Where can I Get the Best Exchange Rates in Bali? Bali Currency Guide
If you plan a trip to Bali, you must sort out your travel wallet before you step off the plane. Whether you are wondering how much physical Bali travel cash to carry, looking for the best exchange rates, or trying to avoid common street scams, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
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What is the AUD to Bali Currency?
green rice field Via Unsplash (by Niklas Weiss)
The local currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
The current mid-market exchange rate is approximately 1 AUD = 12,573 IDR.
Here is a quick conversion cheat sheet to help you gauge pricing for your trip:
AUD to IDR Quick Reference Table
Australian Dollar (AUD) | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) | Rough Local Value Equivalence |
$1 AUD | ~12,500 IDR | A small bottle of water or local snack. |
$5 AUD | ~63,000 IDR | A fresh coconut or a standard Bintang beer at a local warung. |
$10 AUD | ~125,500 IDR | A casual local meal (Nasi Goreng) with a drink. |
$20 AUD | ~251,500 IDR | A short massage at a local spa or a mid-range cafe lunch. |
$50 AUD | ~628,500 IDR | A nice dinner for two or a day-use scooter rental for a week. |
$100 AUD | ~1,257,000 IDR | A private day-driver tour or a night in a boutique hotel. |
Where can I Get the Best Exchange Rates in Bali?
island under white sky Via Unsplash (by Alfiano Sutianto)
When it comes to getting the most Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for your foreign currency, you have two primary options: withdrawing from local ATMs or visiting a physical money changer.
Best Place to Exchange Currency for Bali
Real-world traveler tests show that local ATMs generally offer the most competitive exchange rates in Bali, even after factoring in international transaction fees.
- ATM Case Study: Withdrawing 1,500,000 IDR from a BCA ATM using an international Visa card incurred a minor fee of roughly $1.96 AUD, yielding an optimal exchange rate of 1:2270.
- In contrast, the maximum rate available at top-tier physical authorized money changers during the same period capped out at 1:2200.
Tips for Using Physical Money Changers
If you prefer carrying physical cash to convert upon arrival, look for reputable, authorized currency exchange booths (such as BMC or Central Kuta).
- Target Rate: Look for authorized booths offering a rate higher than 1:2100.
- Red Flag: If the advertised rate is significantly lower or seems suspiciously high, walk away and compare other options.
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89257 booked
How Much Cash Do You Really Need for a Bali Vacation?
black building on gray rock hill Via Unsplash (by Harry Kessell)
How much cash you need to bring to Bali depends entirely on your travel style and how much you have already pre-booked online (like your accommodation, flights, or major tours).
Because Bali is a cash-heavy destination for everyday transactions, having a solid cash strategy is essential. Here is a realistic budget breakdown, covering both mandatory arrival costs and daily spending tiers.
Mandatory Entry Costs (Paid at the Airport)
Before you even leave Denpasar Airport (DPS), there are two mandatory official fees you need to account for. You can pay these in cash or by card, but it is highly recommended to handle them online (e-VoA and the official Love Bali portal) before you fly to save time.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): 500,000 IDR (approx. $42 AUD) per person, valid for 30 days.
- Bali Tourist Levy: 150,000 IDR (approx. $13 AUD) per person.
- Total Entry Cost: 650,000 IDR (~$55 AUD) per person.
Daily Cash Spending Tiers
If your flights and hotels are already taken care of, your daily cash will mostly go toward meals, transport (Gojek/Grab), massage treatments, and shopping.
🟢 The Budget Backpacker: $30 to $55 AUD per day
- Who it’s for: Travelers staying in social hostels or fan-cooled guesthouses, renting a standard 110cc scooter, and eating primarily at local warungs (local family-run diners).
- Typical Costs: Local meals like Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng cost around 20,000 to 40,000 IDR ($2–$4 AUD). A daily scooter rental is roughly 80,000 IDR ($6.50 AUD).
🟡 The Mid-Range Traveler: $80 to $160 AUD per day
- Who it’s for: Couples and solo travelers staying in AC boutique hotels, eating smoothie bowls at Western-style cafés for breakfast, hitting a mix of local and casual international restaurants, and booking a few paid activities (like surf lessons or yoga classes).
- Typical Costs: Café meals or acai bowls cost 70,000 to 100,000 IDR ($6–$9 AUD), a 2-hour private surf lesson runs around $30–$40 AUD, and short Gojek car or motorbike rides cost $2–$5 AUD.
