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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154425 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
483 reviewsIf you, like me, love beautiful views, nature, mountains, turquoise waters - you will definitely love it 👍 These moments will remain in your memory forever 😍
Nusa Lembongan
4.6/5
181 reviewsThis tour was interesting, and we got to see manta rays. The snorkeling was also very good!I received the photos on the same day, and they turned out to be quite good qualityWe were provided with water and a towel, and after snorkeling, we could take a shower and change clothesThe Nusa Penida tour was not bad overall, but due to the road conditions, the car ride was very bumpy and made me quite carsick
Ayung River Rafting Bali
4.5/5
118 reviewsI had a fantastic time rafting amidst the stunning natural beauty of Indonesia.
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
Very Good200 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|12.86km from downtown
Hotel Nikko Bali delivered a great holiday for us. Everything from the grounds to the hospitality was top-notch, and we really enjoyed every moment. The only small area for improvement would be expanding the breakfast buffet spread, as it felt a little limited compared to other 5-star resorts. That said, it was still a lovely stay and we’d happily return.FromAU$ 139
Great464 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
This hotel is a true value king under the Marriott brand, offering consistent quality at a highly competitive price compared to other hotels. While it's not directly beachfront, the hotel provides a shuttle service to its private beach, complete with dedicated beach service.
It's conveniently located within walking distance of Nusa Dua's largest shopping mall, and just outside the hotel, you'll find a street filled with dining options, making meals incredibly easy.FromAU$ 131
Great855 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.2km from downtown
Excellent hotel, super location. Malls are nearby, plenty of places to walk around and eat. The ocean is just a 5-minute walk for a dip in the waves. It's also the best location for excursions. The pools are fantastic, and there are slides for the kids. The hotel food is very tasty and not expensive. The staff is simply amazing!FromAU$ 233
Great826 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|18.83km from downtown
I have a very pleasant stay here. At 2014 back then when it is still Nikko, my brother had his wedding here and I appreciate the hotel still have their name hang in the wall near Wiwaha Chapel. The room is spacious and clean. The AC works really well. View from our room is so beautiful. Make sure to book the ocean view to enoy the beauty of Bali. We had Mexican dinner at Grain Restaurant, delicious food with Latin live band boost up the mood. Thank you Mrs. Sumerti for the hospitality during dinner. Definitely stay here if I visit Bali!FromAU$ 201
Great130 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14.42km from downtown
I had a wonderful 5-day stay at Bali Tropical Resort & Spa. The resort is beautifully maintained, with lush gardens, a relaxing beachfront, and a calm, authentic Balinese atmosphere. The staff were consistently warm, attentive, and eager to help, which made the stay feel truly welcoming. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the food offered good variety with plenty of local flavors. Overall, it’s a great choice for a peaceful, well-rounded Bali getaway.FromAU$ 117
Business travel
Good406 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
The hotel is located in a quiet area with convenience stores nearby, which was very convenient. Room size was comfortable and cleanliness was acceptable. The only downside was the weak water pressure in the bathroom. Staff service was great and friendly throughout the stay. The swimming pool was definitely one of the highlights.FromAU$ 17
Great424 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
We made a last-minute decision to visit during the summer holidays and chose this hotel because of its proximity to the beach. I was prepared for an older hotel in an older area, and that's exactly what it was; there were quite a few middle-aged and elderly guests. However, the hotel's pool and garden views were quite nice, and the rooms had been renovated. The showerhead wasn't discolored, and the water quality was fine. Breakfast was acceptable, I'd give it an 80%. Besides the locally grown papaya, nothing else really stood out. We received drink vouchers for the restaurant bar, which was a pleasant place to relax. Bicycles were available for rent, and cycling along the beach was very enjoyable. There's a good restaurant by the hotel beach, with a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps. We ordered three set meals for over RMB 600 (including a significant service charge).
However, there were some downsides:
1. The hairdryer was broken. I specifically went to the front desk to ask for a replacement, but nothing was done. Luckily, it was summer.
2. Service discrimination favoring Caucasians. When queuing for eggs🍳, a Caucasian lady behind me asked for soft-boiled eggs. The chef, with an ingratiating smile, went out of his way to cater to her request, spending considerable time and completely ignoring my🍳, which was ahead of hers. Only after he finished serving the Caucasian lady with a bow did he turn to my eggs, which were already overcooked. He just made an awkward sound and offered no apology.
3. For an Indonesian hotel costing over RMB 1000 a night, I discovered upon leaving that there were green crayon marks on the quilt (near the foot end) (see picture). Are they so stingy with linen that they won't discard it?FromAU$ 83
Very Good350 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.FromAU$ 21
Very Good772 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.39km from downtown
I initially thought this would be the most negative review of our entire trip to Bali, but let me explain why it's actually the highest rating, and that's all thanks to the amazing staff. We stayed in many places across Bali and, of course, spent nights in various accommodations. Upon check-in, everything seemed perfect, but then I noticed the floors were dirty and the breakfasts weren't quite what we'd imagined. BUT, the staff called a cleaning crew who cleaned the room perfectly with a huge floor-washing machine! Later, we discovered that we really liked the omelets, chicken, and other varieties at breakfast. It would be a sin to complain given the incredibly low price of the breakfasts. The staff were always friendly and smiling, and I want to give a special thank you to all of them for making our stay so pleasant. The location is fantastic as it's easy to get anywhere; we chose this place primarily for quick access to all points of interest, and it truly is convenient. It's great that there's underground parking, so the scooter doesn't bake in the sun. Later, we decided to order food from the restaurant and asked for it to be delivered to our room; the portions were super large, and the cost was very reasonable. Also, there's a good mix of young and old people here, a great contrast! For those who prefer no insects, we also highly recommend it!FromAU$ 54
Very Good450 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.77km from downtown
The staff were very friendly, helpful, and genuinely service-minded. They were also happy to recommend places and things to do around the area, which we really appreciated.
