# Language and etiquette in Bali

URL: https://mybalitourguide.com/practical/language-and-etiquette
Updated: 2026-11-03

The Balinese speak Balinese and Indonesian, and English in tourism. A few words of Indonesian, how Balinese names work and the manners that matter.

## In short

- The Balinese speak Balinese and Indonesian; in tourism, English too.
- Give and take things with your right hand.
- Don't touch anyone's head, not even a child's.
- Stay calm. Getting angry or raising your voice backfires.

A few words of Indonesian make people happy: terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning), berapa? (how much?), tidak, terima kasih (no, thank you). In Balinese, thank you is suksma.

Many Balinese are called Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut. These are not surnames but names for the first, second, third and fourth child. With a fifth child it starts again. The I before the name means it is a man. So our driver [I Made Partha Wijaya](/en/about/dek-leonk) is a second child; his nickname is Dek Leonk.

The Balinese are hospitable and patient, and avoid open confrontation. If something goes wrong, stay friendly and ask whether [Dek Leonk](/en/private-driver-bali) can help. Only take photos of people after you have asked.

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Source: https://mybalitourguide.com/practical/language-and-etiquette
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