Currency in Bali: All You Need to Know About Bali Currency

Bali is often beloved among tourists because of how affordable it is! From $1 meals to $50 hotels, you can see why many chose to spend their holidays in Bali, saving as they splurge! You can even enjoy a 2-4-1 cocktail hour for around $10 at the enchanting Café del Mar Bali, relaxing while basking in the signature Canggu sunset.

However, it is still crucial to note that learning about the currency in Bali, exchange rates, and payment options could definitely keep you safe in the long run.

Here are a few essential tips to get you started and help you navigate your financial transactions while in Bali!

What currency is used in Bali?

Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah as its sole currency, the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), usually represented with the symbol Rp. Banknotes are available from 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; to 100,000 IDR. 

Coins are less commonly used but can definitely come in handy for smaller purchases or even parking fees.

To put the Bali currency into perspective, 1 USD is equivalent to around Rp. 15,000, and 1 AUD equal to around Rp. 10,000. It is highly advised to regularly check the updated international rates to find the most trusted rate.

Rupiahs are the only acceptable currency in Bali, so paypals and bitcoins are definitely not a valid transaction method. However, you can still use Paypal in Bali to make transactions with your own accounts.

Should I carry cash in Bali?

Having cash with you is definitely advisable, especially if you’re travelling to a more remote area where internet banking is not a common feature. Smaller vendors, warungs, and local restaurants will most likely prefer cash transactions, so make sure to have exchanged your money with the acceptable currency in Bali.

You can keep a few Rp. 100,000 bills, as well as a handful of smaller notes like 10k, 5k, even 2k for easier transactions as most cash-only cashiers find it difficult to break larger notes. Plus, smaller notes often come in handy when paying for a quick, authentic Balinese lunch (usually around 30k)

Plan ahead! It is advisable to have cash ready before you travel the island. While most places accept debit and credit cards, having cash on standby will save you lots of time and reduce the risk of extra surcharges and transactional fees.

Can I use my debit/credit card in Bali?

Definitely. Most restaurants, shops, and major tourist areas only accept Visa & Mastercard debit cards if you are an international traveller. You can also use your VIsa & Mastercard credit cards, but expect a certain percentage surcharge in every transaction.

It is always wise to check with your local bank to see if they qualify for international expenses and withdrawal limits. Also, learn about the exchange rates of the currency in Bali so you won’t be surprised at the withdrawn amount from your overseas account.

Where can I exchange cash in Bali?

Authorized money changers are your go-to. You can exchange any foreign currency for the currency in Bali. There will always be a risk of scam when you visit smaller money changers so always be on the lookout for the authorized sign and updated exchange rates before making transactions.

BMC (Bali Money Changer) is one of the many safe, authorized money changers in Bali you can often find in popular tourist areas.

Conclusion

The Bali currency is relatively easy to learn! A quick research and planning for your finances could go a long way before your arrival to avoid unnecessary fees and common money traps, ensuring a smooth travel experience in this stunning island, especially Canggu. Check out our guides about Canggu nightlife here!

  • One of our favourite beach clubs with the chillest vibes. Excellent place to spend the afternoon and evening relaxing.. highly recommended

    Collin Avatar Collin
    April 3, 2023
  • Awesome! Great venue for relaxing and entertaining! Service was fantastic!

    Oliver Iva-moemai Avatar Oliver Iva-moemai
    October 12, 2023
  • Magical place! The scenery is beautiful, staff is helpful, and the pool is perfect. Great views of the ocean. No minimum spend required.

    Josh Wild Avatar Josh Wild
    October 14, 2023
  • Tempatnya luas dan banyak spot foto Free entry dan no mininum spend Makanan dan minumannya enak Staff pria semua ramah dan fast respon, minus di staff wanita jutek dan pura-pura tidak melihat saat dibutuhkan.

    Widia Wati Avatar Widia Wati
    July 1, 2023
  • Klo mau buat Gathering selalu hubungi pak saras Hr di sini, 2 tahun uda buat gathering di sini, keren banget..Service ,makanan dan smuanyaa bintang 5 !!

    B-32-VERRA PEBRILIA Avatar B-32-VERRA PEBRILIA
    June 26, 2023
  • Beach club parfait, service incroyable, cuisine délicieuse, vue mer depuis la piscine immense. Un endroit vraiment paradisiaque 😍

    Laurie Balsan Avatar Laurie Balsan
    October 12, 2023
  • Обслуживание 10/10. Еда вкусная Место отличное Официанты замечательные Советую приходить к открытию и оставаться до заката, тогда и место выбрать будет проще и в целом день пройдет отлично.

    Michael Pavlenko Avatar Michael Pavlenko
    June 26, 2023
  • My day for the first time visit Cafe del Mar Bali, there is a good experience, the atmosphere was awesome! this good place has the most delicious food and we can chill out with catching sunset by the pool in here. The most important we get great service, the all staff so kind with us, thank you for your service Dila ✨

    Dinda Afriana Avatar Dinda Afriana
    June 12, 2023
  • I liked the place, mostly may be because it is more quite and relaxing than other beachclubs nearby. We came on Saturday around 12 and had last free beds without deposit. The service is perfect, the food (had different salads) was nice, the music was cool and not too loud. The pool is big and not too busy. Prices for food and drinks are almost the same as in all beachclubs here, even something is cheaper.

    Ксения Никифорова Avatar Ксения Никифорова
    October 12, 2023
  • Tera est un serveur au top, il s’est bien occupé de nous, est disponible pour toute demande, Thanks Tera

    Ayoub AARABI Avatar Ayoub AARABI
    June 26, 2023