Bali Travel Guide

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is Indonesia Rupiah indicated as IDR.
USD1 is roughly equivalent to IDR 9.980,-.
Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

POST OFFICE
Open from 8.00am to 4.00pm daily except Sundays and public holidays.
Post offices are closed and public holidays.

TIME
Seven hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

ELECRTRICITY
Voltage is 220 – 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Voltage 110 – 130 volts AC are still use.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURE
Indonesia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

TELEPHONES
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telcom offices.

Tropical Health
DEHYDRATION & SUNBURN - The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveller. Drink plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss.

MOSQUITOES - To repel mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods, apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or clothing.

Do's and Don'ts
When visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows :
- Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling.
- A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp.
- The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.
- It is polite to call before visiting a home.
- Shoes must always be removed when entering a home.
- Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
- The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand or giving and receiving objects. The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
- Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors.
- Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.
- Toasting is not a common practice in.
- The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.