Following this updated guide will ensure smooth, well-planned Bali internship preparation, so you arrive confident, safe, and ready to maximize your island experience. Effective preparation begins months before departure and covers essential areas from visa requirements to cultural adaptation.
1. Managing Cash and Credit Cards
You should carry both cash and a trusted credit card when in Bali. Using digital wallets like Wise or Revolut can make currency exchange easier. Wise even gives you access to GoPay, a popular payment method in Bali. Keep in mind that prices are generally lower here, but bargaining is normal and expected. Learning to negotiate can help you save money and fit in with local customs. Always choose the payment option that offers convenience and safety.
2. Must-Have Apps for Bali
Using the right apps will make living and working in Bali simpler. Gojek and Grab are key for getting around, ordering food, and even shopping online. Both apps are widely used and cover many daily needs.
For communication, WhatsApp is essential. It connects you with locals, fellow interns, and businesses, helping with work chats, booking appointments, or making reservations.
When it comes to shopping, Tokopedia and Shopee are popular choices. Shopee has a larger variety of products but requires your app store to be set to Indonesia. Make sure to download these apps before your trip and set them up with an Indonesian phone number once you arrive. This will save time and give you easy access to services and products during your stay.
3. Preventing Bali Belly
To protect yourself from traveler’s diarrheas, often called “Bali Belly,” focus on what you eat and drink. Be cautious with street food. For example choose restaurants popular with locals, since they usually use fresh ingredients. Avoid raw salads or fruits that may have been washed in tap water. Always drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.
Keep good hygiene by washing your hands often and using hand sanitiser, especially after handling money or touching public surfaces. Make sure your meals are fully cooked and served hot to reduce risk.
Additionally, prepare a small health kit before your trip. Include anti-diarrheal medicine, oral rehydration salts, and probiotics. If you do get sick, stay hydrated and seek treatment at a trusted clinic. Being ready and careful can help keep your internship in Bali healthy and productive.
- Eat only fully cooked dishes; avoid raw foods.
- Drink bottled water exclusively, even for brushing teeth
- Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser.
- Pack a small health kit with diarrhoea meds and rehydration salts.
4. Reliable Insurance
Before traveling, secure a health and travel insurance plan that covers typical medical expenses. Look for providers like Chapka, Allianz, or Safety Wing, which offer options suitable for interns and remote workers. Check if your school has partnerships with insurers to get better coverage or rates.
5. Useful Indonesian Expressions
Learning some basic Indonesian phrases will improve your daily life in Bali. It helps with work, shopping, and meeting people. Speaking even a little shows respect and interest in local culture, which Balinese people appreciate.
You do not need to be fluent. Remember these simple phrases:
- Hello – Halo
- Thank you – Terima kasih
- Please – Tolong
- Yes – Ya
- No – Tidak
Try language apps or local classes to practice and gain confidence quickly.
6. Ride safely
Get an international driving license
Before you begin driving in Bali, ensure you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is legally required. Having this permit helps you avoid complications with traffic authorities. Riding without an IDP can lead to fines and may invalidate your travel insurance in case of an accident. Always carry your International Driving Permit while driving.
For the most reliable and official information on driving license regulations in Indonesia and Bali, visit the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) and Traffic Corps (Korlantas) official website.
Note for foreigners: Visitors must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with a valid driver’s license from their home country.
Always wear a helmet
In Bali, where the island vibe invites you to feel free and fearless on the road, it might seem tempting to skip wearing a helmet, to blend in or look “cool.” But that carefree image quickly fades when an accident happens.
Wearing a helmet isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a strict law for all riders and passengers on motorcycles and scooters. This rule exists because helmets save lives, they dramatically lower the risk of life-changing head injuries during crashes. No momentary style or thrill is worth the lifelong consequences of going unprotected. Beyond personal safety, ignoring this law can lead to fines and penalties from traffic police who are serious about enforcing it.
So, before you start your engine and embrace Bali’s beautiful streets, remember this: your helmet is more than gear, it’s your lifeline. Protect yourself, respect the law, and make wearing a helmet the first rule every time you ride. Your life depends on it.
Learn local road habits
Balinese roads can be busy and unpredictable. Pay attention to how locals drive, as understanding their habits will help you stay safe. For example, honking is often used to alert others when overtaking rather than as a sign of anger. Adapting to these customs helps you blend in and avoid confusion on the road.
7. Honore and respect local customs and traditions
When visiting Bali, it’s important to show respect for local customs, as they form a big part of daily life. Sacred places like temples, called pura, ask that you dress modestly. This usually means covering your shoulders and legs. During religious events or when sacred items pass by, quietly step aside and wait patiently without speaking.
Ceremonies called odalan happen often, celebrating temple anniversaries. If you join one, wear a sarong and sash, and watch how locals behave to follow their example. Respect extends beyond special occasions to everyday actions. Always use your right hand when giving or receiving something, since the left hand is seen as unclean. When pointing, use your whole hand instead of a finger.
Avoid touching people’s heads, even children’s, because the head is seen as very sacred. Keep calm and patient, avoiding arguments or public disagreements. Balinese culture values keeping harmony and saving face in social situations. As a result showing care for these details helps you feel welcome and makes your visit more meaningful.
8. Care for Bali’s Nature
You should reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and choose businesses that follow green practices. Join local efforts like beach cleanups to keep the environment clean. When exploring natural areas, avoid disturbing plants and animals to protect their habitats. Use water and electricity wisely to cut down on your impact. Take time to understand local environmental issues and consider how your internship can support conservation. Your actions help keep Bali’s nature healthy for the future.
9. Join Local Experiences
You can dive into many activities to see Bali beyond the usual tourist spots. Watch traditional dances, visit ancient temples, or take part in local festivals to connect with Balinese culture. Try surfing at Uluwatu, hike Mount Batur, or explore hidden waterfalls and rice terraces for adventure.
Learn about local food by joining a Balinese cooking class or visiting markets. Relax with yoga or meditation by the beach to find calm. You can also volunteer in community projects or environmental cleanups to contribute positively. Don’t forget to attend networking events to meet other interns and locals. These activities help you fully experience Bali during your internship.
Activity Summary List
- Traditional Dances & Festivals — Understand culture
- Surfing & Hiking — Enjoy adventure
- Cooking Classes & Market Tours — Taste local life
- Yoga & Meditation — Relax and recharge
- Volunteering & Networking — Build community and connections
Check out authentic options in less crowded places for a richer experience.
10. Get Involved with the Expat Scene
You can make your time in Bali much easier and more enjoyable by tapping into the local expat network. This group is made up of people from many different backgrounds who live and work on the island. To start, attend meet-ups in popular spots like co-working spaces or cafes in Canggu and Ubud. These places often host events where you can meet others and exchange useful advice.
For instance joining clubs or groups that match your interests helps you build friendships and feel part of the community. Workshops that focus on sharing skills offer chances to both learn and connect with others.
Use online platforms and social media to stay updated on activities and opportunities. Follow @baliworkgroup to have insight into what other interns are doing, helping you plan your own experience.
Remember, this community is not just about socialising. It offers a support system to help you navigate life, work, and the culture in Bali. Therefore getting involved will make your internship more meaningful and help you adjust faster to the new environment.
Key tips to engage with the expat community:
- Attend local events in coworking cafes
- Join clubs matching your hobbies
- Participate in skill-sharing workshops
- Follow relevant social media channels
- Ask fellow expats for guidance and tips
Ultimately your internship in Bali represents more than professional development, it’s an opportunity to gain global perspective, develop cultural competency, and create lasting connections that will benefit your career for years to come.