Content provided by group member Pan Yixun
Bottom line first: For a 7-day, 6-night itinerary, I recommend exchanging USD$300–350 (combined with card payments, that’s plenty—most restaurants and massage places accept cards); for SIM cards, buy one locally upon arrival (cheaper and more reliable signal), and aim for about 18GB per person to cover social media, YouTube, navigation, and daily use.
After wrapping up this wonderful 7-day, 6-night Bali trip, I have some insights and tips to share with those planning a visit:
1️⃣ Exchanging Indonesian Rupiah
On this trip, each of us exchanged about USD$320, which was just enough for the 7-day, 6-night itinerary, and we even bought quite a few souvenirs. So, I recommend exchanging USD$300 to $350, plus using credit cards. Many restaurants and massage places accept card payments, giving you flexibility with your budget.
2️⃣ Internet
I recommend buying a local SIM card after arriving in Bali, as it’s cheaper and the connection is more stable (though that might just be my personal experience). The airport offers free Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to worry about contacting your driver. We bought a local SIM card with a total data allowance of 18GB per person, which was more than enough for seven days even with frequent use of social media, YouTube, and app downloads. So, you can choose a data plan based on your own needs.
【Essential for Bali Travel】How to Get Internet/SIM Card in Bali?
3️⃣ Visa, Tourist Tax, and Customs
Make sure to apply for your visa online before departure, and you can submit your customs declaration online three days in advance to avoid long queues at the airport and save time.
4️⃣ Transportation
In Bali, aside from hiring a private driver, most short-distance trips or food delivery services use the Grab or Gojek apps. Remember to set up your account in Taiwan first (you’ll need a Taiwanese phone number to receive the verification code) so you can use it smoothly upon arrival.
【Traveling in Indonesia/Bali】Must-Download App: Gojek Full Guide
⚠️ Your Private Driver is Crucial!
Because information online is so scattered, we were still completely disoriented even after arriving in Bali. Luckily, our driver Komang Wika Sutresna was a walking encyclopedia—no matter what we asked, he always found the most cost-effective solution. And it seemed like he knew someone everywhere in Bali; wherever we went, he could help coordinate things. He was absolutely amazing!
As soon as we arrived in Bali, we asked Komang where the best place was to buy a SIM card and exchange money. He took us there directly. The money exchange seemed to be a place he knew, so the exchange was very fast, and the SIM card shop even offered free drinks—the service was amazing!
Traffic in Bali is quite chaotic, so for safety-conscious travelers like us, choosing a driver who drives steadily and carefully is crucial. Fortunately, our driver Komang drove very cautiously, which put us at ease. Before heading to Uluwatu to watch a performance, a monkey snatched my glasses, causing us to miss part of the show. However, seeing our disappointment, Komang specially asked the white monkey commander of the fire dance, allowing us to take a photo with him (seeing the monkey commander up close was truly stunning XDD). This close encounter with local traditional culture became a very special memory for us.
More About Private Car Hire
- Find Your Perfect Bali Driver: Real Traveler Reviews
- Private Car vs. Ride-Hailing: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip
- Bali Private Car Hire Guide: Costs, Booking Tips & Benefits
- Complete Gojek & Grab Ride-Hailing Guide with Screenshots
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
- Bali Motorbike Rental Safety Checklist
- Bali Mandarin-Speaking Drivers, Guides & Car Hire Tours
Quick Reference: Top 6 Kecak Fire Dance Locations in Bali: A Visual and Cultural Feast
During this trip, we met the incredibly gentle and attentive Komang. He said his greatest wish is for every visitor to Bali to experience the beauty of this place. We are truly grateful for his help. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, we highly recommend Komang!
Here is the driver’s contact info:
ID Line : 31011994bopeas
Whatsapp : +62 821-4433-9665
Instagram : kwk.wikasutresna
Facebook : Komang WikaSutresna
Do you think Pan Yixun and their group had an amazing itinerary? Go ahead and plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip! Feel free to share your itinerary in the community group too!
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