Packing for Bali usually means swimmers, sunscreen and a good book. If you take a regular prescription, your medicines deserve the same thought. Rules about medicines differ from country to country. A little planning before you fly saves stress at the airport and during your stay.
This guide covers the basics for Australians heading to Bali with prescription medicines. It draws on advice from the Australian Government. It is general information only. Your doctor or pharmacist can help with the details of your own medicines.
Why medicines need planning before a Bali trip
Smartraveller notes that not all medicines available in Australia can be found in other countries. It also warns that some medicines may be illegal overseas, even if an Australian doctor prescribed them. In its words, a medical prescription does not make it legal. That is the main reason to check your medicines well before you leave.
Indonesia has very strict drug laws. Smartraveller says penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Possessing even small amounts of drugs can lead to heavy fines or jail. The TGA lists some types of medicine that need extra care, covered below.
Check whether your medicine is legal in Indonesia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration suggests contacting the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. Services Australia gives the same advice and adds high commissions to the list. Ask them directly whether each of your medicines is legal in Indonesia. Do this early, as replies can take time.
The TGA also points travellers to the Health section of each country page on Smartraveller. It notes that some countries restrict medicines containing codeine. Others require a permit for certain medicines. Some medicines may also need customs clearance on arrival.
The TGA asks travellers to take extra care with a few groups of medicines. These include codeine, strong painkillers from a pain specialist or hospital and prescribed medicines that can be addictive. Controlled drugs are also on the list. For any of these, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you book flights.
Get a letter from your doctor
The TGA recommends carrying a letter from your doctor that lists the prescription medicines you take. The letter should give the name of each medicine and the quantity you are carrying. It should also state that the medicines are for your personal use only. You can ask your doctor to add any complementary medicines too.
Services Australia advises taking a valid prescription from an Australian doctor with you, if it is legal to do so. Keep the letter and prescription with your passport so they are easy to show. Paper copies are handy, as a flat phone battery is no help at a customs desk. A photo on your phone makes a sensible backup.
Packing medicines for the flight
Services Australia says to leave medicines in their original packaging. The pharmacy label shows your name and the medicine, which helps if anyone asks questions. Loose tablets in an unmarked container are harder to explain. A small zip bag keeps the boxes together and dry.
The TGA advises carrying medicines and medical devices in your hand luggage. Medicines are exempt from the 100ml limit on liquids. If you use hypodermic needles, carry proof that you need them. Keep the needles in your hand luggage with the medicine they are used for.
Pack enough to last the whole trip. The TGA recommends this for both medicines and medical devices. Flights can be delayed and plans can change, so a few spare days of supply is worth thinking about. Talk with your pharmacist about how much you are allowed to take.
Rules for PBS medicines
Medicines bought under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme come with their own rules. The TGA says PBS medicines cannot be taken overseas unless they are for you or an immediate family member travelling with you. Carrying them for anyone else can bring penalties of up to $11,000, two years in prison or both. So do not pack a friend’s medicines as a favour.
There is also an allowable limit on how much PBS medicine you can take, which depends on your circumstances. Services Australia sets out the rules on its PBS medicine overseas page. If you cannot get a valid prescription, it says to print and fill in the Medicine Export Declaration form. Take that form with you when you go through customs. Here is a simple checklist to work through with your doctor and pharmacist:
- Confirm with the Indonesian embassy or consulate that each medicine is legal.
- Ask your doctor for a letter listing each medicine, the quantity and that it is for personal use.
- Carry a valid prescription or the Medicine Export Declaration form.
- Keep every medicine in its original labelled packaging.
- Pack medicines in your hand luggage with enough for the full trip.
Buying medicines while you are in Bali
Running out of medicine on holiday is a hassle you can avoid with good packing. Smartraveller says buying medicine that is prescription only in Indonesia without a valid prescription from an Indonesian doctor is illegal. A pharmacy counter in a busy tourist strip is not the place to take that risk. If you need more, see a doctor locally and follow the local rules.
Smartraveller also notes that medical facilities in Indonesia, including Bali, are generally lower in standard than in Australia. Many regional hospitals only provide basic care. That is worth keeping in mind if you plan to explore beyond the main tourist areas. If you are getting off the beaten track in Bali, carry your medicines and doctor’s letter in your day bag.
Travel insurance and medicines
Smartraveller tells travellers to get travel insurance before they leave. It says your policy must cover all medical costs overseas, including evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for emergency care or medical evacuation. Without insurance, you might have to pay thousands of dollars up front for medical care.
Tell your insurer about any existing health conditions and the medicines you take. Read the policy wording to see what is covered. Insurance is one cost that is not worth trimming, even if you are keen on saving money when holidaying in Bali. As Smartraveller puts it, if you cannot afford travel insurance, you should not travel.
Settling in at your villa
Once you arrive, keep your medicines somewhere cool and out of direct sun. Bali is warm and humid, so check the storage advice on each label. A bedside drawer or a shaded cupboard often works well. If a medicine needs a fridge, ask your villa host about space before you arrive.
Keep to your usual routine as best you can. Time zones, late dinners and long beach days can make it easy to forget a dose. A phone alarm is a simple fix. Gentle routines like yoga classes on a Bali villa holiday can help your days keep a steady rhythm.
If you are staying somewhere busy like Seminyak, it can feel easy to sort things out on the go. Still, the safest approach is to arrive with everything you need already in hand. Then you can simply enjoy the reasons to check out Seminyak without a worry. Planning a few weeks ahead makes all of this easy.
Frequently asked questions
Is my Australian prescription enough to make a medicine legal in Bali?
No, not on its own. Smartraveller says some medicines may be illegal overseas even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. Check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Can I carry medicines for my partner or child?
The TGA says PBS medicines can be taken for you or an immediate family member travelling with you. Taking them for anyone else can bring heavy penalties. Each person’s medicines should still be in their own labelled packaging.
Should medicines go in checked luggage?
The TGA advises carrying medicines and medical devices in your hand luggage. Liquid medicines are exempt from the 100ml limit. Keeping them with you also protects against lost bags.
What if I cannot get a prescription before I leave?
Services Australia says to print and fill in the Medicine Export Declaration form. Take it with you when you go through customs. Your pharmacist can help you understand what applies to your medicines.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Rules about medicines change and depend on your own situation. Please speak with your doctor, pharmacist or a qualified health professional before you travel.