Practical Information: Denpasar

Communication Essentials

Staying connected in Denpasar is straightforward with local SIMs and widespread Wi-Fi.

Local SIMs & Wi-Fi

Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat Ooredoo are main providers.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants.
Passport is needed for SIM card registration.

Global Connectivity

For immediate connectivity or specialized needs, consider eSIMs or portable Wi-Fi devices.

Options for Travelers

Airalo eSIM provides immediate digital connectivity.
Solis Wi-Fi offers portable hotspots.
4G/LTE coverage is good in Denpasar.

Language & Postal Services

Indonesian is the national language, with English common in tourist areas. Postal services are available.

Communication Tools

Bahasa Indonesia is national language, Balinese is local.
Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Pos Indonesia for mail, international couriers for urgent items.

Helpful Phrases

Essential Indonesian

"Terima kasih" (Thank you).
"Permisi" (Excuse me/Sorry).
"Berapa harganya?" (How much?).

Greetings & Respectful Titles

Common Greetings

"Halo" (formal).
"Om Swastiastu" (Balinese Hindu greeting).
A gentle handshake is common.
Slight bow shows respect to elders/religious figures.

Respectful Addressing

"Pak" for Mr./Sir.
"Ibu" for Ms./Madam.
Using titles shows politeness and is appreciated.
Google Translate app is highly recommended for offline use.

Language Tip

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication generally easy.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operations

Government offices Monday-Friday, 8 AM-4 PM. Banks 8 AM-3 PM.

Retail & Markets

Shops/malls 10 AM-10 PM. Traditional markets open early, close late afternoon.

Dining & Attractions

Restaurants 8 AM-10 PM. Tourist attractions 9 AM-5/6 PM.

Public & Religious Holidays

National and Balinese Hindu holidays may impact business operations.

Dates

National holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas) may see closures.
Galungan and Kuningan (twice every 210 days): Local shops may close.
Nyepi (Day of Silence): Complete island shutdown for 24 hours (airport closes).

Banking & ATMs

ATMs are widespread in Denpasar and popular tourist areas, offering convenient cash access.

Financial Access

Banks generally open Monday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM.
ATMs are available 24/7 in various locations.
Currency exchange counters are also available.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass access to airport lounges.
Comfort and amenities before your flight.
Membership offers perks for frequent travelers.

Flight Compensation

Compensair for delays, cancellations.
Assistance in claiming compensation for disruptions.
Flat commission on successful claims.

Holiday Awareness

Nyepi, the Day of Silence, results in a complete 24-hour island-wide shutdown, including the airport. Plan accordingly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Your awareness of local customs deepens your cultural engagement and contributes positively to your visit.

Appropriate Attire

Modest clothing is appreciated outside beach areas and resorts, especially in public spaces.

Dress Guidelines

Cover shoulders and knees for temple visits.
Sarongs and sashes are typically needed at temples.
Avoid overly revealing outfits in markets or local villages.

Religious Site Conduct

Respectful behavior at sacred sites honors local traditions and beliefs.

Temple Etiquette

Speak softly, avoid loud conversations.
Do not step on offerings (Canang Sari).
Be discreet with photography during ceremonies; no flash.

Dining & Tipping

Always use your right hand when eating or passing items. Tipping is appreciated but not always expected.

Customs for Meals

Use your right hand for all transactions and eating.
Avoid pointing feet at people or sacred items.
Small tips (Rp 5,000-20,000) for good service.

Photography Ethics

Always seek permission before taking photographs of individuals, notably children, and maintain discretion.

Responsible Snapping

Ask for consent before photographing people.
Do not disrupt ceremonies or sacred rituals.
Respect "no photography" signs at sacred sites.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid These Actions

Do not touch anyone's head; it is sacred.
Do not point feet at people or sacred items.
Minimize public displays of affection.

Serious Warnings

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws.
Do not engage with drugs in any capacity.
Avoid political discussions with strangers.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

General Gender Notes

Bali is generally tolerant due to tourism.
Solo female travelers are generally safe.
Dress modestly when visiting non-tourist areas.

LGBTQ+ Community

Homosexuality is not illegal (except Aceh province).
Generally not openly discussed in public.
Public displays of affection are not advised for same-sex couples.

Cultural Courtesy

A smile and a few Indonesian phrases contribute greatly to positive interactions and show respect for local culture.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility infrastructure in Denpasar and much of Bali presents challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Planning ahead is recommended.

Infrastructure Challenges

Denpasar's infrastructure is generally not wheelchair-friendly, posing limitations for mobility-challenged travelers.

Common Obstacles

Sidewalks are often narrow, uneven, or obstructed.
Public transport (buses) are not accessible.
Ramps are uncommon, and major temples have many steps.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some modern facilities are more accommodating, and private transport offers the best mobility.

Easier Options

Modern malls and larger hotels may have ramps and elevators.
Hiring a private driver with a suitable vehicle is the most viable transport.
Newer tourist attractions may be more accessible.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specific services are limited, but English speaking staff can bridge communication gaps.

Support & Aids

Specific services for visual impairments are limited.
Specific services for hearing impairments are limited.
English is spoken in most tourist areas.

Resources & Planning

Specialized travel agencies and online communities offer valuable assistance for accessible travel to Bali.

Seek specialized travel agencies focusing on accessible Indonesia.
Online forums and disability travel blogs share insights.
Tips from other travelers who have visited Bali.

Pre-Trip Advice

Thorough research and contact with accommodation providers ahead of time are highly recommended for travelers with mobility needs.

Practical Information