The number one packing mistake is bringing too much. Bali has shops, pharmacies, markets, and same-day delivery. If you forget something, you can replace it cheaply and fast. What you cannot replace cheaply is the experience of dragging 32kg through Ngurah Rai airport at midnight and into a taxi you are paying for yourself.
Most things you think you will need, you will not. Most things you bring "just in case" will stay in your bag. Pack for the first three weeks — the community around you covers the rest, and local shops cover what the community doesn't.
Target: 1 medium suitcase (23kg checked) + 1 cabin bag. That is it.
Work clothes
This is where most students overthink it. Bali sits between 27°C and 32°C year-round. Office air conditioning varies — some places are freezing, some are barely there. The dress code at most host companies is smart-casual at best.
What actually works in a Bali work environment:
- 4–5 lightweight shirts or blouses (linen or breathable cotton — not polyester)
- 2–3 pairs of smart trousers or chino-style shorts (knee-length is fine in most offices)
- 1 dress or smart outfit for presentations, client meetings, or formal occasions
- 1 lightweight cardigan or thin jacket (some offices are heavily air-conditioned)
- Comfortable closed shoes or smart sandals — heavy shoes are rarely needed
What does not work:
- Heavy jeans — you will wear them once, feel terrible in the heat, and stop
- Formal blazers or suits — leave them at home unless you know you need them
- More than 2 pairs of formal shoes
Note: Bali has excellent, affordable tailors — particularly in Seminyak and Ubud. If you need something specific for work, it is often faster and cheaper to have it made locally than to bring it from home.
Tech & work essentials
Essential
- Laptop + charger
- Universal power adapter (Indonesia uses Type C/F — same as the Netherlands, but bring one if you have UK or US devices)
- Portable battery bank (power cuts do happen — rare but they happen)
- Noise-cancelling headphones (open-plan offices, co-working spaces, and cafés where you'll work)
- Laptop bag or quality backpack
Useful but not essential
- External hard drive or USB stick for backups
- HDMI adapter or USB-C to HDMI dongle (for presentations — often not available in local offices)
- Wireless mouse (if you use one — trackpads are fine for most tasks)
Local SIM data is fast, cheap, and available at the airport on arrival. You do not need a portable WiFi device — it is an unnecessary expense and extra item to carry.
Health & pharmacy
Bali has well-stocked pharmacies (Guardian, Century, and local apoteks are everywhere). For most everyday items, you do not need to bring anything. The things worth bringing from home:
Bring from home
- All prescription medication — bring more than you think you need, including a spare prescription
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) (imported European brands cost 2–3× more in Bali — stock up before you go)
- Insect repellent with DEET (available locally but quality and DEET concentration vary)
- Antihistamines (for insect bites, dust, and the adjustment period)
- Oral rehydration salts (your first 1–2 weeks may involve stomach adjustment to local food and water)
- Electrolyte tablets (heat + sweating + not drinking enough = common issue in week 1)
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol — available locally but convenient to have on arrival
Admin documents — don't skip this section
This is the part that costs nothing to get right and is genuinely painful if you get it wrong.
Physical copies (separate location from originals)
- Passport — original + 2 photocopies
- Visa and entry documentation
- University internship agreement / learning contract
- Travel insurance certificate + 24hr emergency number printed
- Emergency contacts (written down, not just in your phone)
- Host company contact information
Digital copies (email to yourself + cloud storage)
- All of the above
- Vaccination records (Yellow Fever and others if applicable)
- Bank card details — card numbers, IBAN, emergency numbers
What NOT to bring
Leave these at home
- More than 1 pair of heavy jeans
- Bulky toiletries — decant into travel sizes or buy locally
- Physical guidebooks — everything you need is on your phone
- More than 3 pairs of shoes
- A scooter helmet from Europe — Bali helmets are sized for local head shapes and the fit is different; buy one locally if you plan to ride
- Excessive "formal work wardrobe" — smart casual is the ceiling for most Bali workplaces
What to buy when you arrive
These items are significantly cheaper and often better quality in Bali than what you would bring from home. Do not use suitcase space on them.
Buy in Bali
- Flip flops and sandals — Bali has excellent, cheap options at every market
- Sarongs and casual evening / beach wear
- Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant
- Local SIM card with data plan (~€5–10/month for 20–30GB — available at the airport)
- Work bag or daypack if needed
- Cheap medications for mild illness (pharmacies are reliable and affordable)
- A Bali scooter helmet if you plan to ride — do not arrive without one if you intend to use a scooter from day one
The master checklist
Clothes
- 5× lightweight work tops
- 3× smart trousers or chino shorts
- 1× smart outfit (meetings)
- 5–7× casual T-shirts
- 2–3× casual shorts or light trousers
- 1× swimwear
- 1× light cardigan or jacket
- 7× underwear and socks
- 2× comfortable shoes
- 1× rain jacket (wet season Oct–Mar)
Tech
- Laptop + charger
- Power adapter (if needed)
- Battery bank
- Headphones
- Laptop bag / backpack
- Phone + charger
- HDMI adapter (optional)
- USB storage (optional)
Health
- Prescription medication (extra supply)
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- DEET insect repellent
- Antihistamines
- Oral rehydration salts
- Electrolyte tablets
- Ibuprofen + paracetamol
- Travel insurance docs
Documents
- Passport (valid 18+ months)
- 2× passport photocopies
- Visa documentation
- University internship contract
- Travel insurance certificate
- Emergency contacts (printed)
- Bank card(s)
- €100–150 cash to exchange on arrival
Frequently asked questions
What adapter do I need for Indonesia?
Indonesia uses Type C and Type F plugs (the round two-pin European style). If you are travelling from the Netherlands, your standard Schuko plugs fit Type F sockets — you likely do not need an adapter. Bring one only if you have UK or US devices.
Should I bring euros or cash from home?
Bring a small amount — €100–150 to exchange on arrival. For ongoing needs, use a fee-free card (Revolut, Wise, and N26 all work well). ATMs are widely available. Withdraw rupiah in larger amounts to minimise per-transaction fees.
Can I find most things I need in Bali?
Yes. Bali has well-stocked supermarkets (Pepito, Bintang, Canggu Market), pharmacies (Guardian, Century), and same-day delivery via GoJek. The main things worth bringing from home are prescription medication, high-SPF sunscreen (imported brands are significantly more expensive in Bali), and any specialist work equipment.
Do I need a travel hair dryer for Bali?
Bali uses 220V — the same as the Netherlands — so your European appliances are compatible. Most villas and kosts already include a hair dryer. Check with your accommodation before packing one; if not, inexpensive ones are available locally.
Is there good mobile data in Bali?
Excellent. A local SIM card from Telkomsel or XL Axiata gives you strong 4G coverage for around €5–10/month. Pick one up at Ngurah Rai airport on arrival or at any minimarket. Do not rely on European roaming — it will cost significantly more for significantly worse connectivity.