All-in-One Bali Airport Guide - 7 Things to Know Before You Go

Keen for some good times and sun-soaked adventures? Bali Airport, or as it’s officially called the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), is your gateway to paradise. With heaps of flights coming in from Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and of course, Australia, it’s one of the busiest airports in Indonesia.

For a stress-free start and end to your tropical holiday, here’s everything tourists in Bali need to know:

After departing the plane, head to the arrival terminal and prepare your passport and payment for the visa on arrival (VoA). The VoA costs 500,000 IDR (48.45 AUD) and can be paid by cash or credit card. Make sure that your passport is valid for six more months to get the visa. You’ll also be asked to show proof that you’ve been vaccinated with at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After getting your passport stamped, you’re all set and ready to begin your island getaway.

There are three main ways to reach your accommodation from Bali Airport:

1. Take the Bali Airport Taxi, which is the only taxi service available at the airport. Arriving in the middle of the night? No worries. It’s available 24 hours a day. All you have to do is to buy a taxi voucher and book a ride at one of the taxi counters. There, you’ll find a list of the fixed rates per area.

2. Rent a car at one of the services at the airport or on Klook. Costs typically start at 400,000 IDR (38 AUD) per day, excluding gasoline and insurance. It’s also important to note that most rental cars in Bali are manual. You’ll have to fork  out a few extra bucks to get an automatic car.

3. Get driven directly to your accom from the airport with a private transfer. For tourists in Bali, the most convenient way to reach your accommodation is with a transfer service. You’ll pay ahead of time so there’s no need to line up in long queues at the ATM or deal with high conversion fees. Just look for your driver and you can relax while taking in the views of palm trees along the way. It’s especially great for visitors staying in areas like Ubud, which are not easily accessible by public transport.

Looking to exchange your Aussie dollars for some Indonesian Rupiahs? In  Bali, tourists can compare different changers and get the most bang for their buck, thanks to the many choices at the international terminal. You’ll find around seven ATMs and eight money changers on the first floor. The rates tend to be more competitive here with so many options available, while on the second floor, there’s only one money changer.

Need internet access for work, social media, or navigation? No problem. Tourists in Bali can stay connected throughout their entire stay with a 4G sim card. There’s no need to travel to the centre. Pick it up straight from the airport so you never lose access to high-speed internet during your holiday.

Whether you’re heading home or travelling to a different part of Indonesia, you can take your pick among Bali Airport’s wide range of dining options. In both domestic and international terminals, you’ll find heaps of snack bars, cafés, restaurants, and vending machines. There are eateries that sell sandwiches and pastries that you can eat on the go, while they also offer hearty meals to fill you up before your flight.

Forgot to shop for souvenirs while exploring the island? Don’t fret! At Bali, tourists can buy specialty products like Balinese coffee and intricately-designed fabrics right at the airport. You can also get your favourite perfumes, luxury make-up, and quality liquor at a discount when you shop at the duty-free shop.

Visitors who have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses don’t need to present a PCR test or quarantine upon arrival (Tip: the Johnson & Johnson vaccine counts as two doses). But for those who have only received one dose, you will have to be quarantined in a certified hotel for five days and get a second PCR test on your fourth day.

For a guaranteed seamless airport experience, tourists in Bali can book Bali Fast Track’s VIP service. It gives clients priority access at every point throughout the airport, even at immigration. It also comes with an English-speaking guide that will carry and collect your luggage for you.