Two small logistics decide your first hour in Bali: a working phone and working money. Both are easy — done right — and mildly expensive done wrong. The five-minute version:
Data: eSIM or counter SIM
eSIM (bought online before flying) activates on landing and skips every queue — the modern default. Physical SIMs from official telco counters cost slightly less per GB (IDR 100–150k for generous packages) but mind the airport markup kiosks. Coverage on the southwest coast is strong 4G/5G; a 25GB month covers heavy use including hotspot emergencies. Villa wifi carries the real load anyway.
Cash: which ATMs and why it matters
Use ATMs attached to banks (Mandiri, BCA, BNI) rather than freestanding convenience-store machines — fewer skimmer risks, honest rates. Withdrawals cap around IDR 2.5–3m per transaction with a ~IDR 50k local fee; a travel card that refunds ATM fees pays for itself. Decline dynamic currency conversion every single time — always be charged in rupiah.
Cards vs cash on the quiet coast
Cards and QRIS mobile payments now cover supermarkets, most restaurants and anything with air-conditioning; cash still rules warungs, markets, beach vendors and small massage shops. The working formula: IDR 1–2m cash in the villa safe, topped up weekly, cards for the rest. Villas themselves — ours included — invoice properly by transfer or card for the big number.
Tipping and the last details
Tipping isn't obligatory but lands warmly: 5–10% at warungs if no service charge, IDR 20–50k for drivers and therapists per good session, round up everywhere gratitude applies. Keep small bills for temple donations and parking (IDR 2–5k). And screenshot your villa's WhatsApp before landing — the person who answers it solves every problem this page didn't cover. More arrival logistics →