fees to you, so you will also avoid these.

2. Drinking tap water

When visiting Bali, it’s crucial to avoid drinking tap water to prevent potential health issues. The tap water in Bali is not considered safe for consumption due to the risk of bacterial contamination and the presence of parasites. Drinking untreated water can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea, which can quickly put a damper on your vacation. To stay safe and healthy, it’s recommended to stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. It’s not that expensive anyway. Additionally, be cautious when consuming ice cubes or beverages prepared with tap water, as they may also pose a risk. By taking these precautions and opting for safe drinking water alternatives, you can enjoy your time in Bali without worrying about falling ill.

The water may look ok… but don’t drink it!

3. Eating carelessly

Again, another reason for the infamous “Bali Belly”. I think this is quite common sense – but have a look where you are eating your food. Are the food stalls located next to smelly gutter? Is it just a stall next to a busy road? Do the place looks unhygienic in general? Indonesian food safety practices are unfortunately not as high as it is in other countries, so be careful and avoid having food poisoning.

4. Only sticking to Nusa Dua

Bali is such a big place! Most people know Bali for its glorious beaches, which, it is, but there’s so much more than that. If you are overwhelmed about where exactly to go, I highly suggest using guided tours that will provide transportation and local guides in Indonesia. I’m a local Indonesian, and I personally still use these tours, because it’s convenient and good value of money. Here’s some examples of tours in Bali and the surrounding area:

Ubud is an obvious place to go, so consider this all-inclusive tour in Ubud with lunch! [Note: affiliate links]. There are other islands just outside Bali too, for example Nusa Penida where you can snorkel and swim with Manta rays. Perhaps you may want to visit Gili Islands which are phenomenal group of small islands. If you have the money and the time, I highly recommend visiting Komodo Islands!

Taking boat trip in Komodo was truly the highlight of our trip

3. Spending too little time in a place

I get it, your annual leave is limited and your plane ticket is expensive, so you want to visit EVERYTHING. The thing though, make sure that you don’t visit a place just for the sake of visiting it! Soak up all the atmosphere, the beauty, the sounds of bird chirping or waterfalls, and enjoy it. You don’t visit just to get Instagram pictures, do you? Make sure you travel for YOU, not for others!

4. Forgetting about the mosquitoes

As a tropical island, I can 100% confirm that Indonesian mosquitoes are one of the most annoying creatures in this entire world. They are SAVAGE. So, in the rainy seasons, try to have your limbs covered when going out at night or wear mosquito repellant, either in the form of sprays, bracelets, or many other forms. Don’t risk getting malaria or dengue!

5. Only visiting the touristy places

Bali’s popular spots are cool, no doubt, but there’s a whole lot more to this island if you’re willing to stray off the usual tourist paths. Skip the crowds and you’ll find some real treasures: think quiet beaches with crystal-clear water and lush green rice fields that stretch out for miles. Plus, going off the beaten track means you get to mingle with the locals, taste authentic Balinese food, and experience their way of life up close. It’s not just about having a good time either – by exploring beyond the tourist traps, you’re helping support local communities and keeping Bali beautiful for everyone to enjoy. So, next time you’re in Bali, why not ditch the touristy stuff and discover the real magic of the island?

6. Falling for scams

There are many articles covering common scams which will be worth a  read. Don’t take a Taxi you don’t trustn which Grab or official taxi will help with that. Also don’t use unofficial foreign exchange, just use your Wise travel money and get cash from trusted ATM!

7. Careless around monkeys


It’s tempting to get up close and personal with the mischievous monkeys that roam around Bali, but it’s essential not to be careless around them. These furry creatures might seem cute, but they can be quite cunning and even aggressive if provoked. Remember, they’re wild animals, and they won’t hesitate to snatch food or belongings right out of your hands. Moreover, some monkeys in popular tourist areas, like the Ubud Monkey Forest, have become accustomed to humans, which can lead to risky interactions. It’s crucial to keep a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and refrain from feeding them, as this can encourage aggressive behavior. Being respectful and cautious around monkeys ensures both your safety and theirs, allowing everyone to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty without any unexpected monkey business!

Yep, those two. One of their friend took my glasses OFF my face!!!

Not reading Hello Tasia beforehand!

Half joking, and half not 😉 I mean, I’m Indonesian! If it’s your first time, read this ultimate Bali travel guide for first-timers. Don’t spend more on flights than you have to – read this guide, it only takes 5 minutes for me to find a flight to Bali that’s 30% cheaper! Saved me over £300!

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