Bali is an enchanting island in Indonesia that attracts travellers with its stunning culture and picturesque nature. But before embarking on your adventure in this paradise, familiarise yourself with Bali currency.

Scroll down this page to learn the essential information about money in Bali, including its currency, denominations, exchange rate, and some tips.

Bali is a province in Indonesia. It uses Indonesia’s official currency, the Rupiah, abbreviated as IDR or symbolised by Rp.

It sounds similar to India’s currency, the Rupee. But they are completely different. The symbol of the Rupiah is IDR, while the symbol of the Indian Rupee is INR.

When you book a hotel before your arrival, you may still use USD or other countries’ currencies. But when you arrive in Bali, all transactions must use Rupiah.

So, to ensure a hassle-free vacation on this island, you must exchange your currency for Rupiah. Just visit a money changer or a bank to exchange your money.

When you shop around or eat out in Bali’s restaurants, you may find the price tag saying Rp100.000. It means one hundred thousand Rupiahs. Indonesia uses a full stop, not a comma, to represent a unit of a thousand.

Sometimes, sellers write the price using the “K” symbol. For instance, if the price of a bottle of water is IDR 10K, the price is IDR 10.000.

The daily exchange rate slightly fluctuates. Use the internet or online apps to check the current rate. As of July 2024, Bali's currency to USD is IDR 16.000, equivalent to one US dollar.

Besides, Bali's currency in euros is approximately IDR 17.600, which equates to 1 EUR. Furthermore, Bali's currency to AUD is around IDR 10.800, which equates to AUD 1.

This exchange rate makes it easy for foreign tourists to grasp the value of goods and services. However, as with any currency, keeping an eye on current exchange rates is essential because they fluctuate.

Bali currency (Rupiah) is available in banknotes and coins. Banknotes are often used daily, especially in the market and small shops.

Here are the lists of denominations of Rupiah banknotes, as well as the colour of the newest version:

Bali currency coins still exist in this country. However, they are less commonly used in everyday transactions because their value is low. Therefore, you may rarely find this denomination.

Rupiah coins are available in four denominations: Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, and Rp1000.

Even though Bali is rich in tradition, this island is also modern. Locals offer several payment options for their goods and services.

Convenience stores, supermarkets, big shops, and hotels accept cash and cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards. Furthermore, mobile payment options or e-wallets are also popular payment methods.

In contrast, rural areas and local markets usually only accept cash. Therefore, having some cash on hand whenever you go is mandatory.

When you want to buy something in a small shop, you must prepare banknotes in small denominations, such as Rp10,000 or Rp5000. This is because the vendor usually does not have change.

For instance, if you just want to buy a bottle of mineral water, you should avoid giving large denominations (Rp100.000). Ask the seller about the price and pay it using a small denomination close to the exact cost.

As stated above, carrying some cash when getting around Bali is essential. Even though the hotels and large stores accept card payments, you need some cash to pay for a taxi and purchase something.

So, before exploring all tourist attractions and going shopping, exchange your currency for Rupiah in these places:

Once you land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can directly exchange your currency at the authorised money changers available at this airport. Money changer counters are available at the departure terminal.

However, remember that the rates might be slightly higher than other money changers.

For better rates, consider going to authorised money changers scattered throughout Bali. They are licensed and regulated and offer fair rates and secure transactions.

Compare rates before exchanging money to ensure the most favourable rate. Then, when exchanging money, always count the Rupiah before leaving the counter.

Banks in Bali also offer currency exchange services. They provide reliable transactions with competitive rates. Just visit the bank branch during business hours. Ensure you bring your passport, which is often required for identification purposes.

ATMs are widely available across Bali. It provides a convenient way to withdraw Rupiah using your card. Many international banks have partnerships with local banks. So, it makes it easier to withdraw cash directly from your home bank account.

However, you should be aware of any fees that may be charged for this kind of withdrawal. Look for ATMs affiliated with major networks such as Mastercard, Visa, or Cirrus.

To ensure a seamless vacation, managing your money wisely is essential. So, pay attention to some practical tips below.

Once in Bali, avoid exchanging large amounts of money at the airport because the rates are less favourable. Exchange a small amount of currency for immediate expenses. It is better to use authorised money changers outside.

This can be useful, especially when buying something at the local market, paying for transportation, and tipping. The smaller banknotes can make your transactions easier and quicker because you do not need to wait for the change.

Nowadays, a lot of stores and restaurants in Bali accept cashless payments. You just need to scan the QR code using the e-wallet app to make a payment. This will be useful when you do not carry some cash.

Public transportation in Bali (Teman Bus) also uses a pre-loaded travel card payment option. If you want to take this mode of transport, consider purchasing an e-money card (Flazz BCA, Brizzi BRI, or TapCash BNI) from the local bank.

In conclusion, understanding Bali's currency and payment system will enhance your travel experience. You can enjoy your trip and avoid financial troubles by familiarising yourself with the denominations, exchanging money, and payment options. Book your Singapore to Bali / Denpasar flight tickets to ensure a seamless start to your journey.