|
National Language: |
Bahasa Indonesia (English widely spoken) |
|
Population: |
Nationally ~ 245 million (Bali ~ 3 million) |
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Religion: |
Indonesia is 88% Muslim, but it is not an Islamic nation, hence
Sharia law
is not observed. The island of Bali is 95% Hindu. |
|
Etiquette: |
It's impolite to touch locals on the head or to
point the soles of your feet towards them. Never shake hands or pass
or receive objects with the left hand, as it's considered unclean. Don't point with your
index finger. If you must point, use your right hand with your palm facing
upwards. Always be friendly and polite, and avoid aggressive actions
or angry outbursts which can cause people to "lose face".
Read our
tips on tipping. |
|
Time Zone: |
Bali is
GMT +8 hours (Jakarta is GMT +7 hours) |
|
Climate: |
Typically 25-33C (77-93F), high humidity:
more info |
|
Tsunami Warning: |
Information centre ~
subscription service
|
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Health & Medical: |
Bali
International Medical Centre ~
SOS International |
|
Vaccinations: |
Malaria recommended:
more info |
|
Pillbox: |
Bring anti-diarrhea pills (if unaccustomed to spicy food) plus ample quantities of prescription
drugs you might need during your stay. Also bring spare
prescriptions. |
|
Drug Warning: |
The possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs attracts long jail sentences or the death
penalty. |
|
Hydration: |
Required regularly. Tap water is non-potable, so bottled water and/or electrolyte sports drinks
are essential. |
|
Local Currency: |
Rupiah (IDR) |
|
Estimated Exchange Rate: |
USD1=IDR9,000 ~ EUR1=IDR12,500:
more rates |
|
US$ Advisory: |
If you intend bringing US$100 banknotes, ensure that each of them are
current (2007) series. Older banknotes (pre 2003) may be rejected,
due to concerns about counterfeiting. |
|
ATMs: |
Abundant (Cirrus,
Global Access, Maestro, Plus networks) |
|
Credit Cards: |
Amex, Diners, MasterCard, VISA:
surcharges ~
lost cards |
|
Electricity Supply: |
230 Volt, 50MHz (supply interruptions
are rare) |
|
Electric Plug: |
European and British:
view image ~ buy adaptors |
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Telephone Country Code: |
+62 (Bali +62 361 xxx xxxx) |
|
Telephone
Plug: |
US (RJ-11) and Australian:
view image ~ buy adaptors |
|
Cellular
Roaming: |
GSM900 & GSM1800
(3G/2100MHz services also available) |
|
Prepaid Local SIM Cards: |
Abundant:
Excelcom ~
Indosat ~
Telkomsel ~
Three
|
|
Prepaid
Wireless Internet: |
Increasingly available:
Global Xtreme
~
Indosat |
|
Emergency Services: |
Police 110
~ Fire 113 ~ Ambulance 118 |
|
Security & Peace: |
Download some private
thoughts ~
more info |
|
Petty Crime: |
Some non-violent pick-pocketing in crowded shopping areas or bag snatching by motorcycle pillion passengers. |
|
Motor Vehicles: |
Right-Hand Drive (keep
left of centre road divider) |
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Clothing: |
Tropical (light & airy) recommended |
|
Things To Pack: |
Sun block, sunglasses, insect repellant, wide brimmed hat. |
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Visa Information: |
Mostly issued on arrival:
more info |
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Diplomatic: |
Embassies & Consulates |
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News: |
Bali Times ~
Jakarta Post |
|
More Information: |
CIA World Factbook ~
WikiPedia ~
WikiTravel |
|
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