Is tap water safe to drink in Bali?

No. Never drink tap water. Use a filtered water bottle or stick to large refillable jugs provided by your homestay.

Yes, especially in local markets. Start by offering 50% of the asking price and settle somewhere in the middle.

How to Explore Bali on a Budget

To keep Bali affordable, stay in local guesthouses (homestays), rent a scooter for transportation, and eat at local warungs instead of tourist-oriented cafes. You can comfortably explore the island for $40 per day if you avoid alcohol and luxury villa resorts.

Choose the right location. Avoid the high costs of Uluwatu or Seminyak. Base yourself in Ubud or Sidemen for cheaper accommodation options that offer a more authentic experience.
Rent a scooter. Taxis and private drivers are expensive. Rent a scooter for $5-$7 per day. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit and always wear a helmet to avoid police fines.
Eat at warungs. Look for local, family-run eateries called 'warungs'. A meal of nasi goreng or gado-gado will cost you $2-$4, whereas Western-style cafes will charge $10-$15 for the same caliber of food.
Withdraw cash strategically. Use ATMs from major banks like BNI or Mandiri to avoid excessive fees. Always decline the ATM's 'conversion' rate and choose 'without conversion' to get the actual exchange rate from your home bank.

Is tap water safe to drink in Bali?: No. Never drink tap water. Use a filtered water bottle or stick to large refillable jugs provided by your homestay.
Do I need to haggle?: Yes, especially in local markets. Start by offering 50% of the asking price and settle somewhere in the middle.