First Timer Tips - Safety

Bali is a beautiful place with many amazing people, however as with anytime you travel overseas, it's important to be aware of safety.

• Beach - Kuta to Seminyak Beach can be quite brutal. The beaches can often be closed for periods of time when rips and currents pop up. The waves are quite strong here so swim between the flags where possible.                                                                                      
• Hotel - Every hotel will give you a safety deposit box - whether in your room or at reception. The boxes at reception can only be accessed with your key and the key from the manager. We usually leave our passport and additional cash in here for the duration of the stay and haven't heard of anything going wrong when using these in reputable hotels.




Dodgy Money Changer sign, doesn't say No Commission


• Money - When exchanging money make sure you go into a shop with a 'No Commission' sign only. There have been instances where tourists have walked down small back lanes to exchange their money and it usually ends with them leaving with no money at all. You should NEVER have to pay commission to exchange money and you should NEVER have to walk down dodgy back lanes. The golden rule here - if the exchange rate looks to good to be true it usually is.
• Nightlife - Usual rules apply here same as anywhere when out and about at night. Secure your cash and phone. Always make sure someone knows where you're going. And remember the name of your hotel so the taxi driver knows where to deliver you at the end of a long night, not looking at anyone here...




Where the sign points, see the little
white square at the end of the alley? Mmmm....



In terms of overall security, check Smart Traveller, an Australian Government website for all current warnings and advice. This also has recommendations on health and where to get help should you need it when away. We strongly advise all guests take out travel insurance, this covers you from when you pay the insurance just in case you can't travel for some reason. And lastly, it is recommended to register with the Australian Government when travelling outside the country. This is a 5 minute task but means that you can be contacted should you need to be while you're away.