🔵 The Luxury Splurge: $250+ AUD per day
- Who it’s for: Travelers booking private pool villas or 5-star beachfront resorts, spending days at high-end beach clubs (like Potato Head or Savaya) with minimum spend requirements, indulging in premium spa rituals, and hiring private drivers.
- Typical Costs: A full-day private driver for hassle-free sightseeing runs about 600,000 to 800,000 IDR ($50–$65 AUD). A premium 2-to-3-hour resort spa package costs $70 to $150 AUD.
Bali Attractions Review
Penida Island
4.4/5
392 reviewsNusa Penida is a must-see, a place of incredible beauty, the landscapes are simply stunning... We went on a tour and visited the island's main locations, such as the dinosaur-shaped Kelinking Rock, the natural infinity pool Angels Billabong, Broken Beach, and more. We were absolutely delighted.
Nusa Lembongan
4.6/5
191 reviewsIf I hadn't ventured out, I would never have known how far my own feet could travel, or how many unfamiliar landscapes my heart could embrace. In my fixed life, I was used to understanding the world with my mind, capturing distant places with a screen, but that was all viewing through a pane of glass—unable to feel the warmth, smell the scents, or hear the echoes. Stepping out revived all my senses simultaneously: my feet trod on soil of different textures, my nose inhaled air from different latitudes, and I heard dialects with different intonations. These multifaceted experiences broke down the abstract concept of "the whole world" into countless concrete moments, each moment telling me: you know too little, you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. My feet are my own; every step is a fight against ignorance, every journey expands my worldview. I'm gradually ceasing to define what the "real world" is, because I understand that reality has many faces, and each face deserves respect. If I don't go out and explore, I'll always think I've seen enough, know enough, and understand enough. But once I go out, I realize that I've only just begun to look at the table of contents, and the real content is yet to come.
Ayung River Rafting Bali
4.5/5
115 reviewsA gorgeous, fun, and highly scenic jungle cruise with a side of adrenaline.
How to Avoid Money Changer Scams in Bali
Scam spelled with scrabbles on a wooden table Via Unsplash (by Markus Winkler)
The Indonesian Rupiah carries a large number of zeros, which can easily confuse tourists during transactions. Protect your wallet by staying alert to these common pitfalls:
- Double-Check Your Change: It is not uncommon for cashiers to accidentally (or intentionally) hand back a 2,000 IDR note instead of a 20,000 IDR note.
- Count Cash Before Leaving the Desk: Some unauthorized money changers use "sleight of hand" tricks to secretly drop bills behind the counter during the counting process.
What Is the Currency Used in Bali?
The official currency used in Bali—and throughout the rest of Indonesia—is the Indonesian Rupiah.
- Currency Code: IDR
- Currency Symbol: Rp
Indonesian currency comes in a mix of colorful paper banknotes and metallic coins. Because the numbers on the bills are quite large, it takes a little getting used to for international travelers.
Banknotes in Circulation
Paper bills are the most common form of currency you will use daily. They come in the following denominations:
- Rp 1,000 (Yellow/Green)
- Rp 2,000 (Gray)
- Rp 5,000 (Tan/Brown)
- Rp 10,000 (Purple)
- Rp 20,000 (Green)
- Rp 50,000 (Blue)
- Rp 100,000 (Red)
Coins in Circulation
Coins are generally used for minor change at local convenience stores (like Indomaret or Alfa Mart) or for small parking fees. You will see them in:
- Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, and Rp 1,000
How to Pay in Bali? Cash vs. Card vs. QRIS
person holding black and white electronic device Via Unsplash (by Towfiqu barbhuiya)
When traveling to Bali, using a combination of physical cash (Indonesian Rupiah) and a zero-foreign-fee debit/credit card is the absolute best payment strategy.
While Bali is rapidly modernizing its digital payment options, it remains a cash-heavy society for daily activities. Here is a breakdown of the best payment methods to use and when to use them.
