While we travel to Bali and Indonesia very frequently, you cannot use Australian dollars in Bali. The rest of this article has some information about how you can convert currency for your holiday. Our currency rankings show that the most popular Indonesian Rupiah exchange rate is the IDR to USD rate. You’re in Bali to have fun, not worry about dodgy money changers or sitting on the phone to cancel a skimmed card. Mostly made up of notes, with coins for the smaller amounts, once you get to grips with it, it is easy to understand what each note is worth in your home currency.
By understanding the average costs, planning your budget, and carrying the right denominations, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Bali without financial stress. Great fun, but… yeah, you need some extra cash in your budget for it. A trip to 1rs in bali currency Bali could mean anything from a homestay in the hills, to enjoy peace, yoga and some gentle hikes, through to a high end beach hotel for the sunsets, cocktails and surf. The good news is that this means there’s something in Bali for every budget. Here’s a brief outline of the typical costs to help you plan.
- Just make sure you’re careful counting what they give you.
- Here’s a brief outline of the typical costs to help you plan.
- I would recommend coming at least 2 hours earlier to be on the safe side.
- This list is by no means exhaustive but intended to give you an indication of what some of the things cost that you will likely be spending your money on while holidaying in Bali.
- The cost is typically between 5,000 – 20,000 IDR (less than 2 USD).
- The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah, as Bali is one of 17,508 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, and is the only widely accepted currency in use in Bali.
Denominations of Rupiah
The exchange rate you get at money changers for changing cash are usually 2.5% – 3% from the official exchange rates. Prefer to whip out the plastic instead of carrying around a lot of easy-to-lose notes or heavy coinage? Easy; most places in Bali will take credit cards and debit cards these days! You’ve got digital payment options too, though you can’t depend on this absolutely everywhere you go.
Is it better to Take Cash or Credit Cards to Bali?
Make sure you get some smaller bills to pay the exact cost. You can pay with a credit card at hotels, spas, restaurants and stores. In many foreign destinations, cash is absolutely necessary but in Bali you won’t need to keep that much on hand.
Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. Using a travel money card to spend and make cash withdrawals in Bali can be convenient and safe. Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate.
Save Your Receipts From Tax-Free Shopping in Bali So You Can Get Your Money Back on Departure
Honestly, it’s probably cheaper to bring your own currency cash to Bali to exchange rather than doing it back home. Banks are a great place to make large transactions because they are the most reputable money changers in Bali, but the downside is that they include commission. Changing money at banks is very safe and you won’t have to worry about security like you would at some ATMs. If you do decide to tip, 5-10% is an acceptable amount.
Unlike some other South-East Asian countries, US dollars are not widely accepted. Although some large hotel and tour operators will accept them, I don’t recommend this as the exchange rate they charge is not nearly as good as using a money changer. The XE Currency app is a great start, and will let you convert money, track payments, access exchange rates, and more.
Still, check out the fees before you go – better to know in advance than to unexpectedly find you’re paying extra. Similar to in Australia, it’s best to avoid buying currency at the airport or your hotel, and better to head to a busier area where competition can push prices down. If you decide to buy your currency when you get to Bali, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you have Australian dollars in cash. Find some of the best currency exchange options by location, here.
Over the past 20 years or so, the rupiah has been weakening pretty notably. The rupiah hit an extreme low a couple of years ago and we are now seeing a slight strengthening of the currency during the past few months. The official currency of Bali is the colorful Indonesian Rupiah also known as IDR, which is used throughout all of Indonesia. As of March 2024, the rupiah is at 15,589 to a dollar. First, our 7-10 Day Bali Itinerary covers the best places to visit in Bali.
Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers. It’s perfectly safe to use your credit card (and some debit cards) to withdraw local Bali currency (IDR) from ATMs in Bali if you know which ones to use. You can exchange your USD for Bali currency (IDR) at major hotels, but these tend to have very poor exchange rates and often charge large commissions for the perceived convenience. Please note this is the international inter-bank rate and is better than what you will get when using a local money changer to exchange your foreign cash for Bali currency.