Money & Currency
Indonesian Rupiah essentials, exchange rates, where to get the best rates, and ATM tips for Bali
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
The currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). As of 2026, approximate exchange rates are: 1 USD ≈ 15,500–16,000 IDR, 1 JPY ≈ 100–105 IDR, 1 KRW ≈ 11–12 IDR, 1 AUD ≈ 10,000–10,500 IDR, 1 EUR ≈ 17,000–17,500 IDR. ATMs are widely available throughout Bali's tourist areas. Cash is essential for warungs (local eateries), markets, temples, and motorbike rentals. Gojek and Grab accept card payments in-app.
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Bali Island Overview
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp)
USD rate (approx)
1 USD ≈ 15,500–16,000 IDR
ATMs
Widely available in tourist areas
Cards accepted
Hotels & restaurants; cash needed locally
The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah, abbreviated as IDR and symbolised as Rp. Banknotes come in denominations of Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000, and Rp 100,000. The large denominations can be confusing at first — 100,000 Rupiah is approximately $6–6.50 USD, not a large sum.
The exchange rate as of 2026: approximately 15,500–16,000 Rupiah per US Dollar. For Japanese travellers, 1 JPY ≈ 100–105 IDR, making Bali very affordable. For Korean visitors, 1 KRW ≈ 11–12 IDR. Australian dollars convert at approximately 10,000–10,500 IDR per AUD.
Always carry a mix of small bills (Rp 5,000–Rp 20,000) for warungs, market stalls, temple entrance fees, and motorbike taxis. Many local vendors cannot make change for large Rp 100,000 notes, particularly in markets or rural areas.
Authorised money changers (marked PT Dirgahayu or Central Kuta Money Changer are reliable chains) offer competitive rates and are found throughout tourist areas in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu. Avoid unofficial street money changers — short-changing, sleight-of-hand tricks, and counterfeit bills are common with unlicensed operators.
The golden rule: always count your notes in front of the changer before leaving the counter. Reputable changers will expect this. If a changer objects to you counting, that is a red flag — take your money elsewhere. Always exchange at a counter with a clearly displayed rate board.
Airport exchange rates at Ngurah Rai Airport are notably worse than city money changers — typically 3–8% below street rates. Exchange the minimum necessary at the airport (enough for transport, SIM card, and the first night) and change the bulk of your money at a reputable city changer in Kuta or Seminyak.
Hotels will exchange money for guests but at rates significantly worse than street changers. This is a last resort for convenience — not value.
ATMs are widely available throughout Bali's tourist areas — Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran all have multiple ATMs. Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Mandiri ATMs are the most widely used by tourists and generally accept international Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro/Cirrus cards.
ATM fees in Indonesia: most machines charge a flat fee of Rp 30,000–75,000 per withdrawal (approximately $2–5 USD) in addition to your home bank's international fees. Withdrawal limits per transaction are typically Rp 1,500,000–3,000,000 (approx $95–$190 USD). To minimise fees, withdraw the maximum amount per transaction rather than making multiple smaller withdrawals.
Scam awareness: there are reports of ATM card skimming in tourist areas of Bali. Use ATMs attached to or inside bank buildings rather than standalone street machines where possible. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check your card frequently for any unauthorised transactions.
In more remote areas — Amed, Lovina, the Gili Islands (accessed via Bali), and Nusa Penida — ATMs are limited and sometimes out of cash. Bring sufficient Rupiah cash before heading to these destinations.
Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at international hotels, resort chains, upscale restaurants, and larger shops throughout Bali's tourist areas. American Express is accepted at fewer establishments. Some luxury properties add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments.
Local warungs (family-owned eateries), traditional markets (Pasar Badung, Ubud Art Market), temple entrance counters, motorbike rental shops, and most local transport are cash-only. Carry Rp 100,000–300,000 in small bills for daily local spending.
Gojek and Grab — Bali's dominant ride-hailing apps — accept payment by credit/debit card linked to the app, making cashless transport easy for app-based rides. GoPay (Gojek's digital wallet) and OVO are widely used by locals but require an Indonesian phone number to activate fully.
Tipping is not mandatory in Bali but is appreciated. Common practice: 10% at restaurants without a service charge, Rp 20,000–50,000 for spa staff, Rp 50,000–100,000 for private tour guides per day. Avoid leaving coins — Rupiah coins are near-worthless in value and considered slightly dismissive as a tip.
questions & answers
How much cash should I bring to Bali?
A practical daily cash budget for mid-range travel in Bali is approximately Rp 300,000–600,000 per day for food, local transport, and incidentals (excluding accommodation and major tours). Budget travellers eating at warungs and riding scooters can manage on Rp 150,000–250,000 per day. Having Rp 500,000–1,000,000 in cash at the start of each day gives comfortable headroom for markets, temple fees, and small purchases without constant ATM visits.
Can I use US dollars in Bali?
USD is accepted at some tourist-facing businesses — particularly for larger purchases, villa rentals, or surf lesson bookings — but is not accepted as standard payment at local businesses. You will need to convert USD to Rupiah for most daily spending. Authorised money changers in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud offer competitive USD-to-IDR rates. Bring clean, undamaged USD bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Can I use Japanese Yen or Korean Won in Bali?
Japanese Yen and Korean Won are readily exchangeable at authorised money changers in Bali's major tourist areas. Both currencies are commonly exchanged given the high volume of Japanese and Korean visitors. Bring clean, undamaged bills in larger denominations (JPY 10,000, KRW 50,000) for the best rates. Money changers in Kuta and Seminyak near the main tourist strip offer competitive rates for both currencies.
How do I avoid money changing scams in Bali?
Use only authorised money changers — look for the PT Dirgahayu or Central Kuta Money Changer name, or any changer with a rate board clearly posted outside. Never change money with street touts who approach you. Always count your money at the counter before leaving. The most common scam involves the changer counting the notes quickly with slight-of-hand to pocket several notes — counting yourself slowly prevents this. If the rate seems too good to be true (far better than other changers), it usually is.
Is tipping expected in Bali?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Upscale restaurants typically add a 10% service charge to bills — check before adding extra. At local warungs and budget restaurants, rounding up or leaving a small amount (Rp 5,000–10,000) is generous but not expected. Tip massage and spa therapists Rp 20,000–50,000. Tip private drivers and guides Rp 50,000–100,000 per day. Hotel porters and housekeeping: Rp 10,000–20,000 per service.
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