06.05.2019 Alexey Glazunov
We have published several hundred articles in our blog about the island of Bali - there is a sea useful information, but it is not always easy to understand all this diversity. In this memo, we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions that many people have before traveling to the island.
The dry season in Bali lasts from May to October. November to April is the rainy season. At this time, it is hotter, more humid and the ocean is dirty. It rains frequently, but not constantly - usually several hours a day. Is it possible to go during the "off-season"? You can, but you need to be prepared for rain and debris in the water.
Currency
Currency in Indonesia - Indonesian rupee (IDR), current rate:
- $ 1 = 14.000 IDR
- € 1 = 15.600 IDR
To convert to rubles, in order to quickly navigate the price, you can multiply the price without zeros by 4.5, i.e. 100,000 rupees is about 450 rubles (to be very quick and very rough - you can multiply by 5)
Visa
If you are flying for up to 30 days, then you can get a free arrival stamp (this rule applies to the vast majority of countries in the world, this list includes, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus). This stamp cannot be extended.
If the planned stay is 30-60 days, you can get a visa on arrival at the border, costing $ 35. It is issued for 30 days and can be renewed once at the Immigration Office.
For longer terms, you can apply for a tourist visa (at the Indonesian consulate of almost any country). It is issued for 60 days and can be extended 4 times (maximum total stay is 6 months).
Flight
Recently, you can fly to Bali with a direct flight of the Qatar company from Moscow, the cost of the flight is about 50,000 rubles. Most cheap option will cost somewhere in the 36,000 - with one or two transfers, usually in the UAE, Singapore or Jakarta.
To withdraw from the card or change money?
If you already have cash (dollars / euros), you can go with it. If you plan to buy, then it’s better not - it’s easier and faster to withdraw from the card. The most convenient card for traveling with Tinkoff Bank is free withdrawals at any ATMs in the world, free multicurrency cards (including you can open an account in Indonesian rupees) and prompt, highly qualified support via chat or phone. We have been using Tinkoff Bank cards for more than 10 years.
Where can I withdraw / change money?
Take off- skimming is very common in Bali (stealing money from credit cards, by reading the magnetic stripe from the card), so you can only withdraw money from reliable ATMs. Mostly - at the airport, or at ATMs located in bank offices. In other places - at your own peril and risk.
Change- in exchangers, especially in the south of the island, there are often scammers who can easily replace bills or give less. Take your time, carefully count the money and check the denomination - due to the large number of zeros, it is easy to get confused. Also check the course - in fact, it may differ from the one indicated on the board on the street. It is reliable at the airport, but the course is not very good - it is better to change there for the first days, and the rest is already in place.
Insurance
Travel insurance to Indonesia is not required by law, but we highly recommend getting it. It is better not to deal with local clinics, and high-quality medicine is very expensive here, one appointment with a local "therapist" can cost about $ 100, not to mention treatment.
Which area to choose
There is no ideal place in Bali - there are both pros and cons everywhere. The specific area needs to be selected individually for the needs, but in general, brief recommendations are as follows:
- Nusa Dua- for a relaxing holiday in large five-star hotels with nice beaches(closed, clean area).
- Kuta- for surfing and parties (noisy and crowded).
- Seminyak and Legian- for surfing and more respectable recreation than in Kuta.
- Sanur- a convenient place for active trips around the island (the beaches and the sea are not the best here).
- Ubud- for relaxation, yoga and a quiet life among rice fields (without the sea).
- Changu- for surfing and outdoor activities, there are rice fields, many cafes, bars and other entertainments. The middle option between Ubud and Kuta, a very popular and beloved place by many, but without crowding.
- Candidasa and Amed- for a quiet, relaxing holiday, snorkeling and diving (places with minimal civilization).
Where can you swim
Despite the fact that Bali is an island with more than 500 km of coastline, there are not so many beaches where you can swim. The biggest problems are waves and low tides. The most suitable beaches for swimming are Geger, Melasti, Pandawa, Padang Padang, White Sand Beach, Bias Tugal beach. In Nusa Dua, you can swim almost everywhere at high tide, only near the Ayodya at low tide. In Sanur, a more or less decent stretch of beach is located in its southernmost part.
Security
In general, it is safe in Bali, while sometimes here they can:
- Snatch your phone or rip off your bag if you're riding a bike. Do not hold the phone in your hands, put your purse in the trunk.
- Calculate in the store. Check the change carefully.
- Cheat when exchanging and withdrawing money (see above).
- Sell an item at an inflated price. Check prices in different places and bargain.
Basically, all this concerns the south of Bali (Bukit and Kuta peninsulas), in other areas there are fewer such stories, we can say that they almost never occur.
Fauna
Livestock in Bali is very active, but harmless enough. In the hotel room, hardly anyone will live with you, but in the villa - geckos and ants are likely to be permanent neighbors. Snakes and scorpions are also found in Bali, but meeting with them is rather a rare exception.
Vaccinations
You do not need to be vaccinated before traveling.
Connection
There is coverage almost all over the island. In tourist areas, the Internet is stable everywhere, in any hotel there is wi-fi. The speed strongly depends on the specific location, so if this is a critical factor for you (you need it for work), it is better to clarify in advance. Mobile Internet inexpensive and fast enough, for example Telkomsel provides D30 / U20 Mbps.
Buying a SIM card in Bali can turn into a small quest, so the easiest way is to pre-order it and get it right at the airport to post photos on Instagram on the way to the hotel. A prepaid package with 6GB will cost 100,000 rupees, on the spot, if you try very hard, you can find at best 80,000, and in tourist places such a tariff can cost 120,000 or 150,000 and more, depending on the impudence of the seller.
Transfer from airport
You can order a taxi at the counter at the airport of Bali, but there is a "taxi mafia" on duty, the prices of which are as high as possible.
The cheapest option is to call Grab (use the GRABBONUSRIDE promo code to get free rides) or Gojek, but you have to bargain with them, look for them somewhere in the parking lot (they hide from local taxi drivers) and they do not like to drive to remote areas (for example, to Ubud).
The option is simpler and faster - to book a transfer in advance, at a cost it will turn out about the same as an online taxi, it can sometimes be a little more expensive, but at the airport you will be met by a driver with a sign with your name, will help you with your suitcases and will not beg for more than the agreed amount.
