🎒 Packing list for your semester abroad in Bali

What many students underestimate before they set off

Most people worry about flights, visas and university – but when it comes to packing, they often end up taking too much or the wrong things.

After a few weeks in Bali, many people say:

“I could have left half of it at home.”

With this packing list, you’ll avoid typical beginner’s mistakes and start your semester abroad feeling much more relaxed.

✅ The most important rule first

Less is usually more.

Bali is warm, laid-back and well-equipped. You can get almost everything there – often even cheaper than in Germany.

It’s better to pack a bit less and leave some space in your suitcase for shopping, souvenirs and anything else you might pick up along the way.

👕 Clothes & Everyday Life

Don’t miss out

☐ Lightweight shirts & tops

☐ shorts

☐ breezy summer clothes

☐ Swimming trunks or a bikini

☐ Flip-flops

☐ Trainers or sports shoes

☐ lightweight rain jacket

☐ A hoodie or a light jumper (for flights, lecture theatres and air conditioning)

☐ Sportswear

☐ Running shoes

☐ Surf shirt / rash guard (optional)

For university, restaurants & nights out

☐ 1–2 slightly smarter outfits

☐ Shirt, blouse or summer dress

☐ Outfit for restaurants, beach clubs or events

💡 Our tip:
You need far fewer clothes than you think. Laundry services are available almost everywhere and are very cheap.

🩺 Health & First-Aid Kit

Highly recommended

☐ personal medication

☐ Painkillers

☐ Remedies for stomach problems

☐ Electrolytes for diarrhoea

☐ Plasters & a small first-aid kit

☐ Sun cream

☐ Mosquito repellent

☐ electric insect stinger relief device (insider tip)

💡 Important:
You can get most products in Bali. If you have a preference for certain brands or medicines, it’s best to bring them with you.

💻 Technology & Documents

Don’t forget

☐ Laptop + charger

☐ Smartphone + charging cable

☐ Power bank

☐ Headphones or AirPods

☐ Adapter (optional)

☐ Cloud backup of important data

Really important documents

☐ Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

☐ Visa documents

☐ Overseas health insurance

☐ Flight tickets

☐ Learning Agreement / University documents

☐ German driving licence

☐ international driving licence

☐ Emergency contacts

💡 Our tip:
Make sure you also save all your important documents digitally on your mobile and in the cloud.

💳 Money & Finance

What you should prepare

☐ Credit card with no international transaction fees

☐ a second credit card as a backup

☐ a bit of cash for the first few days

☐ Set up the banking app

💡 Important:
Having a second card can save you a lot of hassle in Bali if your main card gets lost or is blocked.

🛵 Practical tips for everyday life in Bali

For many students, a scooter is part of everyday life in Bali.

The following are useful:

☐ Sunglasses

☐ small water bottle

☐ small day rucksack

☐ Mobile phone holder for your scooter (optional)

☐ Dry bag or waterproof bag (optional)

⚠️ Common packing mistakes in Bali

Many students make similar mistakes before they set off.

In particular, avoid these classic pitfalls:

⚠ too many bulky items of clothing

⚠ Too many shoes

⚠ Don’t buy sun cream until you get to Bali

⚠ Don’t apply for an international driving licence

⚠ Don’t back up important documents digitally

⚠ Pack your suitcase to the brim

💡 Our tip:
Most people tend to regret packing too much rather than too little.

🔥 Things students often forget

⚠ International driving licence

⚠ No-fee credit card

⚠ plenty of light clothing

⚠ Medicines for stomach problems

⚠ digital copies of important documents

⚠ Overseas health insurance

🏡 Accommodation is often the last thing you plan – yet it’s particularly important

Booked your flight?

Have you sorted out your uni yet?

Have you finished your packing list?

Then all that’s usually missing is the right accommodation.

Many students underestimate just how much their choice of region affects their semester:

✔ daily commute times to uni

✔ Connect with other students

✔ Close to cafés, gyms and restaurants

✔ Leisure activities and nightlife

✔ Monthly living costs

That’s why we help students find the right accommodation and area in Bali.

👉 Find accommodation

👉 Which region is right for me?

Our honest verdict

Packing for Bali is much easier than many people think.

You don’t need loads of backpacking gear – just the right essentials.

Most students tend to regret later that too much rather than too little to have packed.

Pack light, leave some space in your suitcase – and just buy the rest when you get there. 🌴