ATTENDING CEREMONIES

Remember ceremonies are serious occasions, and should be treated as such. Always wear a sarong and sash. Do not walk in front of people praying. Never sit higher then the priest. Women are not allowed to enter a temple during menstruation, and anyone with a bleeding wound is also not allowed in.

BALI BELLY

Anyone not accustomed to the difference in cleanliness and bacteria here in Bali should check the 'looks' of a restaurant carefully before sitting down. However, even clean places can give you a problem, and little street side carts might be fine! Sometimes Bali Belly just cannot be avoided. If you do have a problem many pharmacies (called Apotik) can provide medicine to help. Be sure to visit a doctor if the problems continue for more then 3 days, or if there is blood in the toilet.

BEACH

Surf and under-currents are very dangerous. Swim between the yellow with red flags only. Don't go deeper than your knees. Don't leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

BEMO

This is the local's basic transportation by bus. Cheap but crowded and noisy. Try to find out the correct price from local passengers. Unfortunately bemo's do not come to Ombak Bagus Homestay.

BICYCLES

Cycling can be a cheap and enjoyable way to get around, although you must remember you do NOT have the right of way in any situation.

CULTURE

Try not to step on offerings in the street. Walk around them. Don't beep your horn when you come across a religious procession. Have patience and wait.

DRIVING

Many people rent cars for their holiday, but you can also rent a car with driver, or a motorbike. Remember to drive left, have a vallid (international for cars, or local for motorbikes) drivers license, and that in case of an accident it will always be your fault!

DRUGS

Indonesia has strict laws and harsh penalties for drug offences. Some people selling drugs may not be who they appear to be (under cover police).

EXCHANGE RATES:

• 1 Euro 14.000 Indonesian Rupiah
• 1 USD 9.000
• 1 Swiss Franc 8.000
• 1 Aus Dollar 7.000
• 1 NZ Dollar 6.000

Go to our currency page for an accurate calculation.

LEAVING

Reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying. Airport departure tax is Rp 150.000 for international and Rp 30.000 for domestic flights. Arrive at the airport 2 hours or more before your flight time.

MEDICAL

Instead of calling an ambulance a quicker way is to get a taxi. There are several western standard clinics in the Kuta area: BIMC (Bali international Medical Center) tel. 0361 761263 and SOS Medika (International SOS Clinic) tel. 0361 755768.

MONEYCHANGERS

Most moneychangers do not ask a commission. Always use an official moneychanger (check for the certificate on the wall). The rates advertised are often higher then what is actually paid out. Always count your money when you leave the shop. Not only when the monechanger asks you to, they have a bunch of tricks up their sleeve!

MOSQUITOES

Bali is considered malaria free, but dengue fever is a problem. Guard against mosquitoes, using mosquito repelent with DEET, mosquito nets, and cover up at dusk. Don't leave behind any stil standing water.

SHOPPING

If you are not interested in buying, don't look and don't touch. Always bargain. Start with less then half of the asking price.

SUN

Don't ruin your holiday with sunburn. Wear plenty of sunscreen and put more on after swimming. Don't spend long periods in the sun. Remember that the sun here is much stronger then for example in Europe. You can even get burnt in the shade! Also wear a hat to avoid sun stroke.

TATOOS

Temporary tatoos can be dangerous as many use a chemical textile dye that is not for human use. Henna tatoos are problem free. Chemical dyes are very black, while henna is not so black. Chemical dyes can cause permanent welting in the shape of the tatoo design.

TAXI'S:

The airport taxi service covers most areas and the prices are fixed. Pay the cashier at the desk in the airport and give the coupon to the driver. You can tip the driver. The fare from the airport to Ombak Bagus is Rp 135.000. You can also contact us, and we wil arrange transport for Rp 150.000. If you come with your own transportatio, please print out the description how the get to our homestay and please call before you come. Becouse we dont have staff.

Outside the airport we advice you to take meter taxi's (for example Blue Bird). Make sure the driver re-sets the meter before you start off. Warn the driver if he is driving dangerously. There are also many people with minibuses and cars that act as private taxi, but you need to negotiate the price.

TELEPHONE & INTERNET:

In Bali there are a lot of shops where you make telephone calls and use the internet: Wartel or Warnet.

• Prices Internet : 100-500 Ind rp per minute.
• Prices Telephone : Differs per destination of call.
• Collect Call : Is not free, you also have to pay for it

TIPPING

There is no hard rule or tipping, but anything between 5 and 10 % will be apreciated, if the service is good. Some hotels and restaurants charge tax and service amounting to 21% on top of all bills.

VISA'S

Most nationalities can get a visa upon arrival at the airport. However some nationalities have to arrange their visa at the Indonesian ambassy in their countr before departing to Indonesia. This may take up to 3 weeks. Please contact your local Indonesian embassy in time to find out exact regulations for your nationality.

WALKING

Be sure to look and listen while you cross the road. Crosswalks are pretty lines on the road with no real meaning. Motorbikes never stop, they will weave around you, so be careful if our family crosses together!

WATER

Don't drink the tapwater! Drink only bottled water and drinks. Most ice is considered safe.