How to get around Bali?
There is practically no public transport here, there are several main ways to move:
- Taxi... The cheapest are Grab and Gojek, but they cannot be called everywhere, because of their confrontation with local taxi drivers.
- Rented car.
Book → (use promo code LIFEINTRAVELS to get a discount). - A rented motorbike (scooter).
Book → (use promo code LIFEINTRAVELS to get a discount). If you are traveling for a long time, from 30 days, it will be more profitable to find it on the spot. - Car with driver(in Bali this is a very popular and inexpensive service).
Recommended Russian speaking driver-guide: Achun (+62 819-1673-1213 WhatsApp)
Traffic
Traffic on the island of Bali is left-hand, the traffic is very heavy, the roads are narrow and winding. All this leads to traffic jams and very slow travel speeds, especially in the southern part of the island. In order to get behind the wheel, it is recommended to be a sufficiently experienced and confident driver. In addition, when planning movements around the island, it is better to take time with a margin, on average, the speed of movement here turns out to be about 30 km / h.
Rights and penalties
In order to drive a car or motorcycle in Indonesia, the relevant category ("B" or "A") is required by law.
When renting on the island of Bali, they almost never ask for a car, but the police on the roads can check. If there is no corresponding category, you can "negotiate on the spot" with bargaining and a wide range of prices, starting from the upper level of 1,000,000 rupees and the possibility of bargaining up to 50-100,000 rupees. Otherwise, your documents are collected and taken to the main police station in Denpasar. To avoid this - do not give any documents in your hands, just show and hold tightly. Nobody will take them away by force.
Of the rules for which they are actively fined are driving without documents, without a helmet, driving at a red light and stopping for a stop. line.
Food
Local food on the island of Bali, with rare exceptions, is rather inexpressive, spicy and overcooked. At the same time, in tourist places on the island there are many restaurants with international cuisine, as well as places where seafood is well prepared. Prices vary greatly - on average, you can have breakfast for $ 5-7, lunch / dinner - $ 8-20. Of course, there are also gourmet restaurants, with quality and prices approximately of the European level. In Ubud and Canggu, there are especially many different cafes and restaurants in the middle price range, where everything is beautiful, tasty and inexpensive.
What to see and do in Bali
The main
- (Sekumpul, Git Git, Kanto Lampo, Aling Aling, Munduk and others).
- Temples (, Lempuyang).
- Water palaces (,).
- Rice terraces (,).
- Ubud and surroundings (including, Tirta Empul,)
- Dawn on the volcano (or at least look at it from the side).
Communication in our time is accessible and simple. And the Island of the Gods is no exception. cellular, mobile internet, wi-fi - all the benefits of civilization are available to tourists, inexpensively and conveniently. You just need to understand the nuances. We will help you with this - we will tell you how and where to buy a SIM card, how much to deposit, how to call your homeland and the Salvation Army, where to find a Wi-Fi or an Internet modem.
1. ROAMING
First of all, if you are not going to buy a local SIM card, check the roaming conditions with your cellular operator. Most often, it is cheaper to connect Additional services for those traveling abroad. Contact the representatives of the mobile operator in advance, find out about the possible conditions and tariffs.
2. CELLULAR COMMUNICATION IN BALI
There are 2 main Indonesian operators most popular on the island: XL and TELKOMSEL... They are distinguished good prices local and international calls and reception quality. You can buy the coveted piece of plastic in shops located along the main roads of settlements, with large posters for advertising cellular communications. No documents are required to buy the coveted piece of plastic. The price of a SIM card is on average about 15-20 thousand rupees (about $ 2), but in tourist areas, the price can be infinitely inflated. Haggle and don't let the crooks cheat you. The card usually only has a starting 5 thousand rupees - this amount will not be enough for you to stay in touch. When buying, put 50-100 thousand rupees ($ 5-10) into your account, this money can be enough for a week, or even more.
You can top up the balance in the same shops and at the cash desks of the shops. IndoMaret, CircleK, AlfaMart... A TELKOMSEL subscriber can check the balance using the combination *888#
, to XL subscriber - *123#
.
3. CALLS TO RUSSIA
It is cheaper to call home from a local SIM card using special codes IP telephony. For TELCOMSEL it is 01017
... It is necessary to dial these digits before the country code and the subscriber's number (01017-7 (Russia code) - 000 (operator code) - 000-00-00 (phone number)).
For XL, you must use the code 01000
(for example 01000-7-000-000-00-00).
For calls to a landline phone, the code 001 is used (access to an international line), then the country, region code and subscriber number.
4. CALLS FROM RUSSIA TO INDONESIAN NUMBERS
For calls to Bali from a mobile, you need to dial the country code +62, followed by the operator's code and the subscriber's number. With landline phone the dialing procedure is slightly different: first, the international access code (10) is dialed, then the country code, operator and subscriber number.
5. CODES AND IMPORTANT PHONES
We hand over the remaining secrets: island code Bali - 361, Jakarta - 21... These codes are used to call landlines. I hope your vacation will not be overshadowed by emergencies, but it is always better to play it safe: write down the emergency numbers in your cell phone memory. Inquiry service - 108. Police - 110. Fire service - 113. Ambulance - 118.
6. MOBILE INTERNET
If the Internet on your phone is enough for you, then activate the service package from mobile operator... Combinations of numbers for activating service packages are indicated on the packaging of the SIM card. For those who need a 3G modem, it is better to use the services of such operators as Smart and Broadband... Tariffs and terms of sale of 3G modems are constantly changing, the quality of reception is guaranteed only in tourist centers, and the speed of the Internet connection leaves much to be desired.
7. WI-FI
Everything is as usual here. The benefits of civilization have come to the Island of the Gods almost everywhere: in tourist areas, free wi-fi is available in hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. The connection speed is different everywhere, but it should be noted that watching videos online will not work everywhere. Island internet - slow internet.
In our time, communication is an integral part of life. Even at night we keep the phone by the bed, and during the day we check Facebook 10 times, we cannot disappear from Instagram for 2 weeks, and working documentation even on vacation continues to arrive on email... And it will be like this in Bali. Use the information collected for you, call your mom, sign up for a lesson at Endless summer by phone, stay up to date with the news and answer work letters.
