Landed In

Arrival guide

Landed in Bali.

Getting from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) into the city, what money to carry, the apps locals use, and how to get online.

Bali has no single city center. Directions below head to Denpasar city center, about 12 km from the airport. Tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud are in different directions.
Airport taxi touts inside arrivals can quote high prices. Use the official counter or a pre-booked ride instead.

From the airport to the city center

Easiest

Official airport taxi counter (Koperasi)

Rp 150,000 to 250,000 ($9 to $16)

30 to 60 min

  1. 1Collect your bags and clear customs.
  2. 2In the arrivals hall, find the fixed-price taxi counters before the exit.
  3. 3Tell them you are going to Denpasar city center and pay at the counter.
  4. 4Get a receipt and walk to the taxi with the staff member.

Generally open for all arriving flights

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Cheapest

Grab or Gojek

Rp 90,000 to 180,000 ($6 to $12)

30 to 60 min

  1. 1Connect to airport wifi or your eSIM and open Grab or Gojek.
  2. 2Set your drop-off in Denpasar city center.
  3. 3Walk to the designated rideshare pickup area signposted outside arrivals. Drivers may ask you to meet them away from the terminal.
  4. 4Check the plate number before you get in.
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Fastest

Pre-booked private driver

Rp 200,000 to 350,000 ($12 to $22)

30 to 60 min

  1. 1Book ahead through your hotel or a transfer service.
  2. 2After baggage claim, look for a driver holding a sign with your name.
  3. 3Confirm the drop-off in Denpasar city center and the price before you leave.
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Want a driver waiting for you?

Book a fixed-price transfer before you fly and skip the taxi queue.

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Money

Indonesian rupiah

IDR

$1 is about Rp 16,000

Cards

Cards work at hotels, malls and many restaurants. Small warungs, markets and taxis often want cash.

Tipping

Not required. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent at sit-down restaurants is appreciated. A service charge is often already included.

Cash

  • Carry small notes for parking, tips and street food.
  • Count your change, since notes look similar.
  • Avoid street money changers with unusually good rates.

ATMs

  • Use ATMs inside banks or malls, such as BCA or Mandiri.
  • Withdraw larger amounts to limit flat fees.
  • Decline any dynamic currency conversion and choose rupiah.

Apps to download

Grab

Must have

Rides and food delivery

App StoreGoogle Play

Gojek

Rides, scooters and food delivery

App StoreGoogle Play

Google Maps

Must have

Navigation and transit

App StoreGoogle Play

WhatsApp

Must have

Messaging hotels, drivers and tour operators

App StoreGoogle Play

Bluebird

Metered taxis with fair pricing

App StoreGoogle Play

Stay connected

Mobile coverage is good in southern Bali and towns. An eSIM set up before landing is the easiest start.

  • Install an eSIM before you fly, such as Airalo.
  • Buy a tourist SIM at a counter in the arrivals hall, such as Telkomsel.
  • Use XL Axiata or Indosat Ooredoo from official stores if staying longer.

Get your eSIM before you fly

Install it at home and you'll have data the moment you land, with no airport SIM queue.

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Good to know

  • Dress modestly at temples. A sarong and sash are required, and many sites lend them.
  • Do not touch anyone's head and use your right hand to give or receive.
  • Money changers sometimes shortchange you. Use authorized ones with clear rates and count notes yourself.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water only, and avoid ice from unknown sources.
  • Watch for monkeys at Uluwatu and Ubud. They grab phones, sunglasses and food.
  • Scooter accidents are common. Wear a helmet and avoid riding without proper license and insurance.
  • Do not step on the small offering baskets on the ground.

Emergency numbers

Prices and tips are AI-written estimates, so double-check anything important.