The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). In Bali your Visa and Mastercard work at bank-owned ATMs and in established hotels, restaurants and shops, but you'll still want cash in rupiah for warungs, markets, small shops and transport. Here's how money works across exchange, cards, ATMs, digital payments and tipping.

How much money to bring

Very roughly, per person per day: budget (warungs, a scooter, simple stays) around USD 30–50; mid-range (cafés, tours, a comfortable hotel) USD 75–120; comfort or luxury from USD 150–200. On top, budget for your visa, insurance, big activities and the Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000 per person). Costs vary by area and season.

Currency exchange

Use only licensed money changers: an official one displays a 'PVA Berizin' sticker and registration number (Bank Indonesia), and you can verify the licence on Bank Indonesia's portal. Reliable names are BMC and Central Kuta, or exchange inside a bank. Avoid rates well above the market (more than ~3% better) and the 'fast-fold' trick where the cashier slips notes back out — count the cash yourself and don't rush.

Cards and ATMs

Withdraw rupiah at ATMs attached to bank branches (Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI, Permata) — they're safer and reduce skimming risk. Most dispense IDR 1,250,000–3,000,000 per withdrawal. Watch fees: your home bank charges for an overseas withdrawal (often 2–8%), and from 2026 Mandiri adds an IDR 50,000 fee for foreign cards (BCA/BNI more often have none). Always choose rupiah, not 'conversion' (DCC), for a better rate.

Digital payments (QRIS)

QRIS is Indonesia's single QR-payment standard, accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas. Travellers from partner countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, China) can scan with their own banking app; others can use a local e-wallet (GoPay, OVO) topped up with an inte ational card — or simply use cards and cash.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service. Restaurants often add a 10% service charge and 11% tax ('++') — then no extra is needed. Where there's none, 5–10% in cash is a nice gesture. As a guide: a driver-guide for the day IDR 50,000–100,000, a spa therapist IDR 20,000–50,000. Tip in cash, directly to the person.

In short

Use bank-owned ATMs and choose rupiah, exchange only at licensed changers, and keep cash for small vendors; cards and QR cover the bigger venues.

Ask us for tour and transfer costs — we'll help you plan a trip budget around your itinerary.