Good network signal and long vacations!
The Internet in Bali is hard. Unfortunately, this is true, although if you remember the 2000s, in Russia it was also slow and very expensive. Internet in Bali is now at about the same level in terms of prevalence, quality and data transfer rate. It is especially difficult for those who is going to work remotely via the Internet in Bali.
Free Internet
Free internet is, and the speed is quite decent in many cafes, especially the European level. This is a favorite way of connecting to the network among tourists, for whom it is not necessary to always have it at hand.
It is enough to order a cup of coffee for 6-10 thousand rupees and you can safely surf the Internet.
Once upon a time, we also stopped at the Mak Jo cafe for a couple of minutes to quickly update the maps and check the route before the trip.
Wireless internet in Bali (GSM and CDMA)
Thanks to the development wireless standards data transmission, connecting to the Internet is quite simple and not expensive through mobile operators of standards
GSM: XL Axiata Bali, Telkomsel (SimPATI), Indosat (IM3)
CDMA: Smartfren
If you come to Bali for 2 weeks, then the simplest and most inexpensive solution for you there will be a purchase of a USB modem from one of the operators for 200 thousand rupees ($ 17 or 600 rubles).
The disadvantage of this solution is that only one computer and do not connect your phone, iPad and laptop at once through one USB modem. Although you can poke a SIM card from one device to another.
Alternative option! Often telephones incl. IPhones allow you to work in wi-fi router mode, which can also come in handy if you don't want to spend extra money on buying modems from local operators, besides, you can connect any device.
Tariffs for cellular communication and Internet in Bali
Normal price SIM card 10-15 thousand rupees... Sometimes tourists are "vparivayut" 50 and even 100 thousand, although this is an outright divorce. Inexpensive SIM cards can be bought in stalls near the Jimbaran Fish Market. There are of course many more other places.
Telkomsel website with tariffs (there is English) GSM
The operator is also known as SimPATI, tariffs for cellular communication are good, good coverage around the island, Internet is expensive, it is possible to call inexpensively abroad using the prefix 01017
01017 7 (area code) or if to the cell phone (subscriber number without 7 or 8)
For example: 01017 7 915 989 0000
XL website with tariffs (available in English) GSM
Mobile tariffs are good, internet is a little cheaper than Telkomsel, internet quality is a bit better according to reviews, although the coverage area is not good everywhere. You can also call Russia via IP telephony with the prefix 01000
01000 7 (area code) or if to the cell phone (subscriber number without 7 or 8)
For example 01000 7 915 989 0000
Smartfren tariff website (in Indonesian, translation via Google translate) CDMA
Used internet only since the operator works in the CDMA standard and classic phones from Russia of the GSM standard will not work with it, the best tariffs for internet in Bali, good coverage, although there are black holes when the signal is not enough for good speed.
6 GB for 100 thousand rupees ($ 10)
12 GB for 150 thousand rupees ($ 15)
Good Internet, the best choice if you plan to use the Internet for a long time and not only to view mail. There are also cheap modems, and there are also normal routers for 700 thousand ($ 65, 2100 rubles) that allow you to connect up to 8 devices via Wi-Fi. We did just that, acquired router Huawei EC5321 EVDO Rev.B (up to 14 Mbps)... It is better not to take Rev.A routers and modems. as practice shows, it will not be overclocked to 3 Mbit and the speed is not enough.
It was also important that this router has access to external antenna and a battery that allows you to take it with you on trips and there is no need to stick it into every phone and Ipad with a SIM card or combine cheap calls with expensive Internet.
Where to buy a Wi-Fi router or USB modem?
Largest selection of routers and modems in Bali in mall RTC electronics near the Viking hotel in Denpasar.
Most simple USB the modem can be bought in numerous booths selling SIM cards and all sorts of things for phones.
When buying a SIM card, ask to activate it. After activation, the account will usually be 2-3 thousand rupees. In the same tent, you can add money to your account. Usually 50 thousand rupees is enough for 1-2 weeks. The commission for replenishment of the account is on average 2 thousand rupees.
Wired internet in Bali
With wired internet in Bali, the question is still open. Many cheap housing is not connected to a telephone line, and even more so to the Internet. If you find a house with the Internet - rejoice (although it is worth checking it out and finding out the cost), because in low-cost houses, this is very rare, and even if the Internet is connected, it can be very expensive. Often the Balinese breed tourists on special stages and ask for a lot for the Internet, the cost of new tariffs from Speedy (Telkomsel trademark) is 1 Mbps for 645 thousand rupees ($57), 2 Mbps for 995 thousand rupees($ 80), which is considered very expensive for Russia.
It is worth noting that for those who work remotely, that unlimited tariffs Speed up the speed of uploading to the Internet UPLOAD is less.
For tariff DOWNLOAD 1 Mbps - UPLOAD 256 Kbps... Those. those who, for example, upload large amounts of data (movies) to the network, the speed of 256 Kbps will most likely be insufficient.
Hopefully in the near future, competition will correct this situation with internet in Bali for the better.
How to replenish the account of an Internet operator
The easiest way to replenish the account of an Internet operator is in numerous tents selling all kinds of telephone sundries, as well as in payment terminals that are in nirmala. Although it is not the first month that we have been replenishing Samartfren account from a card. And there is one peculiarity! Many tents cannot replenish the account for 150 thousand rupees, which makes it impossible to activate the package for 150 thousand rupees. If you put money in parts of 100 + 50, then the package for 100 thousand is automatically activated and the traffic of the package for 50 thousand will be added.
To get started, you need to register, and then log in and follow the instructions of the system.
Bali island and what it is eaten with
Bali ... a bustling, picturesque, colorful, lively and enchanting island - one of the finest paradise islands in the world.
During your holiday in Bali, you will learn what a luxurious tropical nature is, enjoy the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean and secluded exotic beaches, discover such an unusual, but at the same time such delicious Balinese cuisine, get great pleasure from Balinese massage and SPA in Bali ...
Bali is different for everyone, but at the same time, every traveler will feel "like in paradise", having arrived in this fabulous corner of the globe. Among the travelers, the names “Bounty Island”, “Island of the Gods”, “Island of a Thousand Temples”, “Treasure of the Indonesian Archipelago”, “Pearl of Indonesia” have stuck to it.
