Airports are notoriously stressful places, especially when you’re tired out after a long flight. Navigating the space can be confusing and it may take hours before you’re finally out the door with your luggage – and that’s given everything goes smoothly upon your arrival.
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the island’s only airport, located around 13 kilometres south of Denpasar. It may be overwhelming for first-time travellers, but it’s easy enough to navigate if you know where to go and what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know to help you get through the Bali airport.
Before you arrive
Your preparation should start before your departure flight. Make sure you have all the required documents to enter Bali.
Visa
Bali offers Visa on Arrival for select countries. If your country is not on the list, make sure that you’ve applied for and obtained a Visitor Visa for Indonesia.
Tourism levy
In addition to a visa, Bali also requires foreign travellers to pay a tourism levy of Rp.150,000 (around USD$9). This can be done online through the Love Bali website or app.
By paying this fee, visitors are contributing to the maintenance and preservation of Bali’s natural environment and tourist form.
Health declaration
Visitors must declare their travel history and health condition before entering Bali. This can be done by filling in the form at sshp.kemkes.go.id within 72 hours of your departure. Once completed, you will receive a QR code to show upon arrival at the Bali airport. Be sure to take a screenshot of this code.
Customs declaration form
Cut the line at customs by completing an online declaration form through https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/#. Choose your preferred language on the top righthand corner of the website. Once completed, take a screenshot of the QR code on the screen.
Register your IMEI
If you’re staying in the country for more than 90 days, you will need to register for an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), which is mandatory to prevent the illegal import of mobile phones. This registration can be done at customs.
When you arrive at the Bali airport
Getting to the auto gates
There are automated gates as well as traditional immigration lines at the airport’s international terminal. If you’ve acquired your visa and paid the tourism levy, you can go straight to the auto gates.
For those who need to use the traditional immigration line, you’ll want to get in the queue quickly. For this reason, it’s best to go for a bathroom break on the plane before landing. There are toilets at several along the way, but this will only slow you down.
It’s important to note that Fast Track immigration services are for official business only and are not available for tourists, so you’ll have to wait in line with everyone else.
Baggage claim
The Bali airport is notoriously known for slow baggage handling. It can take up to an hour after landing for your luggage to show up on the belt. Even if you make it out of immigration relatively quickly, you may still have to stand around and wait for your suitcases for a while, so between immigration and baggage claim is the perfect time to take a bathroom break.
At baggage claim, there are usually porters standing around near the belts offering their services, easily identifiable in their uniforms. They can be quite persistent, but just be firm if you don’t need them.
Leaving Bali airport
Currency exchange and cash withdrawals
Be sure you have enough currency on you before you leave the airport. There are banking halls with ATMs from major local banks which take most Visa and Mastercard cards. Additionally, bank counters are available to help you make cash withdrawals as well.
If you need to exchange currencies, we recommend doing so at money changers around the island, which offer more competitive rates than the ones at the airport.
Food and drinks
If you find yourself hungry, there are convenience stores selling snacks and drinks on the right hand side of the arrivals hall. For more options, you can head upstairs to the 3rd floor where the departures hall is.
Taxi drivers and porters at arrivals
The arrivals hall will be lined with taxi drivers and more porters eager to help you for a fee and additional tip. They may stick to your side and try to persuade you to take up their offer as you walk, often taking no for an answer and charging high prices. Avoid this by pre-booking your airport transfer so you know that there will be a driver waiting for you at arrivals.
If you haven’t arranged an airport transfer, only use transportation stated on the official Bali airport website. The airport taxi is available for hire with a minimum transfer of Rp.120,000 with an additional surcharge for drop off at further areas on the island.
Alternatively, make your way to the Grab and Gojek lounges available. These are transfer services provided by ride hailing services in official collaboration with the airport. There will be staff at each lounge to help you make your car booking. Be aware that rides with these services from the airport in particular may be pricier depending on your destination.
What to look forward to at your destination
Once you’ve made it out of the airport, an island paradise awaits. Bali offers stunning nature views, lively entertainment, a bustling night life, and a culinary haven, all in one.
Be sure to get a taste of authentic Indonesian food during your travels by visiting Merah Putih restaurant in Petitenget. This luxury Indonesian restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience and takes you on a journey through local cuisine with innovative food and drinks.
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Departing from Bali
If you’re flying out of Bali, be sure to arrive at least two hours before your flight to give yourself plenty of time to check in your luggage and go through security.
The check in and security lines may take you as little as 20 minutes, but this duration usually increases during peak seasons.
The journey to the airport may also be blocked by traffic depending on the time of day and your route. It may take you around two hours or more, so the best thing to do is to leave at least four hours before your flight.
FAQ
Currently, Bali only has one airport, which is the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. However, there have been talks about a new international airport opening on the northern side of the island.
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is located in Denpasar, around 13 kilometres outside of Kuta.
Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the island’s only airport, located around 13 kilometres south of Denpasar.
Depending on the time of your arrival, the queue at immigration may take more than an hour, so you’ll want to get in line quickly. It’s important to note that Fast Track immigration services are for official business only and are not available for tourists, so you’ll have to wait in line with everyone else.
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