Ubud, Indonesia

• Ubud is the cultural center of Bali, a spread-out town of rice terraces, temples, art galleries and yoga studios in the island's central uplands. Lots of women travel here alone, so eating alone, taking a class or wandering a market on your own is ordinary, and yoga studios, cafes and workshops make it easy to meet other travelers.
• Violent crime against visitors is rare. The problems people actually run into are bag snatching from scooters, inflated prices, drivers who overcharge, and monkeys at the Monkey Forest that grab sunglasses, phones and snacks. Drink spiking and counterfeit alcohol containing methanol happen across Bali, so stick to venues you know, watch your glass, and skip homemade or very cheap spirits.
• Traffic is the biggest danger for most visitors. Roads are narrow, pavements are patchy or missing, and many lanes have no street lighting. Scooter accidents are the most common serious incident involving tourists, and riding a rental without the right licence can void your insurance. Ride-hailing apps and drivers booked through your accommodation are the easier alternatives.
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few words of Indonesian help (terima kasih for thank you, permisi for excuse me, tidak for no) and are usually appreciated. Dress modestly at temples, carry a sarong, and expect constant offers of rides, massages and tours on the main streets; a calm 'tidak, terima kasih' is enough.

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the national language and Balinese is widely spoken locally. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, cafes and yoga studios, but is less reliable on the emergency lines and in villages. Save your accommodation's address in Indonesian and keep a translation app ready; staff at your accommodation can help with calls to police or ambulances.

• Cover shoulders and knees at temples, and wear a sarong and sash (often lent or rented at the entrance). Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temple inner areas; follow signs and local custom.
• Offerings (canang sari) are placed on the ground and doorsteps throughout the day. Step around them and never touch or move them. Use your right hand to give and receive things, and avoid pointing with your finger or touching people's heads.
• Bargain politely at markets and with street sellers, but not in fixed-price shops and warungs. Street drivers often quote high prices, so agree a fare before you get in or use a meter or app.
• Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water, and at very cheap places ask for drinks without ice. Counterfeit alcohol containing methanol is a risk, so stay with established venues and avoid cheap cocktails and homemade spirits.
• Drugs, including cannabis and CBD, are illegal and can carry severe prison sentences. Do not accept packages or offers from strangers, and do not leave drinks unattended.
• Public displays of affection, nudity and topless sunbathing are frowned upon. Keep beachwear for pools and beaches, not town.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 110. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Grab and Gojek work in Ubud, but some local drivers restrict pickups in parts of the centre, so you may have to walk a few minutes to a pickup point. Use the in-app tracking, check the plate against the app, and sit in the back seat.
• Your accommodation can book a driver for a day or for airport transfers, usually at a fixed price. This is often the best option for temples, waterfalls and rice terraces outside town, and for getting home after dark.
• Pavements in the centre are narrow, broken or missing, and the traffic is heavy. Walk facing oncoming traffic, keep your bag on the side away from the road, and carry a phone torch for unlit lanes. Bicycles work in quieter areas like Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning.
• Renting a scooter is common, but it causes the most serious injuries among visitors. You need a valid motorbike licence and insurance that covers riding one, and you must wear a helmet. Ubud's traffic is a bad place to learn if you have never ridden.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Ubud with local guides and curated experiences.