🎒 Packing list for your semester abroad in Bali

What should you really bring back from Germany?

First, the good news:
You need to Don’t drag half your room off to Bali.

You can get almost everything locally, often for less than you’d expect. Even so, there are a few things that students almost always forget or end up having to buy later at a higher price.

To help you get off to a relaxed start, here’s an honest packing list with everything you’ll actually need for your semester abroad in Bali.

✅ The most important rule first

Less is usually more.

Bali is warm, laid-back and easy-going. Most students realise after just a few weeks:

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

You’d better leave a bit of space in your suitcase.

👕 Clothes – what you really need

Don’t miss out

☐ Lightweight shirts & tops
☐ shorts
☐ Light, breathable clothing for tropical climates
☐ Swimming trunks / Bikini
☐ Flip-flops
☐ Trainers or sports shoes
☐ lightweight rain jacket (rainy season!)
☐ A hoodie or a light jumper (for flights and air conditioning)

For uni & going out

☐ 1–2 slightly smarter outfits
☐ loose-fitting shirts/polo shirts / long dresses
☐ Outfit for restaurants or beach clubs

💡 Our tip:
You’ll need far fewer clothes than you think. Laundry is extremely cheap in Bali.

🩺 Health & Pharmacy

Highly recommended

☐ personal medication
☐ Painkillers
☐ Remedies for stomach problems
☐ Electrolytes / anti-diarrhoea medication (charcoal tablets)
☐ Electronic mosquito bite relief device (insider tip!)
☐ Sun cream (it’s expensive in Bali)
☐ Plasters & a small first-aid kit

💡 Important:
Most products are available in Bali – but some brands or medicines aren’t available in their usual form.

💻 Technology & University

Don’t forget

☐ Laptop + charger
☐ Mobile phone + charging cable
☐ Power bank
☐ Headphones / AirPods (particularly useful for navigating by scooter)
☐ Adapter (useful for some devices)
☐ Store university papers and important documents digitally

📄 Documents & Organisation

Really important

☐ Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
☐ Visa documents
☐ Overseas health insurance
☐ Flight tickets
☐ Driving licence + international driving permit
☐ University documents / Learning Agreement
☐ Emergency contacts

💡 Our tip:
Save everything digitally as well, either in the cloud or on your mobile.

💳 Money & Finance

☐ Credit card with no international transaction fees
☐ a second card as a backup (ideally a Mastercard and a Visa card)
☐ some cash for the first few days
☐ Set up the banking app

💡 Important:
Not every card works everywhere without a hitch.

A second card can save you a lot of hassle.

🛵 Scooters & everyday life in Bali

Very sensible

☐ Mobile phone holder for scooters (optional)
☐ small day rucksack
☐ Sunglasses
☐ small water bottle
☐ Dry bag / waterproof bag (optional)

🏋️ Sport, Gym & Lifestyle

Depending on your lifestyle:

☐ Sportswear
☐ Gym gear
☐ Surfwear / Neoprene shirt / Rashguard
☐ Running shoes
☐ Yoga clothing

❌ You can usually leave that at home

🚫 too many bulky clothes
🚫 large quantities of hygiene products
🚫 too many shoes
🚫 huge towels
🚫 Unnecessary technical jargon

You can get almost anything in Bali.

🔥 Things students often forget

⚠️ international driving licence
⚠️ No-fee credit card
⚠️ plenty of light clothing
⚠️ Medicines for stomach problems
⚠️ Offline copies of important documents
⚠️ Good international health insurance

Our honest verdict

Packing for Bali is 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.

Our tip:

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