Payment Method | Acceptance Level | Best Used For | Pros | Cons / Traps to Avoid |
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah - IDR) | Universal (100% required daily) | Local warungs (diners), street food, traditional markets, beach vendors, surf lessons, tips, temple entry fees, and parking. | Accepted everywhere; avoids credit card minimums and transaction surcharges. | Large number of zeros makes it easy to miscount; risk of street money-changer scams or physical theft. |
Travel Debit / Credit Card (Visa / Mastercard) | High (Main tourist hubs) | Beach clubs, Western-style cafés, high-end restaurants, hotels, dive shops, and supermarkets (Coco Mart / Bintang). | Secure; easy to track expenses; great for large transactions without carrying thick wads of cash. | Small shops often charge a 2%–3% processing surcharge or enforce a minimum spend threshold (e.g., 100k IDR). |
Ride-Hailing Apps (Gojek / Grab) | Very High (Island-wide transport/delivery) | Motorbike taxis (ojek), ride-hailing cars, and holiday food delivery straight to your villa. | Completely cashless; automatic fare billing; eliminates the hassle of drivers not having exact change. | Requires internet data; you must link your international card inside the app before booking. |
QRIS (Local Indonesian QR Code) | Ubiquitous (On almost every shop counter) | Boutique stores, trendier local stalls, and independent cafes. | Incredibly fast and convenient; zero physical contact or loose coins required. | Usually requires a local Indonesian digital wallet (like OVO or Dana), though some international digital banks are starting to support it. |
[10%OFF] Bali Hotel Recommendations
Bali Hotels
5 star
Great430 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
This hotel is part of a larger resort complex. You can even feed the squirrels at breakfast! The swimming pool is huge and they offer a kids' club, which was really great.
However, I did find a hair on the bedding when I checked in. After I contacted them, they promptly changed all the linens for me. Overall, it offers good value for money, but it's really best for just lounging at the hotel or on the beach. You can have lunch and dinner at the hotel, or explore the many restaurants on the street outside. The cost of living here is comparable to Sanya.FromTWD 3,322
Great106 Reviews
Ubud Bali|22.98km from downtown
This is a premium hotel far outside of Ubud center. Be aware you are about 30 minutes from Ubud if you stay here and there really isn't much to do in the immediate area besides stare at the jungle. Staff was outstanding here with frequent greetings by name and remembering you like a Ritz Carlton.
Because I enjoy regular outings I actually found the location quite inconvenient as an hour a day would have to be devoted just to getting to and from Ubud.
The room I got was enormous and included a dining room, sitting room, bedroom, large bathroom. The in room amenities were great including a free restocking mini bar with snacks (no alcohol) and a large smart TV. The bed was huge, soft, and comfortable.
The bathtub was a downside as it was quite small by western standards (not as small as a japanese tub though). I'm not a very big individual at 173cm and I felt it was too narrow and not long enough. Perhaps suitable for petite individuals only. Be aware of that if like me and many Americans you prefer baths over showers.
The property is very large and you will likely want to regularly use the phone to request the on site golf cart shuttles to get around it as otherwise you will spend much of your time walking uphill from the rooms to the amenities near the entrance like the restaurant and pool.FromTWD 2,929
Great536 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km from downtown
when the staff greeted me with “welcome home” when i first arrived, i was initially puzzled, but as i continued my stay with intercon bali, i understood what they meant by welcome home. most times, the service was exceptionally warm. mbak Dela in the club intercontinental lounge was professional and gave a level of service which is very thoughtful and personal. i would not hesitate to stay with intercon bali again. it was such a luxurious experienceFromTWD 6,322
Great534 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
Such a great deal! Just over 600 for a night, including breakfast, and the hotel even upgraded my room. The service was excellent too! I really regret not booking more nights. The breakfast was delicious and there was so much variety. Normally, this kind of room would cost over 1000 a night. Such incredible value for money!!FromTWD 6,071
Amazing549 Reviews
Ubud Bali|16km from downtown
This was our first time visiting Bali, and we chose Ubud as our first stop. Honestly, we didn’t expect too much… until we arrived at Alaya. 🤍
Alaya truly exceeded all our expectations in every way possible.
First of all, we are so grateful to be upgraded from Alaya Resort to the newly opened Alaya Suites (only opened for 3 months!). It was such an unexpected surprise and honestly one of the experiences that made us fall in love with Ubud.
Our original booking did not include breakfast, and we planned to add it on the spot. But with the upgrade, breakfast was included for us as well. We kept wondering if there would be any hidden charges or extra payment later 😂 but NO - Alaya sincerely invited us to experience their new suites, and we really appreciated that kindness.
The breakfast was amazing too! It’s not buffet style, but “eat all you can” with freshly made dishes upon order, which honestly made the food taste even better. Everything was delicious, and btw… the latte was really good ☕️
Another thing we truly loved was the staff. Everyone served with such genuine care and kindness. Their attitude and hospitality made us feel so comfortable and welcomed throughout our stay. Thank you so much to every staff member who helped us during our stay - you guys were amazing 🤍
The room looked exactly like the photos online (search Alaya Suite) - super clean, spacious, comfortable, with huge mirrors and such a relaxing atmosphere.
