Airport

Bali's main (and only) airport is Ngurah Rai International, airport code 'DPS' for Denpasar, the island's capital city. The airport is rather low-rise compared to most international airports. This is because the design has arrivals and departure check-in on the same ground level, rather than stacked on top of each other as they are at most airports.

There are essentially two terminals, one for international and one for domestic flights, connected by a short walkway. Although the two terminals are right next to each other, the airports 'flat' layout means that domestic arrivals and international check-in counters are at opposite ends of the airport, making it a rather long walk (or run) if you're trying to make a tight connection.

Note: Visitors should be aware of the Balinese New Year (Nyepi), which occurs sometime between mid-March and late April. Nyepi is a day of silence, when restaurants are closed, taxis are off the streets, and people are supposed to remain indoors. Note especially that the airport is closed on Nyepi. There are no scheduled arrivals or departures on the day.

Bali Arrivals

The arrival process for domestic and international passengers is essentially identical, with the exception of course of the immigration and customs formalities for international passengers. Arriving passengers exit the sky-bridge from the plane on the same floor as departing passengers. However, a glass wall separates arriving and departing passengers, forming a corridor around the outside of the terminal.

Following the corridor around will bring you to stairs and escalators taking you down to baggage claim. International passengers will need to pass through immigration first. If you need to purchase a visa-on-arrival, queue up at the purchase kiosks before heading to the passport control counter.

After claiming your baggage, international passengers need to go through customs, which is usually straight-forward. There are currency exchange counters just outside baggage claim, but you should not change money at the airport unless absolutely necessary. The rate is usually better outside the airport. Use an ATM or bring small bills in US Dollars for initial purchases such as airport transfers.

Bali Airport Transfers

The airport can be a confusing place, especially if you're arriving in Bali after a long inter-continental flight. There are many touts and transfer services vying for your attention. Most hotels can arrange to pick you up at the airport (for a fee), but if they don't you may want to consider booking one of the transfer services.

Bali Departures

As with arrivals, departures from Bali are similar for both domestic and international flights. Check-in counters for all departures are on the ground level, next to the arrival halls. You must pass through a security check to enter the departure building. After checking in for your flight, you proceed upstairs to the departure lounges. Before reaching these, you will need to purchase a departure tax coupon. The departure tax is 30,000 Rupiah for domestic flights and 150,000 for international flights. International passengers will need to go through passport control immediately after paying the departure tax.

You must pass through a second security scan to access your gate. Passing this scan generally requires that you remove your belt and watch. After passing the scan, you need to hand in your immigration departure card and boarding pass.

Bali Airport Duty Free Shopping

The duty free shopping at Bali not all that spectacular. There are lots of shops, but not much variety. Pricing at most of the duty free shops is in US Dollars. The selection consists mostly of the 'standard' items of cigarettes, liquor and perfume. There is little in the way of electronics or other such items as one finds in other airports. What you will find a lot of is souvenirs. At least half of the shops in the international departure lounge sell local products and souvenirs, generally at prices much higher than you will pay outside the airport.

Duty Free Benchmark Prices

There are very few other facilities for International departures. There are a few restaurants and a reflexology (foot massage) shop. There is also a lounge for first and business class passengers.