Unfortunately, there were several issues that significantly affected our stay. During the daytime, there was some burning happening around the nearby rice field, and the smell came directly into our room. It became uncomfortable enough that we had to leave the hotel for a few hours and only came back in the evening.
The biggest problem, however, was the air conditioning. In the middle of the night, the room became extremely cold even though we had not intended to make it that cold. We were surprised to find the air conditioner running at 17°C with the fan at maximum speed. We had to wake up several times to adjust the temperature, and because of this we could not sleep properly until early morning.
The Wi-Fi was also very poor. Once our phones connected to the hotel Wi-Fi, the internet was practically unusable, so we eventually had to disconnect and use our own roaming mobile data instead.
Overall, the staff and service were good, but the air conditioning and internet problems seriously affected the comfort of our stay. If these two issues were fixed, the experience would be much better.FromAU$ 28
Breakfast
Amazing583 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
I initially thought it was up in the mountains, but it's actually quite convenient to call a Grab.
The club affiliated with the hotel has nice views, but you can only look at the sea, not go into it, which is a bit of a shame. The bus runs every 2 hours, so that's a bit inconvenient.
They automatically upgraded my room, but perhaps because the upgraded room was too big? The shower was a bit cold... I reported the shower issue to the front desk, and they said they'd look into it, but there was no improvement... I just made do with a quick wash.
The hotel's breakfast was quite substantial, but the taste was just so-so.
It happened to be Tuesday, so I had a freshly made buffet at the hotel's restaurant. It had a bit less than the regular menu, but you could pretty much get everything, and there was a show too, which made for a great memory!FromAU$ 191
Very Good408 Reviews
Ubud Bali|21.48km from downtown
My stay at Kenran Resort Ubud was mixed. I had specifically booked a room with a terrace on the 2nd or 3rd floor, but when I arrived, I was given a room on the 1st floor instead. Unfortunately, the room had a very strong mold smell, which made the first night quite unpleasant.
I raised the issue with the staff, and only after a fairly long discussion did they agree to move me to another room the following day. Once I was moved to the 3rd floor, the experience changed completely. The room was much better, and the views from the resort were genuinely beautiful.
My main advice to future guests would be to check the room carefully when you arrive, especially if you are placed on the 1st floor. Based on my experience, I would personally avoid the first-floor rooms.
The breakfast was another weak point for me. The menu felt limited and could definitely be improved.
Overall, the resort has amazing views and a lot of potential, and my stay became very enjoyable after moving to the 3rd floor. However, the first-day room issue and the breakfast quality stopped it from being a great experience from the beginning.FromAU$ 114
Very Good606 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km from downtown
I liked the hotel and its location near the sea. The breakfast food was delicious and varied every day. The only thing I didn't like, which isn't related to the hotel itself, is that there are warungs (food stalls) before the turn to the hotel, and they produce a lot of smoke, especially in the evening. Oh, and the sunsets here are magical, and if it's important to anyone, you can rent sunbeds with towels on the beach.FromAU$ 42
Amazing1201 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
The hotel lobby is very well-designed and showcases a lot of artworks. I especially loved the lobby and the gym floor. The gym floor also has a departure lounge, which is very comfortable and offers unbeatable sea views. The lobby bar and afternoon tea also boast amazing sea views overlooking a cliff.
Looking up at the hotel from below at night gives a sense of pilgrimage. I was upgraded to a cliff-edge private pool suite and enjoyed complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails at the lounge. This perk was excellent because not only does the lounge have superb views, but the à la carte breakfast was quite impressive.
The pool is large, and the children's slide was my kids' favorite. The loungers by the pool are all big and provide excellent shade, which is better than other hotels. I took a look at the Ritz nearby, and I feel this hotel's rooms and facilities are far superior. We also encountered wealthy locals having a grand wedding at the hotel and got to watch a free fireworks display over the sea.FromAU$ 488
Very Good175 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14km from downtown
Service was excellent from the front office to the restaurant staff to the photographer on site. Only thing is I paid more for an ocean view room hoping for a very peaceful rest but was unfortunately disturbed by kids playing in the pool downstairs early in the wee hours of morning (6am). Also the toilet was generally fuss free with only complimentary dental kit for use, no cotton pads etc. Room was generally basic but functional. Huge swimming pool that extends from indoor to outdoor towards the beach. Overall a nice place to still relax in Nusa Dua area!FromAU$ 143
FAQs about Bali Currency
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