Geography of Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is part of the Indonesian (Malay) archipelago located in Southeast Asia. Bali is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Indonesia (province of Bali).
From the south, the island of Bali is washed by the Indian Ocean, from the north - by the Bali Sea of the Pacific Ocean.
From the west, Bali is separated by the Bali Strait from the island of Java, from the east - by the Lombok Strait from the island of Lombok.
Bali is a secluded tropical island. Bali's area is 5780 km², the length is 150 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south.
A mountain range stretches from west to east of Bali. There is a zone of high volcanic activity here. In the northeastern part of the island there are two great Volcanoes Gunung Agung (3142 m) and Gunung Batur (1717 m).
The mountain range divides the island into two parts. North Bali is characterized by a relatively dry climate, favorable for the cultivation of coffee crops. The southern region consists of terraces stretching from north to south on which rice is grown. Numerous rivers flow through lush gorges.
Capital Bali
Denpasar city (population about 500,000 inhabitants)
Bali resorts
Bali resorts - Kuta, Semenyak, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran.
Time in Bali
ahead of Moskovskoe by 4 hours (there is no daylight saving time)
Bali Climate (Indonesia)
Due to Bali's equatorial monsoon climate, the “Bali season” lasts all year round.
However, Bali has 2 seasons: dry (April - October) and wet (November - March), the greatest amount of precipitation falls in January and February. In some areas of Bali, the difference between seasons is almost negligible.
In the dry season, the sky is cloudless almost daily and the weather is clear.
During the wet season, precipitation occurs locally, usually at night in the form of short tropical showers (1-2 hours), the rest of the time the sun is shining.
Average annual air temperature in Bali
26-30 degrees, the ocean water temperature is not lower than 26 degrees
Bali population
In total, about 4 million people live in Bali (according to 2010 data). The population of Bali is the result of a mixture of peoples such as Malays, Melanesians, Indians, Chinese. The bulk of Bali's population is concentrated in the south of the island.
Balinese people are very hospitable, cheerful, cordial and charming people.
Religion bali
Bali is called the "Island of the Gods" and "the island of a thousand temples." Each traditional Balinese house has a small temple with an altar and everything necessary for performing the rituals.
The ancient temples of Bali are unique in their location and have gained popularity all over the world.
The overwhelming majority of Balinese (over 90%) profess "Hindu" - this is a unique worldview that has arisen as a result of many years of merging of Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient primitive beliefs. ". About 5% of the population is Muslim. They live mainly in Denpasar, Singaraj and small coastal towns.
It should be noted that the Balinese are tolerant people, they treat adherents of any religion with respect and understanding.
Language in Bali (Indonesia)
The official state language in Bali is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), but Bali is also spoken in Bali (Bahasa Bali), which is the national language of Bali. In tourist areas, many locals speak English. All guides in Bali of the Ostrov BaliTour team speak Russian.
What money is in Bali
Bali's monetary unit is the Indonesian rupee (RP).
In circulation, you will find banknotes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000, 20,000 50,000 and 100,000 rupees.
There are also coins in circulation in denominations of 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupees.
Currency exchange in Bali. Well
The exchange rate of Currencies in Bali is volatile and ranges from 9,000 - 11,200 rupees per dollar.
That is, an average of 1,000 rupees is 30 rubles.
$ 10, $ 20 and $ 50 bills, as well as old-style bills (for example, 1997 dollars) are exchanged at a reduced rate.
Therefore, in Bali, it is most profitable to take with you new dollars of $ 100 denomination.
Where to change money in Bali?
At the airport, the rate is not profitable, but you can change a small amount (no more than $ 100). This money is quite enough for dinner and minor expenses on the day of arrival.
Be careful when exchanging money. Here are some simple tips to avoid being fooled:
- Change money only in banks and exchange offices at banks
- Do not change money at souvenir shops with a suspiciously high rate
- Be sure to count how much money you should be given (best of all on a calculator in your phone)
- Count the money yourself without leaving the cashier, as they say (be careful with the number of zeros!)
Telephone communication in Bali or how to call Bali (from Bali)
What mobile operators exist in Bali and which SIM card to buy is of interest to any person who has decided to travel to Indonesia.
For modern world the possibility of communication (regardless of distance) has long been a tried and true matter. The main thing is to know the rules and options for mobile communications that exist in a particular place of stay.
mobile connection
It is impossible to live without a telephone, especially in a foreign country. Most often, for its normal functioning, the option of connecting roaming services is used. This is done before leaving using the existing SIM card. The main thing is to remember that a positive balance, taking into account the cost of a call home, is up to 100 rubles. for a minute conversation, it should always be.
The second option (popular with tourists) is to purchase a local SIM card. It is not difficult to buy a SIM card here. It is not required to present a passport or other document. Practically in every store there are special departments for their sale, a network of cellular communication salons, and ordinary local traders. You should know that the cost of buying at the airport will be much higher (sometimes 10 times). The average price of a sim card is 15,000 Indonesian rupees ($ 1.5). It must be activated in your presence immediately after purchase. Top up the account in mobile phone shops, shops, kiosks. They say the word "PULSA" and after the answer "yes" proceed to deposit the money. or a group of friends is recommended to purchase a SIM card of the same operators, of which there are a lot on the island. Popular mobile operators in Bali are PT Smart Telecom and Telkomsel (convenient Simpati tariff).
Calling rules:
- The cost of domestic calls within Indonesia is determined from 1 to 2 thousand rupees (3.6 rubles per minute). Calls cost significantly less at night.
- A minute of conversation with Moscow, St. Petersburg costs 25 rubles. An SMS message will cost 20 rubles. The cheapest option for a call to Moscow is made from Wartel Telecom points (after 11 pm call prices are significantly reduced). For conversations from a pay phone, you need to purchase (in a supermarket, post office, newsstand) a telephone card.
- A little advice. When calling Russia using Telkomsel, you first need to dial one of the codes (01-01-177 or 01-019-7), then the city code (sometimes the operator), the subscriber's number. If, for example, the subscriber has a number +7 903 111 11 11. Instead of a “plus”, you need to dial a code. It turns out 01017 7 903 111 11 11 (two sevens go side by side). This clever combination reduces the cost of talking to Russia. It is equal to 7.5 rubles. in a minute. The XL Axiata card code is 01000.
