Key Takeaways
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Bali has been popular among Indians for quite some time. It feels like everyone has been to Bali lately. If you’re wondering whether it’s actually worth the money, here’s the real cost breakdown.
The currency is the main reason Bali comes under the cheapest international destinations for Indians: 1 INR equals approximately 190 IDR.
This does not mean vacation here is cheap overall, because there are specific costs in Bali that India doesn’t have. This blog outlines the extra costs and gives you an idea of whether Bali fits your budget.
Short Answer: Is Bali Cheaper than India?
Bali is cheaper than India once you land. Food, stays, transport, massages, and most activities cost the same or less compared to Indian metro cities. The only reason Bali gets expensive is the cost of international flights and visas. If you travel with family or friends and split villa expenses, Bali offers much better value for money.
Bali vs India: Quick Cost Comparison
| Expense | Bali
(INR Equivalent) |
India
(Metro City) |
| Street food meal | 150 – 250 | 100 – 200 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 300 – 500 | 300 – 500 |
| Budget guest house per night | 1,500 – 2,500 | 2,000 – 4,000 |
| Private pool villa per night (ocean or garden view) | 8,000 – 15,000 | Starts from 10,000
(Not commonly available in most cities) |
| Scooter rental per day | 400 – 600 | 500 – 800 |
| Massage | 500 – 600 | 800 – 1,200 |
| Local SIM card | 800 | Not necessary if you are an Indian resident |
Visa and Entry Costs: Bali vs India
India gets the advantage points for this. You don’t need a visa to travel to other cities in India. Plus, you avoid the flight cost and even have the option to travel by bus or train,
For Bali, you face both these factors.
Visa: You can either get a visa on arrival or an E-visa for Bali. You can opt for an E-visa to avoid the airport queue, as the process takes a minimum of 1 hour. An e-visa costs you approximately 2,700 INR. To apply, use the official eVisa link.
Bali Tourist Levy: This levy is a one-time fee to support the conservation of Balinese culture and environment. You can pay online before flying to Bali through the Love Bali website. The fee is approximately 793 INR per person.
Declaration form: In addition to your visa, you need a declaration form to enter Bali. There is no fee, but complete the form 72 hours before your flight to Bali.
All these processes may make many travellers feel that India is a better choice. However, when you are planning a trip outside India, Bali offers a smooth entry, and these procedures are easy compared to those in any European country.
Flights Cost: Bali vs India
Flights to Bali make it expensive for Indians, as direct flights operate only from select Indian cities. Though there are some from Delhi and Bangalore, they only fly a few days a week and at a higher price.
Taking a connecting flight via Malaysia or Vietnam is a better option, as it saves you about 5,000 – 10,000 INR, while a direct flight costs more.
Connecting round-trip flight cost: Approx. 55,000 INR.
Direct round-trip flight cost: Approx. 66,000 INR.
When you plan an Indian vacation and flying north to south, or vice versa, a round-trip flight costs around 10,000 – 20,000 INR. However, to experience the Balinese culture and visit unique places, you need to save up the flight cost.
Accommodation Cost in Bali vs India
Accommodation in Bali is one of the main reasons Indians make that trip. A private pool villa in Bali is available at an accessible price. A simple sea-facing resort with a private pool can be more expensive in India, making Bali much cheaper for stays.
Guesthouses and homestays in Kuta or Canggu: 1,500 – 2,000 INR (clean basic stay, with air conditioning).
3-star boutique hotels in Ubud or Seminyak: 5,000 – 7,000 INR (Includes pool, breakfast, and rice terrace or garden view).
Luxury private pool villas in Seminyak, Ubud, or Canggu: 8,000 – 15,000 INR (includes a private pool, full kitchen, daily housekeeping, and a garden).
If you stay with your friends or family in Bali, you get a good deal, as the stay can be found for 12,000 – 15,000 per night. At the same time, when 4 – 6 people stay in India, it can cost the same but cannot guarantee an ocean or garden view.
