Pre-flight...
Before your departure, there are a few things that are either required and/or we highly recommend doing and having in order, no matter where you’re based.
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and please check if your passport requires a Visa to enter Indonesia. If so, apply for the e-Visa online for a seamless and quicker immigration process at the airport.
Indonesia now also requires all incoming passengers to fill out an Arrival Card before travelling, which you can easily do online as well.
Download the Gojek and/or Grab app and create an account. Account registration requires a phone number for verification, so setting this up before travel will allow you to create your account.
Be sure to set up the payment method by linking your account to your Mastercard or American Express card to pay for your rides.
One isn’t any better than the other—just a matter of minor price differences and driver availability at busier times of the day.
Purchase and install* an e-Sim. Free wi-fi connections are few and far between—whether it be an e-Sim or physical Sim cards, it will definitely come in handy.
We love using Alosim whenever we travel internationally, but we’ve heard great things about Airalo and Holafly.
* Depending on which e-Sim you decide on, some can activate upon arrival, while some others can activate upon installation. Please be sure to read through the respective instructions.
Exchange $200 or more Canadian dollars to Indonesian rupiah, just so you have cash upon arrival. When and/or if you ever need to exchange more dollars in Bali, please be sure you go to a reputable, licensed and authorised money changer.
Cash is also still heavily used throughout Indonesia, especially in local markets and waroeng-waroeng (street vendors)—so always good to have some on you at all times just in case!