The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of Bali. The exchange rate is usually around 15,000–16,000 IDR to 1 USD.
Tips for Currency Exchange:
- Always use authorized money changers (such as BMC, Central Kuta, PT. Bali Maspintjinra). They feature proper signage, electronic rate boards, and security.
- Avoid small street-side booths offering abnormally high rates — these are typical traps for counting tricks.
- Re-count your bills yourself at the counter before putting them into your wallet.
FAQ: Money and 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 booths offering rates well above the market (more than ~3% better) and the 'fast-fold' trick, where the cashier slips notes back out while counting — count the cash yourself and don't rush. Many travellers skip exchange entirely and simply withdraw rupiah from a bank-owned ATM.
Your Visa and Mastercard work at bank-owned ATMs and in established hotels, restaurants and shops (UnionPay is also accepted at 90%+ of ATMs). Withdraw cash at ATMs attached to bank branches (Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI, Permata) for safety, and watch for foreign-transaction and ATM fees. Keep cash in rupiah for everyday spending — warungs, markets, small shops and transport are often cash-only — while cards and QR payments cover the bigger venues.
Most ATMs dispense roughly IDR 1,250,000–3,000,000 per withdrawal (BCA and BNI are usually 1.25–2.5M). 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 and BNI more often have no local fee. Always choose rupiah, not 'conversion' (DCC), for a better rate. Use ATMs attached to bank branches for safety and to reduce the risk of card skimming.
It depends on your style. 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 of that, budget for your visa, insurance and any big activities. You can rely on cards and bank-owned ATMs, plus some cash for small vendors and transport. Exact costs vary by area and season.