Only rupiah (Indonesian currency) is acceptable at local stores and restaurants. . The Indonesian rupiah is available in note denomination of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100. Coins are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.

US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange. Only bills printed from 1996 onward are accepted in payment or in exchange for local currency. Larger denomination bills earn a higher exchange rate, as do traveler's cheques. Most hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops accept certain foreign currencies and credit cards. You can buy rupiah at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers on presentation of your passport. The exchange rate fluctuates regularly, so check your bank for the latest exchange rates. Most banks and hotels accept traveler's cheques. (this will need to be monitored)

The use of traveler's checks in Indonesia is as popular as in any other country. Diners Club and American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards is charged in local currency. Some merchants apply a 3-5 percent surcharge for credit card transactions.

Health and Medical Services & Concerns

There are no inoculation or vaccination requirements for visitors to Bali. Visitors arriving from parts of Africa, however, may be screened for Yellow Fever.

Day-biting mosquitoes often carry dengue fever, but this is not a problem in tourist areas. Bali is non-malarial and prophylaxis is not required. Mosquito bites, cuts or abrasions easily infected in the tropics. Treat them immediately.

Drink only bottled or boiled water (air putih). Peel fruit before eating, avoid raw vegetables except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants is safe.

Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun. Use sunblock and a hat.

AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in Indonesia. Local sex workers have multiple partners from around the world. They are not checked for sexually transmitted diseases. Act responsibly and use condoms, available over the counter at pharmacies.

Call an ambulance by dialing 118, but it is quicker to hire a taxi. Most hotels have on-call doctors. A fever along with gastrointestinal symptoms require doctor prescribed antibiotics. Drink as much liquid as possible. For discomfort, diarrhea and cramping, drink strong, hot tea; avoid fruits and spicy foods. White rice and bananas are a good diet during these ailments

VISA REGULATIONS

The government of Indonesia has changed its visa policy for foreign tourists effective February 1st., 2004.
Visiting Indonesia Without Any Visa

Entering Indonesia without any visa is possible now only for nationals of the following 11 countries and territories: Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Citizens of the above countries will be issued on arrival a stay permit for 30 days free of charge upon presentation of a passport which is valid at least for another 6 months. This stay permit cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa.

VISA on ARRIVAL (VoA)

This facility is available for nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Quatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Citizens of these countries will be able to apply for a VoA valid for either 7 or 30 days upon arrival by air in Bali, Jakarta and a few other international airports or by ship at a limited number of Indonesian sea ports. A 7-day visa costs US$10 and a 30-day visa costs US$25.

The VoA cannot be extended or converted into any other kind of visa. Also be aware that Immigration officials calculate the 30-day period as follows: your arrival day is counted as your first day, and you must leave the country on the 30th. day!

How to Obtain the "VISA on ARRIVAL" (VoA)

Travelers from the above countries must be in posession of a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and the completed embarkation/disembarkation card they received from their airline. They must also be able to prove they have sufficient funds for their stay in Indonesia.

Arriving travelers with Visa-On-Arrival status have to go first to one of the 'VoA Counters' to pay the appropriate fee and have their passports stamped with the VoA before proceeding to the Immigration Clearance Desk. An official bank is part of the VoA service counters. Payment of visa fees can only be made in US dollar bank notes, Indonesian Rupiah equivalent or by VISA or MASTERCARD.

Visa On Arrival
Requirement of a Visa Before Arrival

Citizens of countries neither on the VoA nor Visa-Free lists are required to apply for a visa overseas before travelling to Indonesia. Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia also have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia.