Bali safety for budget travelers: what official advice warns about

This page brings together the UK government’s safety warnings that matter most on a budget trip to Bali. It is written for British travelers but useful to anyone. It is a summary, not a replacement: read the full advice for your own country before you go.

Why is methanol in drinks a risk in Bali?

GOV.UK reports deaths and serious illness in Indonesia from alcoholic drinks containing methanol. Cases have come from drinks bought in licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas. Criminal gangs make counterfeit copies of well-known brands.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

• Even small amounts of methanol can kill.
• You cannot identify it by taste or smell.
• If anyone shows signs of methanol poisoning after drinking, get urgent medical help.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

GOV.UK also notes that spirit measures in bars are often larger than in the UK.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

How do I avoid drink spiking?

GOV.UK reports drink spiking linked to sexual assault in Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Its advice: watch your drinks being made, never leave them unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers at clubs or parties.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

Can I legally ride a scooter in Bali?

For UK licence holders, GOV.UK says you cannot drive on your UK licence, but you can with a UK-issued International Driving Permit.^{[GOV.UK safety]} Before you ride or hire any vehicle, it advises making sure you have the right licence and checking that your travel insurance covers you.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

On the road, GOV.UK describes traffic discipline as very poor. It reports a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents in Bali, some fatal, and says to wear a helmet in good condition.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

• Even minor traffic violations or accidents can leave foreigners open to extortion. GOV.UK suggests hiring a driver as an alternative.^{[GOV.UK safety]}
• If you have an accident, wait for the police at the scene; move away only if you fear for your safety. Then report it at a police station.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

How do I spot a licensed money changer?

GOV.UK warns that unlicensed money changers may short-change you. Licensed exchanges show a Bank of Indonesia logo and a QR code. Open the code to check the business name and its operating licence.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

Other scams GOV.UK mentions:^{[GOV.UK safety]}

• Credit card fraud is common: keep your card in sight.
• Fake phone numbers are stuck on ATMs to collect card details.
• Scams at tattoo parlors, nail salons and spas are rising in Bali: agree the price before you start.

How do I get around safely at night?

GOV.UK reports high numbers of rapes and sexual assaults in Bali and Lombok, and advises avoiding poorly lit areas at night.^{[GOV.UK safety]} For taxis it names registered companies such as Bluebird, Silverbird and Express, and says to check the driver’s identity. With an app, check that the driver is the person shown and share your trip with a friend. Be wary of drivers on the street who claim to work for an app company.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

GOV.UK also warns of bag-snatching and pickpocketing in busy tourist areas: carry only what you need, and look after your passport and cards.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

What are Indonesia’s drug laws?

Zero tolerance. GOV.UK warns that possessing, using, making or trafficking illegal drugs can bring long prison sentences or the death penalty.^{[GOV.UK safety]} Points that catch travelers out:

• Cannabis products are illegal, including medicinal cannabis, CBD, THC, hemp products, oils, creams and vapes.
• Airports have scanning technology that also covers transit passengers’ bags.
• Venues popular with foreigners in Bali are often raided. Police may require a urine or blood test, and a positive result leads to arrest.
• Drugs are sometimes handed out as “free samples” in venues.^{[GOV.UK safety]}

What else should I know?

• Carry your passport (or stay permit) at all times.^{[GOV.UK safety]}
• Nyepi (Balinese New Year): a day of silence. GOV.UK says Ngurah Rai airport is closed for the whole day and people must stay indoors. In 2026 it fell on Mar 19; check the date for your year before booking flights.^{[GOV.UK safety]}
• Boats: sea conditions change fast, and safety standards vary. Check for life jackets before you board, and avoid crossings after dark unless the boat is properly equipped. Child-size life jackets are not always available.^{[GOV.UK safety]}
• Volcanoes: follow local exclusion zones, which can change at short notice. Ash clouds can disrupt flights.^{[GOV.UK safety]}
• Overstaying your visa costs IDR 1,000,000 a day: see the visa guide.^{[GOV.UK entry]}

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Summarized and reworded by Bali Backpackers.