Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Bali

Bali is a paradise for travelers, offering stunning beaches, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and incredible food. But like any travel destination, it has its own unique customs, challenges, and hidden traps that can catch visitors off guard.

Many tourists especially first-timers make avoidable mistakes that lead to unnecessary spending, safety risks, or even disrespect to the local culture. To help you have the best experience in Bali, here are 7 common mistakes tourists make and how to avoid them.

1. Disrespecting Local Customs and Traditions

Bali is deeply rooted in Hindu culture, and respecting local customs is essential to having a positive experience. Many tourists unintentionally disrespect sacred places and traditions without realizing it.

What You Should Avoid

• Entering temples without wearing a sarong and sash – It is mandatory to wear these when visiting Balinese temples.
• Touching people’s heads – In Balinese culture, the head is considered the holiest part of the body.
• Pointing with the index finger – Instead, use your whole hand or thumb to gesture politely.
• Stepping on Canang Sari offerings – These small flower-filled baskets are placed on sidewalks and in front of shops as daily prayers.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Always carry a sarong and sash in your bag for temple visits.
• Observe how locals interact and follow their respectful gestures.
• Walk carefully around offerings, especially on sidewalks.

Local Tip: When entering a family compound or temple, always ask for permission first and say “Permisi” (excuse me).

2. Getting Scammed by Money Changers and Taxis

One of the most common travel scams in Bali happens at money changers and unlicensed taxis. If you’re not careful, you might lose a significant amount of money without realizing it.

What You Should Avoid

• Money changers offering unusually high exchange rates – Many of them use sleight of hand tricks to shortchange tourists.
• Taxis that refuse to use the meter – Some taxis in tourist areas charge exorbitant prices for short distances.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Exchange your money only at authorized places like BMC Money Changer or Central Kuta Money Exchange.
• Use Grab or GoJek (Bali’s ride-hailing apps) instead of street taxis.
• If you must take a taxi, always choose Blue Bird taxis—the only trusted metered taxi company.

Local Tip: If you need cash, consider using ATMs inside banks instead of standalone street ATMs, which are more prone to skimming scams.

3. Renting a Scooter Without Proper Experience

Many tourists underestimate Bali’s traffic and rent a scooter without understanding the risks and legal requirements. Accidents involving tourists on scooters are common and can result in serious injuries or expensive medical bills.

What You Should Avoid

• Riding a scooter without an international driver’s permit – This can lead to fines from the police.
• Driving without proper experience – Bali’s roads are chaotic, with heavy traffic, sharp turns, and unpredictable drivers.
• Not wearing a helmet – Many tourists ignore this, risking severe head injuries.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Only rent a scooter if you have prior experience riding in traffic-heavy areas.
• Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic laws.
• If you’re uncomfortable driving, hire a private driver for long distances—it’s affordable and safer.

Local Tip: If stopped by police, always carry an international driver’s permit and be polite. Some officers may ask for a “fine”—if this happens, politely ask for a receipt to ensure it’s official.

4. Drinking Tap Water and Ignoring “Bali Belly” Risks

"Bali Belly" is a common stomach illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Tourists often fall sick due to drinking tap water or eating at unhygienic places.

What You Should Avoid

• Drinking tap water – Even brushing your teeth with tap water can cause stomach issues.
• Eating from street vendors with poor hygiene – Some local warungs do not follow proper food safety regulations.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Drink only bottled or filtered water.
• Avoid ice cubes unless they come from a trusted restaurant or café.
• Eat at busy warungs and restaurants with high food turnover to ensure fresh meals.

Local Tip: Pack activated charcoal tablets or probiotics to help your stomach adjust to new foods.

5. Visiting Bali Without Travel Insurance

Many travelers think they won’t need travel insurance, but accidents, lost luggage, and unexpected illnesses can happen anytime.

What You Should Avoid

• Skipping travel insurance to save money – If an emergency occurs, medical costs can be extremely high.
• Not checking if the insurance covers adventure activities – Some insurance plans exclude high-risk activities like surfing, diving, or scooter accidents.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, lost baggage, and adventure activities.
• Choose providers like World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Allianz, which cover hospitalization in Bali.

Local Tip: The best hospitals for tourists in Bali are BIMC Hospital and Siloam Hospital, which have English-speaking doctors and international-standard facilities.

6. Underestimating Bali’s Strong Ocean Currents

Bali has some of the most stunning beaches, but many tourists are unaware of dangerous rip currents in certain areas.

What You Should Avoid

• Swimming in areas with red flags – This means strong currents and dangerous waves.
• Ignoring local warnings or lifeguard instructions.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Only swim in designated safe areas and check wave conditions before entering the water.
• Visit beaches like Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran, which have calmer waters.

Local Tip: If caught in a rip current, don’t panic. Instead of fighting the current, swim parallel to the shore until you escape the pull.

7. Expecting Bali to Be Like a Western Destination

Many tourists arrive in Bali expecting fast service, modern infrastructure, and Western conveniences everywhere. But Bali operates on a different rhythm, and adapting to the island’s relaxed pace will help you enjoy the experience more fully.

What You Should Avoid

• Getting frustrated with “Bali time” – Things move slower, whether it’s service at a restaurant or transportation delays.
• Expecting all areas to have Western amenities – Rural villages and some accommodations may have limited facilities.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Embrace the slow and relaxed Bali lifestyle.
• Research places in advance if you need specific amenities or fast service.

Local Tip: Be patient and flexible, and remember that the beauty of Bali lies in its unique, laid-back culture.

Travel Smart and Enjoy Bali to the Fullest

Avoiding these common tourist mistakes will ensure that your trip to Bali is smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free. By respecting local culture, staying safe on the roads, and being mindful of scams and health risks, you can fully enjoy the magic of Bali without unnecessary setbacks.

For a worry-free trip, book your personalized Bali experience with Bali Gate Tours, where local guides ensure safe, authentic, and unforgettable adventures!