- The country code in the International System is +62. Bali's code is the order of the numbers 361. They are dialed when calling the island from any other country. For internal calls, "0" is dialed instead of +62.
- Emergency telephone numbers: medical aid 118, police 110, fire department 113, help 108.
- To clarify the balance, dial * 888 # (TELKOMSEL), * 123 # (XL).
- There are universal SIM cards for inexpensive communication without a monthly fee and limiting the life of the card. They are considered convenient for frequent trips to the island. An example is the international SIM card "Whole World", which covers over 100 countries. Its cost is 1000 rubles.
Internet services have recently appeared on the island. The quality of communication in each region is different and is determined by the capabilities of the provider, its coverage map. Having chosen a place to stay, you need to find out in detail all the information about the speed of the Internet, the tariffs for payment for it. In general terms, the service is not expensive and is $ 5 for 2-5 gigabytes. With a stay of up to a month, a monthly SIM card rate is most often used, costing from 20,000 to 50,000 rupees ($ 2-4). Payment for the Internet package is 60,000 rupees ($ 5) for 30 days. It is better to buy a package for 2 GB volume, paying Rs 100,000. Part of the traffic will go for calls, SMS messages. This helps to avoid the unpleasant fact when, after the end of the money, the write-off begins at other, more expensive tariffs.
Many operators can connect several Internet options at once with different quotas. Telkomsel sells for Rs 50,000 1GB Internet 4G with 4G / LTE + 1.3Gb Data Lokal options. On Bukit + 200Mb Flash (3G). If the phone catches 4G, the first quota is spent, if edge / 3G is working, then the last quota is used. Sometimes it is difficult to understand everything at once, so it is recommended to often look whether there is still balance for the Internet or knowingly pay more. The availability of the Internet and the speed of its work are checked when choosing a place of residence.
There are about 50 outlets in Bali wireless communication Wi-Fi. If you have a laptop, it is easy to connect and use it in cafes, hotels, restaurants. In any region covered by cellular communication (EGDE / 3G), you can use a modem purchased here. A SIM card of a local operator will allow you to work with the Internet for the required time.
Unlimited Internet using a 3G modem is provided by several mobile operators. The most popular are Smart and Broadband. The average cost of their services is $ 33 per month.
The main ways to push the Internet in Bali are:
- By telephone ADSL cable.
- Using fiber optic. This applies to densely populated areas of Bali such as Kuta, Seminyak. The connection is expensive.
- Through the radio channel. A common way is by installing an antenna. Least of all on the island now used cable connection networks.
To choose the method of connecting to the Internet, it is useful to compare information about several providers:
- An offer of a Russian-speaking company with high tariffs over a wireless channel. Provides stable Internet access during extended work. Very good service by the company's operators.
- Jetcoms is a wireless operator. The contract lasts for a year and a half. The price of a megabit is Rs 1.25 million.
- It costs about 1 million. for 2 megabits, 2.2 million for 5 megabits. A lot about the work of the operator positive feedback.
- Telkom Speedy. Cable connection using ADSL technology. The average cost is $ 180 for 3mb / sec.
- XL (GSM).
Modern communication options operating in Indonesia can be examined in detail on numerous provider websites. You won't have to get bored without communication with family here. Those wishing to spend a long time on the island, such as winter, are provided with excellent ones.
Today it is difficult to imagine your life without the Internet, including during your holiday in Bali. There are no problems with him on the island. You can use mobile Internet, find wi-fi in the hotel and rented house. In this article I will tell you about the best mobile operators and Internet providers, as well as which Internet is best to use during your vacation.
Wi-fi is available in almost any hotel. It generally works pretty well by local standards. If you are going to rent a house in Bali, then check in advance if there is an Internet connection. I always rent houses with internet, checking its speed in advance.
If you liked the house, but there is no Internet, then you can do it yourself or ask the owner to do it. To connect home Internet, you must take into account the location of the house. There are more than enough Internet providers on the island, but not all of them can boast of good Internet speed in the place where you need it.
Home Internet on the island is not the cheapest, so it is recommended to connect it if you decide to spend at least six months in Bali. The cheapest monthly tariff will cost $ 20, more or less quality can cost from $ 80 to $ 100 (1 megabit speed). For comparison, in our countries a package with a speed of 20 megabits costs 10-15 dollars, but for Bali such efficiency is not yet available.
The main providers on the island:
- Smartfren is considered the most affordable, so you will hear about it everywhere. It catches almost everywhere, works on an ordinary SIM card, in this regard, it can not be tied to a specific house, but use it anywhere. Among the disadvantages is the unstable speed, which is generally reduced to a minimum in the late afternoon and on weekends. The traffic has a limit, so it is not suitable for watching movies or videos.
- Speedy by Telkom has established itself on the positive side. The only drawback is that there must be a telephone in the house to connect it. In Bali, connecting to a telephone line is a rather rare phenomenon, plus everything there is a restriction on the availability of free lines. In general, if you have a telephone in your house, then you are a real lucky one. The provider is famous for more or less stable speed and relatively low tariffs for Bali.
- Biznet / Max3 has won many positive reviews, but, unfortunately, does not have coverage throughout the island. For example, in Bukit, you will not be able to connect to the provider. Offers good speed at an attractive price.
- CBN works from an antenna, which is installed on the roof of the house and sends out a signal. It works stably, has a wide coverage area. To connect, just leave a request on the site. The technical service responds quickly.
- Global Extreme connects with both an antenna and a dedicated line. Despite the fact that the package is paid monthly, the provider obliges to conclude a contract for a year.
Mobile Internet
For tourists, the mobile Internet is ideal solution... Firstly, you will not be tied to a specific place, secondly, you can always stay in touch, and thirdly, you do not need to pay for its installation, plus the service is inexpensive. There are several operators on the island that offer both good coverage and attractive prices.
Before choosing one or another operator, you need to carefully study the terms of the tariff, since some of the traffic may be distributed at night.
Note! Good unlimited internet tariffs in Bali you will not find. Some of the companies set a speed limit after a certain volume has been exhausted. Some, however, immediately set a low speed.
