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| Things To Know Before You Go | ||
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Airlines Access Bali’s sole airport is served by 15 international air carriers with Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia providing the highest frequency of service. In addition, there are a large number of Indonesian domestic carriers offering connections to the rest of the Indonesian republic. Most major air carriers are only a short connecting flight away from Bali via major air hubs in Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei and major airports in Australia and Japan. Virtually every major international air carrier either flies to Bali directly or via one of these nearby air hubs. Airport Ngurah Rai International Airport, referred to as “Denpasar” or DPS on air tickets, serves all international and domestic flights. The airport is centrally located in relation to the main tourist areas of the island: 30 minutes to Sanur; 15 minutes to Nusa Dua; an hour to Ubud; 40-50 minutes to Tabanan/Tanah Lot; 20-30 minutes to Kuta. A licensed taxi co-operative operates from the airport with a fixed published tariff (US$2.50-$45.00) to all parts of the island. Those arriving on inclusive tours and group programs are typically met by DMC (Destination Management Company) tour representatives who coordinate transfers. Airport Service Charge Rp 150,000 (the rupiah is the Indonesian currency) per passenger departing on inter-national flights, Rp 40,000 per passenger on domestic flights. ATM Machines Automated Teller Machines (ATM) abound in Bali with many offering international withdrawals on major credit cards. Baby-sitting With advance notice, most hotels can arrange baby-sitting services. Best Buys Woodcarvings, batik cloth, handmade jewelry, handicrafts, garments, innovative fashions, leather clothing, spices, coffee and tea. Business Hours Offices generally follow the 9-to-5 format of the western world. Most government offices, however, are open from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. and visitors should target 8 a.m. to 12 noon for their visits. Government offices are open Monday to Saturday, closing earlier on Friday and Saturday. Communications Email & Internet Internet connections are readily available with many service providers having local dial-up numbers. Internet cafes, charging reasonable rates, are available in all tourist areas of the island. WiFi services are becoming increasingly common in major tourist areas of the Island. Telephone and Facsimile The international dialing code for Indonesia is 62. International roaming facilities can connect cell phone users, except in some of the more remote corners of Bali. Phone cards are available everywhere. Bali’s directory assistance is 108, or call your hotel operator. Hotels and resorts offer international direct dialing (IDD) services. Credit Cards Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and many businesses. Note that while prices are often advertised in U.S. dollars or Indonesian Rupiah, all credit card sales are transacted in Rupiah. As a result, all final charges shown on your monthly statement will reflect inter-bank exchange rates and possibly even a 1-3% surcharge. Customs Weapons, pornography and narcotics are illegal imports. Rupiah currency in excess of Rp5 million cannot be imported or exported without written permission from Bank Indonesia. Visitors may bring in 100 grams of tobacco, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 1 liter of liquor or wine duty free. Clothing Unless your event includes a formal business session or black tie evening, there’s little reason to pack a jacket and tie or formal evening wear. Smart casual attire is suitable for even the island’s most fashionable restaurants and top hotels. Please note that the Balinese typically show regard for each other by dressing neatly. Sarongs and sashes are mandatory when visiting local temples. Your local guide can best advise you in these matters. Consulates The following countries offer consular services in Bali: Australia, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. Dietary Matters Most special dietary requirements can be catered to by giving advance notice to your hotel. Driving Self-drive car and motorcycle rentals are available for those holding an international driving permit, but Bali’s congested and unpredictable roads are not the place to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Also, Bali’s rules of the road can prove frustrating for the uninitiated. Consider hiring vehicles with drivers at very reasonable rates. All major points of interest are within only a few hours drive. Electricity 220 volts at 50 cycles alternating current. Most local electrical outlets utilize a two-pin plug. Pre and Post Programs LOMBOK - The island of Lombok is a 15 minute flight or a two hour ferry ride from Bali. JOGJAKARTA - A 45 minute flight from Bali, the cultural hub of Java’s royal court society with easy access to the fabled Borobudur Buddhist temple. MT. BROMO - The haunting volcanic moonscapes of eastern Java are accessible via Surabaya, a 30 minute flight from Bali. KOMODO NATIONAL PARK - A world heritage site and home to the world’s largest lizard is accessible by charter flight or several days voyage via a number of affordable small passenger yachts based in Bali or in or around the Komodo-Rinca National Park. Foreign Exchange The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah. For best rates and service, exchange foreign currency only at licensed moneychangers or banks. New, uncreased, unstained, un-stapled US$100 bills get the highest rate of exchange. Always insist on a receipt and personally count your money before leaving the counter. Handicapped Facilities Facilities for handicapped travelers, although limited, are available. Check with your DMC or hotel for the availability of transport and rooms configured for handicapped travelers. |
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