Airport and airport transportation

Bali is served by many of the world's major airlines. There are many direct flights from major cities in Australia, Europe and Asia.

The international airport of Bali is Ngurah Rai located in Tuban (Denpasar), about 12 km from the conference venue of the Bali Grand Hyatt Hotel, around 20 minutes by car. Taxi fare from the airport to Grand Hyatt Hotel and Nusa Dua approximately US$ 17.00.

Passport and Visa Requirements

All visitors will need a valid passport and for those arrived from certain countries will need visas. Please contact your local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate to check the Visa requirements, because it may vary from one country to another.  Foreign Affair website on the following direct link www.deplu.go.id (copy and paste the link into your browser address if it doesn’t work).

The Department of Justice and Human Rights has officially determined that as of August 2005: Indonesia Government had granted 'visa on arrival (VOA)' favor to 63 countries to be able to purchase the visa on arrival facility upon their arrival in Indonesia's designed “International Gateway” at 15 airports and 21 seaports. They are: Aljazair, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Czech Republic, China, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, Tunisia, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirate, United Kingdom, United States of America.

VOA is valid for 30 days and may be extended under certain circumstances, namely (1) occurrence of natural disasters and (2) should the visitor fall ill or involve in an accident. The fee for this visa is, payable upon landing, US $10 for a 7 day visa and US $25 for a 30-day visa.

The official entry requirements for the issuance of a 7 or 30-day VOA are: (1) Passport must be from one of the countries listed above, (2) Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Indonesia, (3) Payment of US$10 or US$25 must be paid at the gateway, depending on the length of visa required, (4) Onward or return tickets are compulsory and (5) Visitors must enter and exit through one of the 15 airports or 21 seaports officially approved as an “international gateway” by the Indonesian Immigration department.

There are 11 countries and territories are eligible for a 'Visa Free' facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge, namely Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, The Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.

Customs

Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia namely (1) 1 (one) liter of alcoholic beverages, (2) 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 100 grams of tobacco and (3) reasonable amount of perfume per adult, meaning if you arrive drenched in perfume the customs probably will not mind you carrying loads of bottles. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipments are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs.

You are prohibited to carry items as follows (1) firearms, (2) narcotics drugs, (3) pornography materials, (4) Chinese printing and medicines and (5) Transceivers and cordless telephone.

Films, pre-recorded video tapes, laser discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by Censor Board. Import or export of foreign currencies and travelers’ checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesia currency, exceeding 100 million Rupiah is prohibited. Further information on customs and taxes in Indonesia, log into www.beacukai.go.id (copy and paste the link into your browser address if it doesn’t work).

Currency : The currency in Indonesia is Rupiah (Rp.), US$ 1 =  + Rp. 10,000.00

Credit Cards : Major credit cards Visa, Master Card, American Express are widely accepted.
 

Time

Indonesia is GMT + 7 or 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Time Standard. Indonesia has three time zones, namely Western Indonesia Time which is GMT + 7 (covering Sumatra, Java, Madura, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan), Central Indonesia Time which is GMT + 8 (covering East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara) and the last is Eastern Indonesia Time which is GMT + 9 (covering Maluku and Western Papua).

Electric Current : 220  volts / 50 Hz

Metrification : Speed limits and distances in Bali are shown in kilometers.

Climate

The climate in October is rainy season, with average temperatures of 29 to 31°C, high Humidity.

What to Pack

Include casual wear. Suit and tie for the gala dinner. Comfortable shoes and portable umbrella for the field and social visits are advised.

Shopping

Kuta and Legian are the fashion capitals of South East Asia with Indonesian, American, Italian and French designer turning out highly original clothes and exporting them world wide. A great concentration of shops, most in good prices, is found in Pasar Seni at the end of Bakung Sari Street at Kuta, Melasti Street at Legian or close to Nusa Dua Gate. Many kind of handicrafts are available. Duty Free Shop are available in Kuta area,and several of Shopping Mall located near by. Shopping mall hours are from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM on Monday to Sunday.

Tipping : A small tip is appreciated for good service. A 11% is usual in pubs, bars and restaurants.

Language

The national language is Bahasa Indonesia, however, in tourism areas several languages, particularly English, are understood.