Almost all cellular operators Bali, like the rest of Indonesia, works according to the principle: it is necessary to purchase an Internet package, which is connected additionally. The validity of such packages can be from several days to several months. If you do not buy the Internet, then its billing will result in a large amount of money, you will have to put money into your account regularly. Upon expiration of the validity period, the package is purchased again.
Which operator should you choose?
In order to choose a mobile operator for yourself, you need to know what they generally exist in Bali.
- Telkomsel Is the most popular operator on the island and offers competitive rates. His SIM cards are sold everywhere. The card itself costs about 20 thousand rupees, a monthly Internet package for 3-4 GB will cost 50-60 thousand. If this volume is not enough for you, then you can purchase a 20 GB package, but its cost is about 800 thousand rupees. The operator has coverage throughout the island, but internet speed may vary depending on your location. The volume of 3-4 GB is quite enough for a month, unless, of course, you plan to sit for days on YouTube or download movies from the Internet. You can monitor your traffic and balance using your personal account, access to which is provided even from your mobile phone.
- XL Is another well-known operator, he offers more high-speed internet, but its coverage area is much smaller. One of the most profitable is the night tariff, in which 12 GB of Internet is provided for 50 thousand rupees. This is a good choice for those who like to sit on the phone after an active day or prefer watching movies. The operator also creates Personal Area, where you can track the status of your package or change to more favorable rates.
- Tri / Three- this operator provides the most stable Internet speed, it is beneficial to use it, for example, if you work on the Internet. The speed is about 4-7 megabits, which is pretty good performance for the island. The operator offers a variety of Internet packages ranging from 1 to 30 GB. As practice shows, it is most profitable to buy a new SIM card every time and connect an Internet package to it than to regularly replenish the old one. But this scheme is only suitable for those who do not need a specific phone number. Another drawback of the operator is that SIM cards are not sold everywhere. It is difficult to find them in ordinary stalls. But they can easily be bought at a large supermarket or operator's office, one of which is located in Denpasar.
- Indosat- its coverage is practically no different from Telkomsel, but the operator offers the speed much better. In places where there is LTE coverage, its speed can reach up to 30 megabits / second. The most popular package for the Internet costs about 50 thousand rupees, 3 GB is provided for use. And if you buy an additional package to the main package, you will even be able to save a little. Cards this operator also sold not everywhere, it is best to contact the office. Nice bonus of the Internet package - unlimited branched wifi network at speeds up to 20 megabits.
Which of the mobile operators to choose depends on your goals and place of residence. I lived in Ubud and used the mobile Internet only to look at a Google map, check my mail or go to social networks, so I chose Telkomsel. I was quite pleased with the quality of services.
Prices
Mobile internet in Bali is inexpensive. Depending on the operator, the cost of a 3-5 GB package will cost an average of $ 5 - about 60 thousand rupees. If you put 100 thousand on your account, you will still have money for calls and messages.
The cheapest internet is offered by Telkomsel. For 50 thousand rupees you can get 2 GB. This volume will be quite enough if you need the Internet to check your mail, social networks and other small operations. Films and videos with such a volume cannot be watched.
Where to buy a SIM card?
Buying a SIM card will not take much of your time. They are sold everywhere and, most importantly, you do not need a passport or other document to purchase it. If you decide to get a SIM card at the first stages of your holiday, you can do it right at the airport.
If you decide to wait a little, then go to any store that sells mobile phones and accessories for them. Tell the seller the name of the operator. There, on the spot, you will be assisted with the activation of both the starter package itself and the Internet.
You can put money into your account in the same shops where phones are sold. You will need to say "pulsa" (balance), call your operator and show your phone number. After you make a replenishment of your account, check your balance immediately, in order to avoid any unpleasant situations.
- The average cost of a SIM card on the island varies between 20,000-30,000 rupees. If you see too high a cost, then it makes sense to look elsewhere. In tourist areas, prices are often inflated, hoping for a generous tourist.
- If you replenish your balance through special kiosks, then it is better to immediately check the receipt of money to the account. To replenish a SIM card, you need to give a phone number, it is better to write it and give it to the person who will replenish the balance.
- If you have come to Bali for a long time, you can contact the official office to purchase a SIM card. It is better to take your passport with you so that it can be immediately issued for you. If you lose your card, you can always restore it.
- If the SIM card is not used for several months, then it will be canceled and you will have to purchase a new one.
We got acquainted with all the intricacies of the Internet in Bali. This information will help you choose the best mobile operator or Internet provider.
It doesn't matter how long you come to Bali: for a week or for half a year. Well, you absolutely cannot do without a mobile phone. The easiest and not at all economically profitable way to be always in touch is to activate the roaming service on your “native” SIM card while still at home. The main thing is to take care of the presence of a very positive balance on the phone in advance. Be prepared to pay from 40 to 100 rubles per minute of call to your homeland.
mobile connection on the island is completely inexpensive and at the same time very affordable.
We, in turn, strongly advise you to purchase a local SIM card, already here, upon arrival. Moreover, it is completely easy to do this: SIM cards are sold in almost any store, cell phone salon and even at the airport by good-natured local merchants. We recommend that you refrain from the last purchase option if you do not want to overpay 5-10 times.
The cost of a SIM card is on average from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000. (from about $ 0.5 - $ 1.5). Careful sellers activate the card right there on the spot. If for some reason they did not do this, we advise you to ask to activate the SIM card with you. Otherwise, it may be difficult later to try to activate it yourself. If you have a good command of the local language, then it is quite possible that you will be able to do this procedure yourself and without any problems.
There is already some amount in the account. As a rule, it may not be enough for calls home. You can top up your balance right on the spot.
If you are traveling with your family or company, we recommend purchasing SIM cards from the same operator.
Mobile operators for a great many. The most popular are Telkomsel (Simpati tariff) and XL Axiata Tbk, PT Smart Telecom.
How to call:
The international dialing code of Indonesia is +62.
