Money in Bali: Currency, Exchanging, Card Payments, & ATMs

Should you take cash with you? Do local ATMs charge a fee? Are the money exchangers safe to use? These are all important things to know when navigating any new country. And Bali is no exception.

Bali is our second home, so we're well-accustomed to dealing with the local currency here. After making many of the classic money mistakes ourselves, we're going to share some tips and tricks for safely using money in Bali.

As with most places, things have changed in the post-pandemic era, so whether you're a Bali veteran or a first-timer, we recommend you still read through these Bali money tips before your next visit.

What Is The Currency in Bali?

The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. The symbol is written as IDR or Rp - for example, 100,000 IDR or 100,000Rp.

$1 USD is currently equivalent to over 16,000 IDR, so the prices of things in Bali tend to contain a lot of zeros. They are often written in shorthand. For example, 100,000 IDR might be written as 100k IDR or simply 100k.

Do You Still Need Cash in Bali?

If you don't like walking around with a wallet full of cash, you're in luck. Card payments are now widely accepted in Bali.

This is especially true in the more touristy areas and for higher priced items such as hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, etc.

However, you will still need some cash for many smaller purchases. This includes fuel, parking, eating at warungs (small local restaurants), paying drivers, and entrance to some attractions such as temples or waterfalls, etc.

The more remote you go, the more likely you are to need cash. In the north of the island, some small local homestays and restaurants are still cash-only.

Many venues do charge an additional 2-3% for paying with card. We are happy to pay this and not carry lots of cash, but that’s up to you. Some places, such as supermarkets, may have a minimum spend on card payments (usually 50,000 to 100,000 IDR ⓘ).

Should I Take Cash With Me to Bali?

You will definitely need cash in Bali. But it's up to you whether you want to take cash with you to exchange or withdraw local currency from the ATMs when you arrive.

We prefer to withdraw cash when we arrive. There are loads of ATMs across the island where you can withdraw the local currency using your normal bank card. Even the airport has ATMs, so you can access cash immediately should you need it.

If you decide to take cash with you, it's best to take your home currency and exchange it for rupiah once you arrive. Remember, exchanges will take a cut so you'll get less for your money using this method. We'll share tips on using money exchanges later in this guide.

Which ATMs in Bali Are Best?

ATMs in Bali are generally safe to use and we've never experienced any issues during our 2 years of travelling around the island.

But like all countries, we hear stories of card skimming and ATMs swallowing cards. To avoid this, try to stick to the more reputable banks. BNI, Mandiri, and BRI are all owned by the Indonesian Government so are some of the safest choices.

We'd suggest using the ATMs inside or outside of actual bank buildings. Most of these have guards and/or cameras so they can't be tampered with. Avoid ATMs close to the biggest tourist attractions if possible as these are more likely to have fees and be subject to card skimming scams.

Many ATMs in Bali offer free cash withdrawals for international bank cards, but not all. This can vary depending on your bank and the individual ATM so you might need to try a few machines to find a free one.

We've put together a rough guide to ATM fees in Bali (based on using our Mastercard debit card connected to our UK bank accounts):

Avoiding Charges From Your Bank

Withdrawing money from ATMs will (almost) always have a better exchange rate than using a money exchanger. You can save up to 3% by withdrawing from an ATM compared to exchanging cash.

However, some banks may have charges or limits on overseas cash withdrawals or card transactions. Make sure you check this before you leave.

If your home bank adds overseas charges, you might want to consider a more traveller-friendly card such as Revolut or Wise.

No matter what card you use, always pay in the local currency if asked. Some card terminals may offer to charge you in your home currency. Avoid this as you'll get a much worse exchange rate.

Using Money Exchanges in Bali

There are many money exchangers where you can exchange cash in Bali. You'll always get a better rate by changing your money once you arrive rather than in your home country.

Try to use exchanges without commission as it will be clear exactly what you should receive. Some exchanges will have better rates but charge a commission instead and you'll often end up with a worse price overall.

If a rate is too good to be true, it probably is. This leads us on nicely to the money exchange scam....

The Money Exchange Scam

Bali is a very safe place with few scams. But one to be careful of is the currency exchange scam.

You'll be drawn in with an excellent exchange rate. Then, they’ll count the money in front of you several times, including allowing you to count the money yourself.

But on the final count, they’ll use sleight of hand to retain a few notes. Sometimes even a dodgy money-counting machine will be involved.

To avoid being scammed, make sure you only use a legit money exchanger. These will be in proper buildings in busy areas with windows and air conditioning. Look for a BMC brand if you can as these have a good reputation. Don’t get drawn in by good rates from streetside shacks.

Most importantly, always make sure you are the last person to count the money, don’t even trust counting machines. If they insist on recounting the money again after you, walk away.

Should You Negotiate in Bali?

There's a big culture for negotiating prices in Bali. But you’ll have to judge when it’s appropriate.

Generally speaking, if something doesn’t have a clear price tag, it's up for negotiation. Examples include shopping for souvenirs at markets, organising tours or private drivers, renting bicycles, scooters, kayaks, or surfboards, etc.

Souvenir markets are where you are most likely to be overcharged. The starting price will often be more than double what they are willing to accept, sometimes even higher. If you're unsure what a fair price is, make a counteroffer around 40% of the starting price and work from there.

Other Money Questions

Can You Use Dollars in Bali?

No, the only currency officially accepted in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. Although some vendors might be willing to accept dollars, most won’t. It’s best to have the local currency.

What If I Lose My Bank Card?

If you lose your bank card in Bali and do not have a backup, you can use Western Union to access cash. Someone from home can send you money which you can receive as cash at a Western Union branch.