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!

Alles toll dort, super Essen, tolle Location, sehr nette Bedienung, für Bali recht teuer, unbedingt zum sunset reservieren, vor allem am Wochenende. Grab Fahrer dürfen nicht aufs Gelände, da eigener Taxistand vorhanden ( Grab ist günstiger), man muss zum security Einlass vorlaufen... ist aber nicht schlimm und nicht weit ....alles in allem zu empfehlen 👍

Pi Ki
October 5, 2023
If you want to chill in a more laid back beach club with less crowd, this is the place to go! The oysters I ordered were also very fresh and they hv DJ playing nice music also (more on pop songs / EDM)

Kenny Tang
June 3, 2023
Absolutely amazing and a must try! The service was incredible, the atmosphere was incredible and the food was lovely. BE AWARE THOUGH.. the security don’t allow legitimate bluebird taxi services and you may find yourself getting ripped off by barter taxi services so make prior arrangements for travel. Aside from that it was magic

andrew shields
October 13, 2023
Tera est un serveur au top, il s’est bien occupé de nous, est disponible pour toute demande, Thanks Tera

Ayoub AARABI
June 26, 2023
The view is really good at sunset and there are lost of photo spots and the service is very nice friendly from elisia . Next time i will come back again.

Thu Trexs
October 12, 2023
Very nice service good place and Lia was extremely helpfull

Rim Choucair
October 18, 2023
Tempatnya nyaman, makanannya enak, toiletnya harus turun naik.

Million Dollar
October 18, 2023
Such an amazing place! The staff and facilities are fantastic. They were so polite and were very helpful without being in your face at all. We had cocktails and food, which was the first time I tried the pork with crackling although I forgot the Balinese name, it’s a must try. It’s similar to pork belly and the fat is rendered and flavoured very well. It just melts in your mouth when eaten with the pork. The pools are immaculate with some good music playing and the view is of some of the nicer side of beaches in Bali due to it being more north from the original tourist locations. I’d go back again and already personally recommended it to some friends who went recently and they also enjoyed it. Beautiful place!

Alex SMP
May 3, 2023
Great service and great ambience. Pool and sunset was amazing. Danendra gave great service and was always very attentive. Extremely happy Vegetarian options: Good spread

Harshkunj Chokhawala
June 3, 2023
I had an amazing experience at Cafe del Mar Bali! The location is stunning, with an incredible ocean view and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was top-notch. I particularly enjoyed the seafood options, which were fresh and flavorful. The music at Cafe del Mar Bali was also a highlight for me. The DJs played a great mix of chill-out tunes and upbeat tracks that kept the vibe lively without being too overwhelming. I loved the relaxed beach club atmosphere and the beautiful sunset views - it was the perfect place to spend an evening in Bali. Overall, I highly recommend Cafe del Mar Bali to anyone looking for a great dining and entertainment experience in a beautiful beachfront location. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

Satria Putra
May 3, 2023