For example, if you need to call Bali from abroad, then the number may look something like this +62 821 11 11 11 11. Moreover, if you make a call within the network, then +62 boldly replaced by " 0 ". And wherein telephone number now looks like this: 0821 11 11 11 11
A little about tariffs and costs:
Domestic calls within the country will cost you 1000-2000 Indonesian rupiah (3-6 rubles) per minute. Calling at night is even more profitable - the cost of a minute of conversation is almost halved. And Sms comes out even cheaper - 150 rupees (50 kopecks)
Calls to Russia:
A minute of conversation, for example, with Moscow or St. Petersburg will cost you about 25 rubles, and an SMS message will cost you 18-20 rubles. However, (ta-dam!) There is a little trick here: if you call Russia with Telkomsel, dial first the code "01-01-177" or "01-019-7", then the area code or operator code, then the subscriber's number. For example, you need to call the number +7 903 111 11 11, instead of a plus, you dial the code in the end it will turn out01017 7 903 111 11 11 (two sevens side by side). This clever combination reduces the cost of a minute of conversation with Russia to 7.5 rubles.
(For card holders from XL Axiata code 01000.)
- You can check the balance by dialing * 888 # (for TELKOMSEL) and * 123 # (for XL)
- Check how much you spent on the last call or sms * 887 # (for TELKOMSEL)
Refill:
You can top up your account not only in mobile phone shops, but also in shops and kiosks. It is enough to say the spell "PULSA?" and if the answer is yes, you can safely proceed to payment.
In general, mobile communications are well developed in Indonesia, especially in popular tourist destinations and in big cities.
Mobile operators in Bali (Indonesia)
There are 3 major mobile operators in Bali and throughout Indonesia: Telkomsel, Axiata and Indosat
Telkomsel in Bali
Telkomsel is the mobile branch of Telkom Indonesia. It is the most cost-effective for the usual needs of tourists. Telkomsel accounts for over 40 percent of the market mobile services Indonesia. It is the only mobile operator operating in every province of this country, without exception.
Starter packages. Types of Telkosel SIM cards:
Kartu As.
Local package. 3000 minutes on the network for 58 thousand rupees and 400 minutes to all networks for 16500 rupees per month.
SimPATI.
The most popular package among tourists. This 4G package costs Rs 10K, has a daily quota of 300MB, 5000 rupees per mobile account and is valid for 30 days. ()
Loop
The package is focused primarily on those who are in transit in the country. That is, they have a very short period of validity. It can be taken separately for voice communication for 60 minutes of a call of Rs 2,000, or for Rs 47,000 for three days for 15 GB of Internet. ()
Contract card Kartu Halo.
Oriented locally, of course. Has 8 tariff plans cost from 100 thousand. rupees up to 550 thousand rupees per month. They contain a lot of Internet, a lot of SMS, a lot of free minutes in their home network. ()
Official site - www.telkomsel.com
Find out your number, check and top up Telkomsel balance
- Find out the balance and the end of the validity period: * 888 #
- Remaining Internet traffic and bonuses: * 889 #
- Find out your number: * 808 #
Extension of validity period (SIM card validity period):
You can extend the validity of a SIM card for that kind of money:
Rp 5,000 - 7 days
Rp 10,000 - 15 days
Rp 15.000 - 20 days
Rp 20,000 - 30 days
Rp 25,000 - 30 days
Rp 50,000 - 45 days
Rp 100,000 - 60 days
Rp 150,000 - 120 days
Rp 200,000 - 150 days
Rp 300,000 - 180 days
The official mobile phone app on Android and on iOS
Axiata in Bali
Axiata is one of the most important Malaysian telecommunications services operator in Asia. Has coverage in Bali at 90 percent. There are 2 types of starter packages - with 2 MB 3G and 4G / LTE traffic.
- Official site — https://www.xl.co.id/
Find out your number, check and top up Axiata balance
- Account verification - * 123 #.
- By the same number, a menu will appear from which you can find out everything you need.
Indosat in Bali
Indosat also has reliable coverage in Bali and other main islands in Indonesia. The Freedom packages are currently in use. Previously used IM and Mentari have been phased out.
Find out your number. Check and top up Indosat balance
- Balance check - * 555 #
- Internet packages connection - * 123 # and * 363 # ( Tariffs).
- Find out your number - * 123 * 30 #
- Remaining Mb - sms "usage" to number 363
Indosat mobile application
Convenient application for Android and for iOS... Everything can be connected and configured in it.
Call to Russia from Bali with mobile number Telkomsel is possible by dialing first the code 01017, then - the Russian number without 8. For example, if you need to call the Russian number 8999 ** 1212, you will need to dial 01017 999 ** 1212. Then the price of a minute of conversation will be no more than $ 0.2, and SMS - somewhere around $ 0.05.
A call to an Indonesian number from an Indonesian SIM card costs from 5 to 10 cents. per minute, billing is per second. The cost of the first minute is higher than each subsequent one. The tariffs are the same throughout Indonesia, there is no roaming between regions. At the same time, from 11 pm to 6 pm the prices for calls are lower than during the day.
To call from Russia or another country to an Indonesian mobile number, you must dial at the very beginning +62 (Indonesia code).
Calls from Bali
In order to call home in the Russian Federation or another country of the former USSR from an Indonesian number at the lowest price, you can use IP telephony. Every mobile operator in Indonesia has its own code. If a call is made from a Telkomsel SIM card, dial 01017 before the international code of your country. When calling from an Axiata SIM card, dial 01000. For example, when calling a Russian number, you will need approximately the following set of numbers: 01000-7-XXX-XXX -XX-XX. In this case, a conversation will be inexpensive - about 2,500 Indonesian rupiahs (this is about $ 0.02) for 1 minute. An SMS in the Russian Federation will cost about 700 rupees in Indonesia (about $ 0.05).
To call home from Bali to a landline number, you need to dial 001, then enter the country code, area code and number.
The cheapest calls home are at Wartel Telecom points, where after 11 pm the tariffs are reduced. To call from a pay phone, you need to purchase the appropriate phone card, which is sold in supermarkets, post offices in Indonesia and newspaper stalls.
Calls to Bali from other countries
To call a Balinese number from a landline in another country, you must first dial 8, then 10, then 62 (Indonesia code), then 361 (Bali code), then the subscriber's number.
To call from a mobile in another country to a mobile number in Bali, you need to dial +62 (Indonesia code), then the operator code and the subscriber number.