And the location? PERFECT. Ubud traffic can get quite busy, so staying here and being able to walk almost everywhere made everything so much easier.
Of course, nothing is 100% perfect, so just a small note:
- The soundproofing could be better as we could hear our neighboring room talking and laughing late at night.
- The gym facilities are a little limited.
But honestly, we really loved our stay here, and this will definitely be the first hotel we revisit when we come back to Ubud again soon 🤍
Thank you for everything,
from room 308 | 10–13 May 🥳FromTWD 4,533
Business travel
Very Good405 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
Sense hotel's location was very quite easy to go anywhere. Its located nearby local supermarket, seminyak beach, Babi guling Pak Malen, Babi guling Pak Genyol, Popella gellato ice cream, Krishna, etc. The room was very clean, Aircon worked very well. The room got hot water for shower inside bathroom, but they don't have any hairdryer, and fridge inside. The wifi wasn't worked at all, and Its a bit hard to find my phone's signal, when I slept inside the room. They said they will fixed it, but its still not fixed. Overall, the rest of the facilities was great. The room was comfortable for a solo traveler like me.FromTWD 431
Very Good396 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
Bali is probably the country I've visited the most. I just love this place. Every time I come here, I stay at this hotel. It's great value for money! It's right on the beach, so you can swim for several hours every day. And the best part is that there's a Rip Curl station right next to the hotel! They offer lessons for both regular surfing and kitesurfing!FromTWD 2,754
Very Good320 Reviews
Kuta Bali|10.42km from downtown
Really nice hotel, excellent value. I was only there for 1 night, but wish it was longer. Great location nearby the airport and plenty around the local area.
Room was very spacious and well equipped.
The stand out was the food from the room service, which was very inexpensive, and was exceptional (pictured), would highly recommend.
Staff all polite and friendly.FromTWD 459
Very Good724 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.39km from downtown
We like the hotel and we had pleasant stay. The pool and the room were very good. The door to the balcony couldn’t close but after contacting reception , they sent staff come to fixit straight away.
The night we stay was Tuesday. The hotel had buffet dinner with dance. We heard the music from the pool and went there for dinner. They said that if will be until 10PM. But when we agreed to come, buffet almost gone, I asked few time why no more food? They asked what I want they will make. Thats not the way buffet supposes to be.
And the music and dance often break very long. Form when I joined until I nearly full, no music or dance. I asked the man who stayed outside to invite customers in: what’s giọng on?
He went to ask them to play music. But the dancers only started after 10 minutes. They danced 10 minutes and break again.
I was very upset. That night was my last night in Bali.
The next morning breakfast buffet was much nicer.
I hope the hotel can manage the dance better to let customers enjoy. And FYI, that night music and dance finished at 8:30PM. Not 10PM like they told me. I posted some photos with full of food and some empty for your reference . thanFromTWD 1,377
Very Good393 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.77km from downtown
We stayed at D’prima Hotel Seminyak for 3 nights during a shopping-focused trip, and the location was exactly what we needed — right in the center of Seminyak with easy access to shops, cafes, and everything within walking distance. The room was spacious with a very large, comfortable bed, which made it easy to relax after long days out. The hotel is not new and you can notice this in details like the bathroom fixtures and some general wear, but everything was clean and overall comfortable. For the price, it’s a solid budget-friendly option in a great area, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring rather than staying at the hotel. If you’re looking for a simple, well-located place to sleep while enjoying Seminyak, this is a good choice.FromTWD 648
Breakfast
Very Good336 Reviews
Ubud Bali|21.48km from downtown
Bali's Must-Stay Hidden Gem in Ubud ✨ Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud Bali is truly rejuvenating! Tucked away amidst rainforest terraces, it's surrounded by lush greenery, far from the hustle and bustle, offering ultimate privacy.
The resort grounds are stunning, enveloped by jungle, river valleys, and rice paddies. The popular infinity pool directly overlooks the rainforest and mountains – every photo is a masterpiece. The rooms are spacious and tidy, with a layout that perfectly captures the Balinese resort vibe, making for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The staff are incredibly attentive and friendly, always available when needed, and the resort's shuttle service makes getting around very convenient. Breakfast offers a wide variety of delicious options, including authentic Indonesian dishes. The SPA experience is also superb; a massage amidst the forest is incredibly blissful.
