Bali Packing Checklist: Documents, What to Bring & Transport
By the SiapPergi Editorial Team · Published 10 October 2026 · 7 min read
"Siap pergi" means "ready to go" in Indonesian — everything sorted before you leave — and it's also our name, SiapPergi (siappergi.com). This checklist covers the things people most often forget when travelling to Bali, from documents, packing and money to getting around once you arrive. Tick them off one by one before you close your suitcase.
1. Documents
| Document | Who needs it | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Original KTP (ID card) | Indonesian travellers | Flights & boats, hotel check-in |
| Passport (valid ≥ 6 months) & visa/e-VoA | Foreign tourists | Entering Indonesia, hotel check-in |
| SIM C | Indonesian travellers renting a scooter | Riding & traffic checkpoints |
| Home licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) for motorcycles | Foreign tourists renting a scooter | Riding & insurance requirements |
| Tickets/bookings (screenshots) | Everyone | In case the signal is weak at the airport/port |
Keep photos of all your documents on your phone and in your own email. If you rent a scooter, the rental usually asks for ID as a guarantee — details are in Bali scooter rental requirements.
2. What to pack
Clothes & gear
- Light, quick-drying clothes; Bali is generally warm all year round.
- A jacket if you're heading to Kintamani, Bedugul or Munduk — the highlands feel cold, especially in the morning.
- A sarong and sash for entering temples. Many temples rent them out, but bringing your own is easier.
- Comfortable sandals and shoes for temple steps and walks to beaches or waterfalls.
- A raincoat in the rainy season (roughly November–March), especially if you're riding a scooter.
Health
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Mosquito repellent — dengue fever still occurs in tropical areas, including Bali.
- Personal medication, plasters and stomach medicine; drink bottled water, not tap water.
Electronics
- Indonesia uses type C/F plugs at 230 V — foreign tourists usually need an adapter.
- A power bank (must go in your cabin bag, not checked luggage).
- A waterproof pouch for your phone if you're taking a fast boat or swimming.
Bring a cloth shopping bag. Bali has banned single-use plastic bags in modern shops and supermarkets since Bali Governor Regulation No. 97 of 2018.
3. Money & payments
- QRIS (Indonesia's QR payment) and cards are widely accepted in cafés, minimarkets and restaurants in tourist areas.
- Still carry cash in small notes for parking, temple/beach entry tickets, warungs (small local eateries) and roadside petrol.
- Foreign tourists: pay the Rp150,000 per person Foreign Tourist Levy via the official Love Bali portal (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) before or on arrival.
4. Transport: from departure to getting around Bali
| Stage | Options | Read the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Overland from Java | Bus/shuttle + Ketapang–Gilimanuk ferry | Bali travel |
| Arriving at the airport | Airport taxi, ride-hailing, pick-up, or rent a scooter straight away | Scooter rental at Bali Airport |
| Getting around Bali | Scooter rental, car + driver, ride-hailing | Scooter vs ride-hailing vs car |
| To Nusa Penida | Fast boat from Sanur | Sanur to Nusa Penida |
If you choose a scooter, book before you arrive so it's ready to be delivered to your hotel or the airport. Estimated prices per model are on the Bali scooter rental page, and beginners should read renting a scooter in Bali for beginners first.
5. Before you close your suitcase
- Double-check your ID/passport, licence and tickets.
- Charge your phone & power bank and download an offline map of Bali.
- Save important numbers: your accommodation, the rental, and the 112 emergency number.
- Leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs.
- Check the weather forecast and holiday dates (for example Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, when the airport closes for 24 hours).
Frequently asked questions
What must I bring to Bali?
An ID card (or passport for foreign tourists), a licence if you want to rent a scooter, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a sarong for temples, a raincoat in the rainy season, and cash in small notes.
Do I need cash in Bali?
Yes, a reasonable amount. QRIS and cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but parking, warungs, temple tickets and roadside petrol are often cash only.
What do I need to rent a scooter in Bali?
Indonesian travellers bring a SIM C and KTP; foreign tourists bring their home licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers motorcycles. Details are on the Bali scooter rental requirements page.
When is the rainy season in Bali?
Generally around November to March, while the dry season runs roughly April to October. Still check the forecast before you leave.
What is SiapPergi?
SiapPergi (siappergi.com) is an Indonesian-language travel site focused on Bali: scooter & car rental guides, bus, shuttle and boat routes, and travel tips like this checklist.
This article follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, prices are given as ranges, and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.