Cost of Food in Bali vs India
Local food in Bali is cheaper than at restaurants in Indian cities. Local warungs are family-owned restaurants that serve authentic Balinese food. You also have Indian food restaurants in Bali, but it’s on the expensive side.
| Type | Approx. Cost in INR |
| Local warung meal
(local food) |
150 – 250 |
| Mid-range restaurant | 300 – 500 |
| Upscale cafes | 400 – 700 |
| Indian food in Bali | 800 – 1,100 |
Note: The cost of local food, cafes, and midrange restaurants is the same in Bali and India.
Is Shopping in Bali Cheaper than in India?
Not all things you buy in Bali are cheaper. Balinese products and small souvenirs are at a lower cost but international products are on the higher side.
Products cheaper in Bali than in India
- Handmade batik fabric and sarongs at local markets.
- Wooden carvings, statues, and home decor at the Sukawati Art Market and Ubud Market.
- Silver jewellery from Celuk village.
- Coconut oil, lemongrass skincare, and Balinese coffee.
Things that cost more in Bali
- Electronics are equally priced and have heavy taxes in Indonesia.
- Imported goods & cosmetics are expensive.
- Alcohol & tobacco, because of strict licensing and import fees.
- Dairy products are priced at a higher price. Since Bali is an island, many basic groceries are shipped in.
Bali Trip Cost in Indian Rupees
A 5-day trip to Bali is ideal for experiencing all the major attractions. From beaches, temples, cafes, street food, to adventurous activities in Bali, you can enjoy all.
Now, see what the expected cost is and decide whether Bali fits within your budget.
| Major Spendings | Approx. Cost in INR for 5 Days |
| Round-trip flights | 55,000 – 66,000 |
| Visa | 2,700 |
| Tourist levy fee | 793 |
| Private pool villa for 4 nights | 35,000 |
| Local warungs and a mid-range restaurant meals | 10,000 |
| Activities
(5 – 6 things incl transfers) |
20,000 |
| SIM card | 800 |
| Shopping | 3,000 |
| Approx. total cost | 1,32,293 |
How to Save Money on a Bali Trip from India
- Book flights at least 2 – 3 months in advance to get cheaper fares.
- Visit during January – March for lower hotel prices, but plan some indoor activities as it is the rainy season.
- Stay in private villas with friends or family instead of booking separate hotel rooms.
- Avoid cafes and mid-range restaurants; eat at local restaurants for authentic food at much lower prices.
- Rent a scooter if you’re comfortable riding; otherwise, hire a private driver for full-day sightseeing on a shared basis.
- Book activities together as package deals instead of paying separately.
- Only shop at local markets such as Ubud and Sukawati Art Market and not souvenir stores or malls.
Conclusion
Besides the flight cost, Bali is affordable for Indian travellers once you land. If you plan well, you can get food, accommodation, transport, and activities for a lower price than in India, or even at the same price.
The private pool villa experience is one thing that is easily accessible in Bali and can be found at an affordable cost.
If you plan a Bali trip during the off-season, which is January to March, you get luxury villas at a discounted price.
For a smooth vacation in Bali for a honeymoon, solo trips, or family visits, contact Dimaak Tours. We tell you the right season to visit based on your budget, plan activities, book flights, and accommodations.
FAQs on is Bali Cheaper than India
1. Is Bali cheaper than India?
For land packages such as stays, food, transfers, and activities, costs will be equal or slightly cheaper than in India. The flight makes the overall trip more expensive, with a round-trip from India costing approximately 60,000 INR.
2. Is shopping in Bali cheaper than in India?
Locally made goods like batik fabric, wood carvings, silver jewellery, Balinese coffee, and coconut-based skin care are cheaper than in India. If you are buying international brands, it is cheap. Always buy from local markets like Ubud Market and Sukawati Art Market rather than tourist boutiques.
3. What is the cheapest time to visit Bali from India?
January to March is the rainy season in Bali, so the hotel and flights are slightly lower than the peak season.
4. Is Bali cheaper than Thailand?
Thailand is cheaper than Bali, especially when it comes to flights, street food, transport, and budget accommodation. Bali is known for its affordable private pool villas and cafes, but Thailand usually offers lower overall trip costs. If your priority is a budget-friendly international holiday, Thailand is the cheaper option.