Calls within Indonesia
When calling from a mobile in Indonesia to another number in this country, a minute of conversation will cost about 1,500 Indonesian rupees. Calls are much cheaper at night: 1 minute costs almost half the price, while SMS costs only about 150 Indonesian rupees.
To call from one Indonesian mobile number to another, you must first dial the Indonesia code +62, then the operator code and the subscriber number. If the call is made to a number belonging to the same Indonesian mobile operator as your number, you need to dial zero instead of +62.
Where to buy a SIM card in Bali
SIM cards in Bali are sold in many places: mobile phone shops, supermarkets, airport. There are a lot of points of sale in tourist places, you can find it without any problems. Except in critical situations, you should not rush to buy a SIM card already at the airport, as it will be too expensive. In the mall, it will be cheaper.
Internet in Bali
It is not recommended to use a SIM card from a non-Indonesian mobile operator for mobile Internet in Indonesia, since such Internet will cost too much. The costs can be significant. It is possible to connect roaming with your home operator, so as not to go broke to such an extent, but it will still be much more expensive than using a special tourist or Indonesian SIM card.
Although in most of the Southeast Asian countries the Internet is now almost flawlessly developed and there is Wi-Fi in every hotel, in Indonesia the situation is less rosy. Wi-Fi in this country is not present in every hotel, even in such popular tourist regions as Bali. Therefore, you should carefully select the hotel. However, if you only need mobile Internet, you can limit yourself to buying a SIM-card with mobile traffic... Wi-Fi is also available in some (but also not all) restaurants, cafes, large shopping centers. There are also Internet cafes in Bali.
However, in terms of the development of mobile Internet, Indonesia is inferior to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Its speed here is often not high enough. When buying an Indonesian SIM card for Internet access, you should not strive to buy a card that supposedly has a high speed, since in fact it will still be low.
To connect to the mobile Internet, you should buy a SIM card from one of the main Indonesian operators - Telkomsel, Axiata or Indosat.
Internet in Bali for tourists
The most economical option is to use mobile Internet packages. Local operators offer many packages with different terms and volumes. One of the most popular among tourists is the Telkomsel SimPATI package. SimPATI package tariffs are as follows:
- 5 GB for 3 days - Rs 28,000 - IDR;
- 5 GB for 7 days - 36,000 IDR
- 10 GB for 7 days - 45,000 IDR
- 6 GB for 30 days - 60,000 IDR
Cable internet in Bali
Telkom Speedy in Bali provides cable connection based on ADSL technology. The disadvantage is the use of telephone cables, which have not been updated in Bali for a very long time, therefore, they have low bandwidth and are often cut off. In most cases, if you need more or less high-quality Internet, then mobile will often be a better option than cable. But of course it is better to check on the spot.
The Indonesian tourist destination is slightly behind such popular Asian countries as Thailand and Vietnam. The situation with the Internet is somewhat worse here. At the same time, the number of Internet users in the country continues to grow (this is especially true of 3 G-connections), and Indonesia ranks second in the world in terms of the number of Facebook users. In addition, local mobile operators offer their customers favorable rates and provide acceptable signal reception.
general information
Let's make a reservation right away that it is not worth using the services of Russian providers in Indonesia - it is too expensive. Cellular communication operates in all major cities of the country, but in remote areas, coverage problems may periodically arise.
Big cities also delight with an impressive number of Internet cafes (pay attention to the signs Internet or Warnet ). These cafes work until late at night, but the equipment here leaves much to be desired, and the low prices are quite consistent with the low speed of the Internet. In order to enter Russian portals (if it succeeds at all), you need to be patient.
Calling on a landline phone will be quite expensive, but after 23:00 the cost of an international call at call points Wartel Telecom decreases significantly. Calling cards can be bought at the post office, mall or newsstand.
International country code - 62 ... Ambulance operators answer phone calls 118 , police number - 110 , the fire brigade - 113 ... Phone for information - 108 .
mobile connection
As noted above, optimal solution for the tourist there will be a purchase of a local SIM card. There are several mobile operators in Indonesia, the largest of which are Telkomsel and Excelcomindo ... The company is also popular Indosat .
There is an Indonesian SIM card 50-100 rubles , but in some tourist areas the price can skyrocket. There is no need to present a passport or any other documents. The balance (if desired by the buyer) is replenished on the spot. In order to avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to ask the seller for help in activating the SIM card. Big discounts are offered for internal calls between customers of the same provider.
SIM cards are sold in communication salons, shopping malls and even in small street shops. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, but such a purchase will cost several times more.
A minute of domestic conversation will cost the local cardholder 3-6 rubles , SMS - 50 kopecks ... The starting price of a minute conversation with Russia is 8 rubles , SMS - order two rubles .
Mobile Internet andWi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is not available in all Indonesian hotels. But free wifi is available in many city restaurants, cafes and shopping malls. Wi-Fi is also available within popular resort areas.
For those who are interested in the ability to access the Network on an ongoing basis, it is better to contact one of the 3G providers. These are the operators already listed in the paragraph above, as well as CBN and AHA ... In Jakarta and Surabaya, in addition to 3G, a high-speed standard is also offered 3.5 G -connection.
Monthly prices for an unlimited Internet package depend on the operator you chose, and the connection speed, and fluctuate in the range 350-650 rubles ... Of course, there are cheaper options. In addition, you can connect for a shorter period (for example, 14 days). Note that there is no particular reason to overpay for speed, since the mobile Internet in Indonesia can only be called fast with a big stretch.
Signal quality decreases with distance from major cities and major resorts in the country.
Cable internet
Those who are going to stay in Indonesia for a long time will certainly be interested in the state of affairs with the wired Internet. The largest ADSL provider in Indonesia is PT Telcom ... Unfortunately, in many parts of the country (in particular, this applies to Bali) telephone cables they are rarely changed, and the available ones are quite old and are characterized by low bandwidth. The monthly bill usually consists of the payment for the provider's services and the cost of using the PT Telcom line, making 800-1000 rub. at a speed of 3 megabits per second.
In general, despite some disadvantages (low speed, interruptions in signal reception in remote areas), serious problems with communication in Indonesia should not arise. SIM cards of the main local providers can be easily purchased in large cities and resort areas of the country, and if necessary, you can use Internet cafes and landline phones.
