💰 This page covers what you need on the ground: card acceptance by area, ATM safety, exchange locations, and day trips. For Indonesian ATM networks, tipping norms, and currency overview:
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Order IDR → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Bali?
Yes. Bali is more card-friendly than the rest of Indonesia, but still heavily cash-dependent. Warungs, market stalls, temple fees, scooter rentals, and most transport are cash-only. Many businesses add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments. Carry Rp 500,000–1,000,000 ($30–65) at all times.
Where You Will Need Cash
Warungs (local eateries, all cash). Temple entrance fees (Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul). Scooter rental (Rp 60,000–80,000/day). Taxi drivers and ojek (motorcycle taxis). Ubud Art Market and Sukawati Market (bargaining in cash). Massage shops. Tips at hotels and restaurants. Nusa Penida (ATMs unreliable, bring all cash).
Where Cards Work Fine
Hotels and resorts (Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Ubud). Beach clubs (Potato Head, Sundays, Finns). International restaurants in Seminyak and Canggu. Grab (ride-hailing app). Supermarkets (Bintang, Pepito). Note the 2–3% card surcharge is common. Bali is similar to Bangkok in its cash/card split.
Paying by Card in Bali
Upscale hotels, international restaurants, and beach clubs accept Visa and Mastercard. Many businesses add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments.
Seminyak
Bali's most upscale tourist area. Beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta, Mrs Sippy) accept cards. Restaurants along Jl. Kayu Aya (Eat Street) mostly accept cards, though some add a surcharge. Boutique shops accept cards for purchases over Rp 100,000. Convenience stores (Circle K, Indomaret) accept cards. The Seminyak Village mall is fully card-friendly.
Canggu
The digital nomad and surfer hub has modern cafes and co-working spaces that accept cards. Restaurants along Jl. Batu Bolong and around Old Man's bar take cards. However, many of the smaller warungs, local surf shops, and rice paddy-side cafes are cash-only. The newer establishments along Jl. Pantai Berawa lean more toward accepting cards. Expect a 2–3% surcharge almost everywhere that does accept them.
Ubud
Ubud's character ranges from luxury resorts (fully card-friendly) to traditional village life (cash-only). The restaurants and shops along Jl. Raya Ubud and Monkey Forest Road mostly accept cards. The Ubud Art Market vendors negotiate in cash. Yoga studios like The Yoga Barn accept cards. Rice terrace entrance fees (Tegallalang, Jatiluwih) are cash-only. Museum entries are cash.
Kuta & Legian
The original tourist strip. Beachwalk Shopping Center and larger hotels accept cards. Restaurants along Jl. Legian are mixed: chains and sit-down places take cards, small warungs and bars do not. The street vendors on Kuta Beach are all cash. Discovery Shopping Mall accepts cards. Kuta has the highest density of ATMs in Bali.
Nusa Dua
The gated resort enclave is the most card-friendly zone in Bali. All hotels, the Bali Collection shopping complex, water sports operators within the compound, and restaurants accept cards without surcharges. Outside the compound gates, local warungs and shops are cash-only. If you are staying in Nusa Dua and not venturing out, you barely need cash.
Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
The cliff-top beach clubs (Single Fin, Sundays Beach Club, Omnia) accept cards. The Uluwatu Temple entrance fee (Rp 50,000) is cash-only. Restaurants along Jl. Labuan Sait are mixed. The hidden beaches (Padang Padang, Suluban) have cash-only warungs and parking fees. Accommodation ranges from budget (cash) to luxury villas (cards accepted).
Amed, Lovina & East/North Bali
These quieter areas are heavily cash-dependent. A few higher-end dive resorts and hotels accept cards, but most restaurants, shops, and activities are cash-only. ATMs are less frequent than in south Bali. Withdraw what you need before heading north or east. Snorkeling boats, dive operators (except larger outfits), and local transport all take cash.
Temples & Ceremonies
Every temple entrance fee is paid in cash. Tanah Lot (Rp 30,000), Uluwatu (Rp 50,000), Tirta Empul (Rp 50,000), Besakih (Rp 60,000). Sarongs can be borrowed or purchased at the entrance for cash. Donations at ceremonies are in cash. If you hire a temple guide, pay in cash. Keep a stash of Rp 10,000–50,000 notes for temple visits.
Where to Exchange Money in Bali
Authorized Money Changers
BMC (Bali Maspintjinra Centra) and Central Kuta Money Exchange are the most trusted names with government-authorized rates. They have branches in Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Rates are transparent, posted on digital boards, and you receive exactly what is quoted. Bring crisp USD or EUR in $50/$100 denominations for the best rates. Worn, marked, or pre-2006 bills may be rejected.