Waking up naturally to birdsong, you're fully immersed in nature – it's so peaceful and healing. This is definitely my top choice for a Ubud getaway, absolutely worth the trip. I'll be back again!FromTWD 2,541
Great520 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km from downtown
The room is spacious and very bright, well-equipped, and the hotel cleans it daily and restocks supplies. The location is excellent, making it very convenient for getting around. There's a 7-Eleven downstairs and a small shopping mall, and you can even see the Twin Towers from the window.FromTWD 1,415
Amazing1119 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
Our recent stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali was unfortunately one of the most disappointing luxury hotel experiences we have had.
We arrived at around 2:30 PM and waited until approximately 3:40 PM before being able to access a room. During this time, we approached reception several times for updates. While the receptionist initially responded, we were later simply told to wait for an email confirmation and show it to staff once received. This felt unusual and far from the proactive service we would expect from a five-star hotel.
When we were finally escorted to our room, we discovered it had been prepared with twin beds despite our confirmed request for a king-bed room. Even the staff member accompanying us appeared surprised. We were informed that the issue would be investigated, and later received a call advising that a king-bed room was available two floors above us but would not be ready until 8:00 PM.
As compensation, we were offered complimentary cocktails at the Cliff Bar until 10:00 PM. However, upon arriving at the bar, we discovered it actually closed at 7:00 PM. This only added to our frustration, as it seemed no one had verified the information before making the offer.
At around 6:30 PM, we again checked with reception regarding our room status and were told it was still not ready. Rather than providing a solution, we were asked whether we wanted a dinner reservation for later that evening. We ended up having dinner while worrying whether we would eventually be able to move into the correct room.
At 8:00 PM, we returned to reception and shared our concerns with another staff member, who escalated the matter to the duty manager. To his credit, he listened to our feedback and offered several goodwill gestures, including lounge access, breakfast, cocktails and eventually airport transportation. However, as we were staying only one night, most of these benefits had limited value.
We were then told to wait while arrangements were made for our room transfer. By 8:20 PM, nobody had arrived, forcing us to call reception once again. Finally, at around 8:30 PM, the duty manager personally escorted us to the new room, which turned out to be an upgraded room with a private pool.
While we appreciated the upgrade, it was difficult to enjoy it after spending almost six hours dealing with delays, room allocation errors, poor communication and repeated follow-ups. The issue was never about receiving extra benefits—it was about receiving the room we booked and experiencing the level of service expected from a luxury hotel.
To the hotel's credit, the upgraded room made the remainder of our stay more enjoyable, and our second day was much better. However, the first day was so poorly managed that it significantly impacted our overall experience. Mistakes can happen at any hotel, but what defines a true five-star property is how those mistakes are handled. Unfortunately, on this occasion, The Apurva Kempinski Bali fell well short of expectations.FromTWD 10,127
Very Good174 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14km from downtown
This hotel is a very good choice 👍🏼 I am a little picky, but here’s my review:
Pros:
✅ No damp smell, well ventilated ( I was worried about this)
✅ No insects in the room. There might be some geckos 🦎 (which is normal and expected) but I didn’t see any.
✅ Very clean in general
✅ Comfortable bed
✅ The service is amazing
✅ The staff is very friendly and helpful
✅ The breakfast is very good, there are plenty of choices.
✅ Their restaurant is also very good, in case you don’t want to go out of the resort.
✅ The vibe at the beach is nice and if you like water sports it is also good.
✅ The pool is huge and very nice
✅ Reasonable price (but it will depend on the season and demand)
Cons:
😑 Sound proof can be better, one can hear everyone from the pool (the sound enters from the main door)
😑 The beach is not the best for swimming, and is a bit dirty in general (not the hotel’s fault)
😑 The gym can be better as there are only 3 machines (spinning, treadmill and elliptical) the dumbbells are fine
✅😄 Overall, recommended! I was happy with my stay at this hotel!
It is good to give it a try!FromTWD 3,932
Great159 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km from downtown
Resort’s vibe is good. Close to airport and Jimbaran beach was just a short walk away. Staff are all very friendly and professional, always greeting and smiling from their hearts. Pillows and bed are very comfortable…had good sleep every night. However, we found ants in the room & toilet. Staff did a check and left us a bottle of insecticide 😅 just in case we found more of them.
The spa was very good. The Mexican restaurant on the 8th floor serves delicious food and the ambiance there is great.FromTWD 4,576
FAQs about Bali Currency
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