GENERAL
GENERAL
INFORMATION
INFORMATION
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Photo taken somewhere near the Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, Tampaksiring, Bali
*common courtesy
Indonesia is a country with high tolerance and warmness. Handshaking is customary greeting but please avoid to use the left hand. Right hand is always being used in any occasion because it is considered more polite. Scanty clothing is not advisable in public places in deference to local custom. Particularly in Bali, it is required to wear traditional fabric such as sarong or kamen in order to enter a temple appropriately.
*greetings
Generally, Indonesian greet with 'Halo' or 'Hai' which is followed by a handshake. Particularly in Bali, people would prefer a gesture with both hands being vertically adjusted closely together in front of the chest and followed by greeting 'Om Swastiastu' which means may god always be with you.
*currency
The Indonesian currency is Rupiah (IDR). Notes are in denominations of 100.000, 50.000, 20.000, 10.000, 5.000, 2.000, and 1.000. Coins are in denominations of 1.000, 500, 200, 100, 50. The use of credit cards is more common in Bali, however local currency is preferable. It is always better to change money at the bank rather than the hotel or money changer on the street. Please, recount your money after the change.
*cuisine
A typical Indonesian meals consisted of steamed rice and one or two main dishes made of fish, meat, chicken, and/or vegetables. Sometimes, soup are separated but served together as main course. A common side dish, sambal or the spicy sauce is always being added to the meals. Particularly in Bali, the food is condimental and strong. However, the food provided at restaurants are often a fusion between Balinese and western taste.
*health
In touristic areas, there are some good hospitals namely RSUP Sanglah Hospital, BIMC, and BaliMéd. Moreover, most of the hotel in South Bali would have their own clinics. Pharmacies are available in any area. A big company called Kimia Farma has its branch stores almost everywhere in the city. Somehow, Bali is also known for its traditional healers. It would be an extraordinary experience if you could visit one of them.
*water
It is not advisable to drink tap water in Indonesia. Bottled water is safe and easy to be found. In the hotel or restaurant, ice cubes in drinks are made from filtered water. However, try to avoid them on the street stalls or in the countryside.
*tipping
In the common trade of tourism industry in Bali, tipping is always being expected. It is customary, though not compulsory. In the touristic area, the bill would normally include 11% government tax and 10% service. However, small businesses in rural area still using effective or cash without any augmentation.
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