⚠ Avoid Unofficial Money Changers
Bali has a well-known scam where small exchange shops advertise amazing rates, then shortchange you using sleight of hand. The operator counts the bills in front of you, distracts you, and palms several notes. If a rate looks too good, it is a scam. Stick to BMC, Central Kuta, or the exchange counters inside reputable banks. Never let the operator take the money out of your sight during counting.
ATMs in Bali
For ATM network details, see the Indonesia guide. Here are Bali-specific tips.
Use these bank ATMs for reliable foreign card withdrawals.
BCA
BNI
Mandiri
BRIATM Safety in Bali
Use ATMs inside bank branches, malls, or convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart). Standalone ATMs on the street in tourist areas are the highest risk for card skimming. The most common skimming locations are along Jl. Legian in Kuta and around Monkey Forest Road in Ubud. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. BCA ATMs inside bank branches are the safest bet. Maximum withdrawal is typically Rp 2,500,000–3,000,000 ($160–195) per transaction.
⚠ ATM Withdrawal Limits Are Low
Most Bali ATMs dispense a maximum of Rp 2,500,000 ($160) per transaction. Some BCA machines allow Rp 3,000,000. You may need to make multiple withdrawals, each incurring your bank's foreign ATM fee. Plan ahead: withdraw more at the bank counter if your bank allows it, or exchange USD/EUR at BMC for better value on larger amounts.
Getting Around: Transport Payments
Grab
Grab (car and motorbike) operates across Bali and accepts card payment through the app. However, the local taxi mafia blocks Grab pickups at certain locations: the airport arrivals area, Tanah Lot, some hotel entrances in Nusa Dua, and parts of Ubud. In these cases, walk to a nearby main road or use the official taxi rank. GrabBike is the cheapest way to get around for solo travelers (Rp 10,000–30,000 for short rides).
Scooter Rental
Renting a scooter is the most common way tourists explore Bali. Daily rental costs Rp 60,000–80,000 ($4–5) paid in cash to the rental shop. Fuel is cheap at gas stations (Rp 10,000–15,000 to fill up) or from roadside vendors selling gasoline in vodka bottles (marked "Pertamina"). You need an international driving permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. Police checkpoints target tourists without IDPs, with on-the-spot fines of Rp 250,000–500,000.
Private Drivers
Hiring a private driver for a full day costs Rp 500,000–700,000 ($32–45) and is an excellent way to see temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls without driving yourself. Pay in cash at the end of the day. Your hotel or villa can arrange one, or negotiate directly with a driver. Fuel and the driver's meals are included in the price. This is the standard way to visit places like Ulun Danu, Besakih, and Kintamani.
Airport to Your Hotel
The official airport taxi counter inside Ngurah Rai arrivals charges fixed rates by zone (Rp 80,000–250,000 depending on destination). Pay at the counter with cash. Alternatively, walk to the airport parking structure and order a Grab (cheaper, card payment). The free shuttle to the parking area makes this easier. Grab pickups from the departures level are also possible.
Tipping in Bali
Bali Tipping Customs
Restaurants: leave Rp 20,000–50,000 ($1.30–3.25) at warungs and casual restaurants. Upscale restaurants sometimes add 10% service charge. Check the bill first.
Spa & massage: tip Rp 30,000–50,000 ($2–3.25) for a 1-hour treatment. Therapists at smaller shops earn very little, so tips matter significantly.
Drivers: Rp 50,000–100,000 ($3.25–6.50) for a full-day driver. More for exceptional service or very long days.
Hotel housekeeping: Rp 20,000–30,000 per night left on the nightstand.
Dive masters & surf instructors: Rp 50,000–100,000 per session is appreciated.
Prices in Bali
Bali ranges from incredibly cheap (warung meals) to expensive (beach club minimums). The local side is one of the best values in Asia.
| Item | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh coconut | Rp 15,000–25,000 | $1–1.60 |
| Warung meal (nasi goreng) | Rp 25,000–50,000 | $1.60–3.25 |
| Large Bintang (warung) | Rp 30,000–40,000 | $2–2.60 |
| Smoothie bowl (Canggu) | Rp 60,000–80,000 | $4–5 |
| Balinese massage (1 hr, street) | Rp 80,000–120,000 | $5–8 |
| Seminyak restaurant dish | Rp 80,000–200,000 | $5–13 |
| Beach club cocktail | Rp 120,000–200,000 | $8–13 |
| White water rafting | Rp 300,000–500,000 | $19–32 |
| Surfing lesson (2 hrs) | Rp 400,000–600,000 | $26–39 |
| Beach club minimum spend | Rp 500,000–1,000,000 | $32–65 |
| Diving trip (full day, 2 dives) | Rp 1,000,000–1,800,000 | $65–115 |
USD estimates based on approximately Rp 15,500 = $1. Rates fluctuate. Scooter rental Rp 60,000–80,000/day ($4–5).
