Bali Currency: A Guide for Travelers

Planning a trip to Bali? Understanding the local currency will help you manage your money wisely and avoid unnecessary fees. Here’s everything you need to know about currency exchange, banknotes, money changers, ATM withdrawals, and transaction fees when traveling in Bali.

Also read: Bali Travel Guide: Complete Tips for Tourists

What is the Currency in Bali?

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the designated currency of Bali. When checking prices, you’ll see the symbol “Rp” in front of amounts. The currency code for exchange rate checks is IDR.

Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 rupiahs.

Coins are also available in denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 Rupiah, although they are not commonly used in daily transactions.

Also read: How Far is Bali? Exploring Bali’s Distance from Various Locations

Exchange Rate and Conversions

Exchange rates fluctuate, but as a rough guide:

(Exchange rate date: Feb 18, 2025 03:26 UTC. Data from x-rates.com)

Where to Exchange Money in Bali

1. Airport Money Changers: Convenient but offer lower rates.
2. Hotels: Usually charge higher fees and give poor exchange rates.
3. Authorized Money Changers: Found in tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Always choose a licensed and reputable exchange service to avoid scams.
4. ATMs: Often offer better rates than airport and hotel exchanges.

Avoid scam money changers – some use sleight-of-hand tricks to shortchange you. Stick to official and well-reviewed money exchange services.

Also read; Bali Airport: Your Guide to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport

Using ATMs in Bali

ATMs are widely available in tourist areas but can be scarce in remote locations. Here’s what you need to know:

• ATMs dispense 50,000 or 100,000 IDR notes.
• Withdrawals may be limited to 20-30 banknotes per transaction.
• Some ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit, so check with your bank.
• ATM fees can be as high as 10% per withdrawal, depending on your bank and card type.

Tip: Use ATMs attached to bank offices for better security.

Also read: Best Bali Weather: Navigating Climate by Month

Paying with Credit and Debit Cards in Bali

• Cash is King! While hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants in tourist areas accept cards, many smaller vendors prefer cash.
• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
• Transaction Fees: Some businesses charge extra for card payments. Your bank may also apply foreign transaction fees.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Scam: Always choose to pay in IDR instead of your home currency to avoid hidden conversion fees.

Money Tips When Traveling in Bali

• Carry small denominations – shopkeepers may not have change for large banknotes.
• Limit ATM withdrawals to avoid high transaction fees.
• Don’t carry too much cash – store extra money securely at your accommodation.
• Check exchange rates before exchanging money.
• Avoid street money changers offering high rates – they are often scams.

Also read: Is Bali Safe? A Complete Guide to Traveling Securely

Bali’s currency is easy to manage once you understand the basics. Carry cash for small purchases, use ATMs wisely, and be mindful of transaction fees. A little planning goes a long way in making your Bali trip smooth and stress-free!

If you want to visit Bali, be sure to know the details about Bali Entry Requirements 2025 and Bali Customs Declaration Guide.

For visa purposes, you can enter using the Bali visa on arrival which is valid for a 30-day stay. Meanwhile, if you want to stay longer, you can extend the Bali visa on arrival or apply for another type of Bali visa.

For a simpler visa application, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Bali Visa service. Our professional team is ready to help you through the process to the end.

Contact us today for a FREE Consultation and special package!

Also check our complete guide for Bali Visa Extension 2025.