Money in Bali: cash, cards and what things cost

Rupiah basics

• The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Banknotes come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 rupiah. Older series are still legal tender.
• With so many zeros it is easy to hand over the wrong note. Keep large and small notes in separate pockets of your wallet.
• Prices on menus are often written in thousands: "45K" means IDR 45,000.

Cards or cash?

You will need both.

• Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and shops in tourist areas. American Express works mainly in high-end places.
• Cash is needed in warungs (small local eateries), at markets, for entrance fees and parking, for small guesthouses and on the smaller islands.
• When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose rupiah. The conversion offered by the terminal is usually more expensive than your bank's rate.

ATMs

• Use ATMs inside bank branches, malls or supermarkets rather than standalone booths by the road.
• Most ATMs give IDR 1–3 million per withdrawal. Some local banks charge foreign cards a fee on top of your own bank's fee, so check the screen before you confirm.
• Tell your bank you are travelling, and carry a second card in case one is blocked.

Changing money safely

Bali's rules for foreign tourists ask visitors to change money only at licensed money changers. A licensed changer:

• displays the Bank Indonesia money-changer logo, its licence certificate and the text Penyelenggara KUPVA Berizin (Authorised Money Changer),
• shows its rates openly and must not charge extra fees.

Avoid street stalls with "no commission" signs and unusually good rates, and count your money before you leave the counter. Complaints can be made to Bank Indonesia on 131.

QR payments (QRIS)

QRIS payment codes are everywhere in Indonesia. Visitors can use it directly from their home banking or wallet app only if they come from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea or China (as of September 2026). Other visitors can pay by card or cash; some airport travel packs combine a local SIM with an e-wallet.

Tipping and bargaining

• Tipping isn't mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service: drivers, guides, spa staff. Many restaurants already add a service charge and tax to the bill.
• At markets and street stalls bargaining is normal. Keep it friendly; prices in shops with price tags are fixed.

What things cost

Typical prices, with the date and source. Prices change, so use them for planning, not as a promise.

Day tours we list on this site, with their current "from" prices on GetYourGuide:

Tours are run by local operators; booking and payment are handled by GetYourGuide. We earn a commission on bookings made through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Sources and fact-check

We checked the facts in this text on 24 Oct 2026 against these sources. Rules, prices and timetables change, so check them before you travel.

1. Bank Indonesia – 2022 rupiah banknote series (opens in a new window)
2. Bank Indonesia – buying foreign currency at authorised money changers (KUPVA) (opens in a new window)
3. Fortune IDN – cross-border QRIS countries (28 Sep 2026) (opens in a new window)
4. Bali Provincial Government – Governor's Circular 7/2025 for foreign tourists (opens in a new window)
5. Lonely Planet – Bali on a budget (Jul 2026) (opens in a new window)
6. Numbeo – cost of living in Bali, crowd-sourced (Oct 2026) (opens in a new window)
7. AirConnect – Denpasar airport taxi fares (Sep 2026) (opens in a new window)
8. Passport & Stamps – renting a scooter in Bali (May 2026) (opens in a new window)
9. Bali Holiday Secrets – getting around Bali, driver prices (Jul 2026) (opens in a new window)
10. IDN Times Bali – Uluwatu temple entrance fee from 1 Jan 2026 (19 Jun 2026) (opens in a new window)
11. detikBali – Tanah Lot ticket increase postponed (29 Mar 2026) (opens in a new window)
12. detikBali – Tirta Gangga entrance fee from 1 Mar 2025 (opens in a new window)
13. Backpack Moments – money in Indonesia: ATM limits and fees (10 Mar 2026) (opens in a new window)