Travel Tips

For the latest government advice, please visit Smart Traveller.

BALI TRAVEL TIPS

Visa Regulations
Effective 01/02/2004: Two visa types will be offered to passengers arriving into Bali. These are a 7 day short stay visa for USD $10.00 and a 30 day visa for USD $25.00. Payment must be made in USD on arrival. It is recommended that travellers have the exact US dollars cash available as not all entry points have bank facilities.

Departure Taxes
At the time of publishing:

From Australia: departure taxes are approximately $193.00 per adult and $152.00 per child under 12 years. (The taxes are paid with your airfare and are shown on your ticket.)

From Bali: Departure tax is paid locally and is approximately Rp100,000.

Currency and Exchange
The unit of currency is the Rupiah which is abbreviated to “Rp.” Currency notes are issued in denominations of Rp 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000. Coins are issued in Rp 5,10,25,50 and 100. At the time of publishing, AUD$1 = 7000 Rp.

Changing Money
There are a great number of registered money changers that offer very competitive exchange rates.

WARNING: When changing money, be very careful to check that correct money is given. Many money Changers will try to “confuse” you and give less money than what is due.

Shopping
Some of the better buys in Bali include leather clothing, bags and wallets, casual clothing, paintings, wood and stone carvings and beautiful handcrafted gold and silver jewellery.

Climate
Straddling the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly even climate year-round, with an average temperature of about 28C. In the dry season between April to September, the weather is clear and dry. During the wet season, between October and March, the weather alternates between sudden showers and bright sunshine. In the mountain areas, the weather is cool and exhilarating.

Electricity
Electric power in Bali is 220 volts. Some hotels provide adapters, but it is advisable to take your own international plug converter. Normal outlets are plugs with two rounded pins.

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INDIA TRAVEL TIPS

Visa Regulations
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months following their return home. Tourist visas are required for Australian citizens. If you are not an Australian citizen, please contact the embassy of your country or Indian embassy to be sure you obtain the proper documentation.

Weather
Due to the size of the country, India’s climate varies greatly from North to South. Generally, October to March is the most pleasant time to go, when the weather is dry and not too hot. The monsoon season starts at the beginning of June in the South, reaching the North by about July, however it is usually over by late September.

Suggested travel times for specific activities
• Himalayas: April to September is the optimum time to travel.
• Tiger Spotting: April – June is considered the best time for witnessing tigers in action.
• Visiting Ladakh: June – August is the best time for trips to Ladakh (Little Tibet), famous for its mountain beauty, Buddhist culture and excellent trekking.
• Ayurveda: During the Monsoon season of extreme heat and torrential rain, the body is cool and much more responsive to Ayurvedic treatments.

Special Events
India’s colourful culture is celebrated with many festivals throughout the year. Below is just a selection – please contact us for more details, or to build an itinerary around any of these festivals.
• 29 Oct – 05 Nov 2006: Pushkar Fair, Pushkar
• 1st Week Nov 2006: Hampi Festival, Karnataka
• 02 – 03 Jan 2007: Bikaner Festival, Bikaner
• 04 – 07 Jan 2007: International Yoga Festival, Pondicherry
• Mid Jan 2007: Pattadakkal Dance Festival, Pattadakkal – Karnataka
• 15 Jan – 15 Feb 2007: Float Festival, Madurai – Tamil Nadu
• Mid Feb 2007: Goa Carnival, Goa
• 19 – 23 Feb 2007: Konark Festival, Konark
• 21 – 27 Feb 2007: Nishagandhi Dance Festival – Tiruvananthapuram, Kerala
• 23 – 24 Feb 2007: Elephanta Festival, Elephanta Island – Mumbai
• 25 – 28 Feb 2007: Nagaur Festival, Nagaur – Rajasthan
• Feb / March 2007: Deccan Festival, Hyderabad
• 03 March 2007: Elephant Festival, Jaipur
• 03 March 2007: Holi, North India

Currency & Exchange
The currency of India is Rupee (Rs). One rupee is equal to 100 paise. Notes come in the denominations of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100,500 and 1000 rupees. Rupees in large numbers may not be brought out of India. Uk Pounds / American dollars are easy to exchange at the cashiers desk in the hotels for which you will require the passport.

Major credit cards are gaining acceptance in India, the most common are American Express and Visa. These cards can be used at the hotels. Local markets and roadside vendors generally do not accept the cards. It is recommended not to rely on any one form of exchange when visiting India. You should carry with you a combination of cash, traveller’s cheques and credit card/s.

Electricity
The electric current is 220 volts. To use any electrical appliances, you will need to bring both an electricity converter and a plug adaptor.

Shopping
India is a shopper’s paradise, but there are certain goods that are particular cities’ specialties:
• Delhi: Textiles, paintings, sculptures, carpets
• Agra: Intricately carved marble
• Jaipur: Jewellery, textiles, carpets
• OTHER popular souvenirs include silver, brass and copper for decorative / functional use.

Health
Immunisation for Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria and Hepatitis is recommended for travel to India. However, we strongly check with your personal physician regarding your particular needs.

Additional Tips/Facts
• Spirituality is at the core of life in India, so be respectful of the different customs, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques. Do not wear shorts, women may be asked to cover their heads, and leather goods (including camera cases, belts & handbags) may be prohibited.

• Avoid tap water. Drink only bottled water, and check the bottle is sealed.

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