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With its idyllic beaches and friendly people, Bali may seem like a place where troubles don't exist. But as with any destination, you should never let your guard down completely. These tips on potential scams, local laws, and health hazards in Bali can help keep your island getaway from going awry.
Scams and crime in Bali
With all that sun, sand, and spirituality, it's no surprise Bali is one of the most touristed islands on earth. But with all that popularity comes crowds, and with crowds come tourists, and with tourists come tourist scams.
Credit card scams
Credit/debit card fraud and ID theft remains a concern in Indonesia. A popular method used by some store owners involves swiping your card through a skimming device, enabling them to make fraudulent copies. Similarly, they may attempt to memorise your card number to make purchases in the future.
An easy way to prevent any type of scam is to use cash whenever possible and to only take a sensible amount out with you. If you do decide to use a credit/debit card, monitor your balance closely and if you notice any suspicious activity, notify the authorities and cancel your card immediately.
Crime
As with most holiday destinations in the world, crime is unfortunately a reality in Bali. The most common are those motivated by money, such as robberies, snatch and grab, and pickpocketing. Always lock your valuables away in a safe and keep an eye on your belongings at all times – especially at the beach or at a bar – to minimise your risk.
Terrorism
More than 20 years after the deadly 2002 bombing in Kuta, memories of that tragedy still linger. And due to a number of threats and attacks recently carried out in Indonesia, terrorism in Bali remains a concern. Be vigilant in large crowds, places of worship – especially during religious festivities – and if an attack should happen, leave the affected area immediately.
Important laws to know in Bali
Drugs
It is strictly forbidden to be in the possession of any illegal drug in Bali and Indonesia offers a no-tolerance policy at all times. Penalties for drug offences, no matter how much you possess, can result in hefty fines and imprisonment. As you may already know, Bali also enforces the death penalty for drug-related crime such as smuggling.
Gambling
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia (including Bali). What does exist is often run by gangs and is likely to be a tourist scam that offers little to no chance of being able to win. Visitors often lose large amounts of money and gangs may use violence to settle debts.
Identification
Under Indonesian law, Australian citizens must always carry identification, such as a valid passport. Keep it secure in an inside pocket and be sure to also carry copies of your passport photo. If your passport goes missing, you can use these photos to replace it more easily.
Our top Bali safety tips
Watch what you eat
While we can tell some horror stories about Bali belly, the news is mostly good – it's not as prevalent as it once was. While ice cubes, fruit and fresh salads all used to be on the danger list, hygiene standards are mostly on the up-and-up, so don't feel like the only safe thing to eat in Bali is air. That being said, don't throw caution to the wind entirely. Be smart about what you eat (and where) and stay hydrated.
Top tip: Invest in a stainless steel water bottle that you can refill with filtered water at hotels and restaurants. You'll help reduce the estimated 3 million plastic bottles that are discarded in Bali each year.
Watch what you drink
…and we mean in every sense of the saying. If you're out drinking with friends in the main tourist areas such as Kuta, keep an eye on what is actually being poured into your glass. It's not uncommon for bartenders to spike drinks with methanol – a cheaper substitute that doesn't dilute the drink's potency. While there's no way of detecting methanol by taste, symptoms of methanol poisoning can include headaches, nausea and even blindness. Avoid this by only ordering sealed drinks that you open yourself or see opened.
Don't touch the animals
You're likely to run into all manner of furry friends in Bali – from kittens and cats to dogs and monkeys. But while they might look harmless, a scratch or bite from a feral animal could leave you with a nasty infection or worse – rabies. If you are bitten by a wild animal, head to your local hospital immediately.
Plan on visiting the monkeys at Mandala Suci Wenara Wana (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary) in Ubud? Leave your valuables at home and ensure your bags are zipped up – bananas aren't the only items these monkeys have a habit of swiping.
Top tip: Rather than treat those pooches to a pat, why not make a donation to Bali Street Dog Fund, an organisation helping to protect and enhance the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Bali.
Take care of yourself
Even for Australians, Bali's muggy heat can knock you sideways so make sure you drink plenty of (filtered) water and slather yourself in sunscreen. There's also nothing like a bad case of dengue fever to put a dampener on your holiday. Show some caution by wearing industrial strength insect repellent, long sleeves and light-coloured clothing. Stay clear of areas where mosquitos breed, such as bodies of stagnant water.
Be respectful
While Bali might sometimes feel like an extension of Australia, it is its own country and therefore has its own laws and rules. Be respectful of cultural etiquette and religious customs, particularly if you're visiting temples or bargaining with store owners at the local markets. It's also worth knowing that when it comes to the Indonesian legal system, there's no special treatment for Australians. Rule of thumb is: don't do anything wrong and don't argue with the police.
Top tip: Learn some local lingo before you go – try selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and terima kasih (thank you).
Travel insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover such as emergency medical insurance to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.