What to bring

There has been a long established expat community in Ubud, and western comforts have become readily available, such as internet, phones, supermarkets, cinema, international restaurants, cafes, electronics, any and all toiletries, western doctors and hospitals and more. While there may not be the diversity of selection,  you can pretty much find what you need.

There are some caveats, however, and not all your creature comforts will be as freely available as they are back home. While some items will be cheaper, others such as cheese and Vegemite, are far more expensive.

Fans of wine and liquor may also be in for a shock. It’s hard to get a bottle of wine for less than $20 and the quality will make you realize you are spoiled rotten back home.  

And we’ve got bad news for fans of hard liquor. Indonesia is an expensive place to knock back scotch like there’s no tomorrow. Tempted to bring some with you? Go for it. But don’t exceed the maximum quota of 1 litre or it will be confiscated on your arrival.

Some things Bali visitors say they wish they’d bought: 

Toiletries

  • Anti-itch gel

  • Good quality shampoo and conditioner

  • Kids' toothpaste

  • Tampons

  • Epsom salts

Supplements

  • Good quality probiotics and supplements

  • High concentration colloidal silver

  • Oregano Oil

  • Parasite prevention (Lugol’s solution, Iodoral, diatomaceous earth)

  • Homeopathic meds

Food

  • Specialty teas

  • Good red wine

  • Good chocolate

  • Cheese & wine

  • Oats

  • Branston pickles

  • Marmite (flavored yeast extract)

 

Clothing

  • Cotton underwear

  • Good quality children's clothes, toys and books

Home goods

  • Good towels

  • LED lightbulbs

  • Line conditioners (for power)

  • DVD player

  • Noise-canceling headset

  • A good face mask for pollution

  • Stainless steel/ nontoxic cookware

 

Phones

Bring an unlocked phone if you have one. Unlimited 3G data plans have been known to cost as little as $8 per month. 

Many visitors opt to purchase a basic Nokia phone for about $25 and Sim card $3, and credit about $5 for the month. It can be significantly cheaper than using your home phone as roaming charges can add up quickly. 

The overwhelming majority of accommodation in Ubud comes with wireless internet as standard but the quality of internet varies widely.  

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