You will find such welcoming locals in Bali, but as Western and modern as Bali presents itself, the culture is still a firm bedrock. We help provide simple etiquette guidelines to make your trip effortless.

Balinese are far more conservative than Westerners, so be careful with outward displays of affection which can be frowned upon. Equally, avoid any confrontation which is considered offensive, so do not raise one's voice.

When coming into contact with people, do not touch a person's head. It is considered to be sacred in Bali, where the soul is supposed to reside, making it off limits to touch even for friends and children.

Also use your right hand to shake hands and to eat foods and avoid using your left hand to touch. It is known that the left hand should be primarily for hygienic purposes. However, one exception is when you use both hands to give something, which is a high compliment.

If you need to point to something, its polite to do so by extending your arm outward and directing your palm instead of pointing your index finger. 

THE ESSENTIALS

Emergency services: 112
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Dialling code: 00 62
Flight time from UK: Approx. 17 hours