Day Trips from Bali
Nusa Penida (45-minute fast boat)
Fast boats depart from Sanur Beach and cost Rp 150,000–300,000 ($10–20) return (bookable online with card or cash at the harbor). Nusa Penida is heavily cash-based. There are a few ATMs near the harbor but they run out of cash frequently. Hire a scooter (Rp 75,000/day, cash) or a driver (Rp 400,000–600,000/day, cash). Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Crystal Bay have no card-accepting businesses. Bring Rp 500,000–1,000,000 in cash.
Gili Islands (2–3 hour fast boat)
Fast boats from Padang Bai or Serangan to Gili Trawangan cost Rp 300,000–600,000 ($20–39) one way (card payment when booking online). The Gilis are in Lombok province (West Nusa Tenggara, not Bali). ATMs exist on Gili T but are unreliable and often out of cash. Bring enough Rupiah for your entire stay. Some upscale restaurants accept cards, but bars, dive shops, warungs, and hotels are heavily cash. Budget Rp 500,000–1,000,000 per day.
Nusa Lembongan (30-minute fast boat)
The smaller, more relaxed island neighbor. Fast boats from Sanur cost Rp 150,000–250,000 ($10–16) return. Lembongan has more card acceptance than Penida, with some restaurants and dive shops accepting Visa/Mastercard. ATMs exist but are not always stocked. Scooter rental is Rp 60,000–75,000/day (cash). Bring Rp 300,000–500,000 in cash as backup.
Bali Quick Reference
| Activity | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminyak beach clubs | ✅ Yes | Not needed | 2–3% card surcharge common |
| Ubud dining | ✅ Most restaurants | Rp 200,000 backup | Art market is cash-only |
| Temple visits | ❌ No | Rp 100,000–200,000 | Entry fees are cash, need sarong |
| Warung meals | ❌ No | Rp 50,000–100,000 | Local eateries are cash-only |
| Scooter rental | ❌ No | Rp 60,000–80,000/day | Need international driving permit |
| Nusa Penida day trip | ❌ No | Rp 500,000–1,000,000 | ATMs unreliable, bring all cash |
| Nusa Dua resorts | ✅ Everywhere | Not needed | Fully cashless inside resort enclave |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Bali?
Yes. Bali is still heavily cash-based outside of upscale hotels and restaurants. Warungs, market stalls, temple entrance fees, drivers, and many cafes are cash-only. Even in tourist areas like Seminyak and Canggu, plenty of businesses prefer cash. Carry Rp 500,000–1,000,000 ($30–65) on you at all times.
Which ATMs should I use in Bali?
BCA and Bank Mandiri ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards. Use ATMs inside bank branches or convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart) rather than standalone machines on the street. Standalone ATMs in tourist areas have higher skimming risk.
Should I exchange money at Bali airport?
Exchange only a small amount (Rp 500,000–1,000,000) at the airport. Airport rates are 5–10% worse than authorized money changers in Kuta or Seminyak. BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange offer competitive rates. Avoid unofficial changers who advertise too-good rates and then shortchange you.
Can I use Grab in Bali?
Yes, but with limitations. Grab operates throughout Bali and accepts card payment. However, the traditional taxi mafia blocks Grab pickups at certain locations, including the airport arrivals area, Tanah Lot, and some hotel entrances. Walk to a nearby location to get picked up, or use an official taxi.
How much should I budget per day in Bali?
Budget travelers can live well on Rp 500,000–800,000 ($30–50) per day with warung meals, scooter rental, and budget accommodation. Mid-range travelers should budget Rp 1,500,000–3,000,000 ($95–190). Bali is extremely affordable by Western standards.
Are card surcharges common in Bali?
Yes. Many businesses add a 2–3% surcharge for credit card payments. This is common at restaurants, shops, and activity providers. Paying cash avoids this surcharge.
Do I need Rupiah for temple visits?
Yes. All temple entrance fees are paid in cash. Fees range from Rp 15,000–50,000 ($1–3.25). You also need a sarong, which can be borrowed at the entrance (free or small donation) or purchased from vendors outside (cash).
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Country-specific deep dives for Bali: which card to bring, where the no-fee ATMs are at the airport, and how to dodge the local DCC traps.