Bali Airport Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Sunseekers and nature lovers often find themselves booking a visit to Bali, and if you’re among the lucky ones heading to this stunning Indonesian island looking for some adventure, the Bali Airport, formally called the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), will be your gateway to everything Bali has to offer. 

To ensure a hassle-free Balinese holiday, here’s everything you need to know about the Bali airport to get you out of the terminal quickly and into your first tropical adventure as soon as possible! 

The standard tourist visa for those visiting Bali is the Visa on Arrival (VoA), which allows 90+ nationalities to stay in Bali for 30 days on a single entry. While VoA is the most common visa that visitors need, you should still double-check to confirm the Bali visa regulations for your nationality or passport. Another misconception often made is that VoA can only be acquired upon arrival, but it can also be purchased online! It is highly recommended that you apply for one online and secure your visa before arriving in Bali to ensure a hassle-free immigration entry. To help with your visa application, we have an article that discusses everything you need to know about Bali travel requirements and visa regulations.

Once you’ve gone through immigration and picked up your luggage, the next thing on your list should be to ensure you’ve got connectivity throughout your stay! Maybe you’ve challenged yourself to stay disconnected during your Balinese holiday or to take a complete social media time out while you’re on the island. However, there is still merit in having connectivity for your trip, whether you need it for navigation, work, or emergencies. The great news is that you can easily purchase and install an e-SIM or a 4G SIM card at the Bali airport! 

To help you make your purchase decision, we have a complete guide for Bali SIM Cards and e-SIMs and how to use them.  

While you can easily hail an airport taxi or Grab at the Bali airport, you can save yourself from price hikes and hidden charges by booking a private airport transfer to bring you to your accommodations. Not only will you avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers, but you’ll surely get a comfortable car based on your needs.

Klook airport transfers aren’t also constrained by Bali Airport’s set rates, which means you’ll be able to get the most out of your buck. 

To give you an idea, here are the average costs of pickup prices for Bali airport compared to Klook airport transfers:

You can easily meet your driver at the Klook lounge at arrivals. Just look for the bright orange stall at the arrivals area and you should easily spot the lounge! You can chill at the air-conditioned lounge, charge your phone, and enjoy some complimentary drinks and snacks while waiting for your driver. Once you’re ready to go, the staff will come pick you up and take you to your airport transfer so you can travel from the Bali airport to your accommodation hassle and stress-free!  

You can rent a car with a driver to get you around the island so you can completely own your Bali adventure! Private car charters are flexible, so you can rent one for 6, 10, or 12 hours on days you plan to be out and about. There are various vehicle options that can accommodate a group of one to up to 32 passengers, and you can rest assured you’re in the hands of a local driver. 

Klook tip: Before you travel to Bali, make sure to download Whatsapp on your mobile, as that is what local drivers and tour operators most commonly use as a form of communication.

To help with your Bali travel essentials, there’s a Klook lounge at the airport where you can get assistance booking tours and activities, transfers, and other essentials you might need to ensure you have the best time on the island. If you haven’t pre-booked any airport transfers, you can easily book them at the Klook lounge in the Bali airport and even enjoy some perks when you do! You can receive at least one of these vouchers*:

There’s no need to wait until you’re in the town center to exchange some of your money for Indonesian Rupiahs since there are several ATMs and money changers at the airport, making the prices competitive. You can find most of the ATM machines and money changers on the first floor, so you don’t need to stress looking for one anymore after you’ve settled in your resort or villa! 

You should arrive at least two hours - most airlines recommend three hours - before your international departure at the Bali airport to ensure enough time for check-in and immigration. Traffic can also get pretty heavy when travelling to and from the airport, so make sure you have done enough research and preparation to not miss your flight! If you plan to kill time at the Bali airport, there are a lot of restaurants and stores you can check out to go on some last-minute Indonesian food trip or go shopping! 

The Bali airport boasts many restaurants, cafes, and bars where travelers can enjoy grub before their flight. There is a mix of local restaurants and international brands such as Pizza Hut and Starbucks but why would you pass up the last chance to dig in some authentic Indonesian food before you leave the island? There is a reason why Indonesian food is one of the most popular Asian cuisines in the world! You can check out Bali airport’s dining directory on their official website so you can save time and head straight to what you’re craving after you have gone through immigration.    

In case you’ve not shopped out or you did not find the time to go souvenir shopping during your time on the island, tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping at the Bali airport, where you can buy local and specialty products like Balinese coffee beans to take home. There are also a number of popular international brands available where you can buy your favorite perfumes, luxury cosmetics, and top-shelf liquor at a discount when you shop at duty-free stores. 

Bali continues to be one of the most popular destinations travelers from around the world visit because of the natural and historic beauty the island has to offer. From surfing in Nusa Dua, to the Instagrammable cafes and restaurants, and meeting wildlife, hundreds of wander and adventure await you at Bali!