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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80249 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
386 reviewsTickets can be picked up an hour or less before boarding. I took the boat ride on the Golden Mountain. Don't sit in the front unless you want to take an ocean shower. The boat wasn't too rough, and the ride offered views of Mount Agung and other nearby volcanoes.
Nusa Lembongan
4.6/5
192 reviewsA wanderful day trip in Nusa LEMBOGAN, take a speed bout from Penida Island.
Ayung River Rafting Bali
4.5/5
116 reviewsWe enjoyed the tour; it was well organized and had clear safety instructions beforehand. The surrounding landscapes were captivating, with plenty of natural waterfalls. It's a great tour for beginners. If you're looking for more of an adrenaline rush, you can choose a different plan. After the tour, we were given towels, and there was a changing room where you could comfortably change and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the rice terraces. I highly recommend it!
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
Great422 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
This resort has many great restaurants right outside, making dining incredibly convenient. If you want to go shopping, Bali Collection is within walking distance – it's like an outlet mall and a good place to browse. The hotel pool is also very nice for a dip, perfect for relaxing on a floating mat. The shuttle bus takes you to Nusa Dua beach, which is great for swimming or surfing, and there's a dedicated lounge area on the beach. The in-room facilities are a bit dated, but the room itself is spacious, clean, and hygienic. Breakfast is delicious, and overall, it offers excellent value for money.FromBRL 633
Great106 Reviews
Ubud Bali|22.98km from downtown
This place is absolutely beautiful, completely enveloped in greenery. The service is top-notch, with daily housekeeping ensuring everything is spotless and tidy. The staff are incredibly polite, attentive, and always smiling. Breakfasts are à la carte and absolutely delicious. The views from the restaurant and our room window are stunning. If you love lush greenery and tranquility, you definitely need to visit this hotel. The only minor inconvenience is the cascading layout of the buildings, but there's a quick solution – just call for a buggy, and it arrives fast.
It so happened that we celebrated our wedding anniversary at the hotel (I mentioned this when booking). The complimentary surprise was wonderful – a cake at breakfast, swans made from towels with a rose on the bed along with congratulations, and a bath filled with rose petals! It was all incredibly thoughtful. The cake was amazing. Thank you, hotel, for your kind consideration!FromBRL 349
Great520 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km from downtown
Absolutely stunning hotel. Very relaxing environment. The gardens with old trees are amazing. The location next to the ocean is fantastic. But most perfect from everything is the staff. They work there since years and deliver a perfect service, even in the hottest and most humid days. We want to thank all of them, all have been so friendly and welcoming. If you visit, please treat them well. They are the true Balinese Gem.FromBRL 769
Great524 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
A true home away from home. We were upgraded to a larger room, and our luggage was delivered directly. The staff were all very polite.
Room service was very responsive, and we could even choose our pillows. The room was clean, well-equipped, and had a great view.
There were many live cooking stations at breakfast, and the food was brought to our table.
Regarding the previously reported issue of trees being cut down on the east side of the hotel, new vegetation has grown in, and it no longer impacts the view. (See attached photos for reference.)FromBRL 724
Amazing534 Reviews
Ubud Bali|16km from downtown
We had a fantastic experience at Alaya Suites and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality. We checked in to the resort and was upgraded during check in to the Alaya suite-400 meters away. No complains at all!
Reception: Warm, efficient, and professional from check-in to check-out. The front desk team made us feel welcome instantly, helped with local recommendations, and handled any request within minutes. Thanks to Amelia and Wida and team.
Amelia and team even surprised me with a group birthday song and celebration in our room with a cake.
Daily interaction: Every staff member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and proactive. Whether passing in the hallway or asking a quick question at the lobby, we were always met with a smile and genuine willingness to help.
Housekeeping: Impeccable. The room was spotless every day, with great attention to detail. Turndown service was consistent but never intrusive. They even noticed small preferences (like extra water) and accommodated without being asked during housekeeping services. Thanks Indah for her attentiveness and the cute towel animals.
Daily breakfast: A pleasant surprise – great variety, fresh ingredients, and something for every taste. The local dishes were delicious, and the nasi goreng and kaya toast was surprisingly good. The breakfast team especially the chef working in the kitchen definitely deserve great praises for the great tasty food that I am missing now.
Overall: Alaya Suites offers a seamless, relaxing stay with service that feels both professional and personal. Great value for the quality. I’ll definitely be back.
Thanks ARIS the driver for the few trips we had to commute back from Alaya resort to the Alaya suite.
Thanks Wida and Eka for the patience and support during the very authentic kwangen making class:)
They also had early departure breakfast box if u need to depart early for your flight.FromBRL 584
Business travel
Very Good391 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
”ada harga, ada kualitas” watch out for these things before booking a room
first of all the hotel itself is just okay at best. location wise, it is great, there is a convenience store nearby and parking was always available when i came. staff was kind, responsive, and hospitable. the lift wasn't functioning properly at times, but fortunately i wasn't met with any significant troubles. the room size is quite spacious, air conditioning was good, there was hot water available at all times, towels were always clean and changed. other bathroom amenities only included toothbrush and toothpaste. the bed was comfortable and the room was well lit with yellow-coloured small lights (i hate large overhead white fluorescent lights, so this was very pleasing)
i had several issues with the hotel.
1. the walls are quite thin, you could always hear conversations in the hallway and people coming in and out of their rooms all the time. you could mistake a door knock of your neighbours as yours.
2. random stains on the bedsheets
3. the wifi is very slow and internet is really bad (i use XL), for someone who is working remotely, this was quite frustrating
4. the hairdryer they provide doesn't function as good as i needed it to be. there was barely any hot air coming out of it and the air strength is quite weak. i recommend bringing your own hairdryer if you have long hair and prefer drying your hair quickly
5. room door uses a lock system which works. however the manual lock that is attached to it does not. as someone who likes extra security, this was a bit frustrating but at least the main smart lock works properly
despite me listing down multiple issues, this was only a personal experience of mine. the quality of the hotel matches up with its price. nevertheless my stay was safe and i had a good stay.FromBRL 61
Very Good389 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
I recently stayed at the Prama Hotel and overall had a pleasant experience, though there are a few points worth mentioning. The hotel and rooms are definitely showing their age, but everything was clean and well maintained. The location is very convenient, and I especially appreciated the well-equipped gym as well as the beach and pool area, which were real highlights.
However, in my opinion, the hotel does not fully meet the standard of a true 5‑star property, even though it is advertised as such on Trip. The beds felt worn out and could really use an upgrade.
All in all, it’s a good hotel with solid amenities, but it falls short of genuine 5‑star quality.FromBRL 323
Very Good315 Reviews
Kuta Bali|10.42km from downtown
Very nice rooms & the staff were very helpful!
I forgot my kids' shoes at the lobby & they kept it for me until my nephew gojek it to himself!
They also helped us with early check-in 2h before the time.
Thank you very much, Eden Hotel!
We will surely be back next time!FromBRL 70
Very Good718 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.39km from downtown
Having to make an unexpected trip at short notice due to business issues, my regular Bali Hotel was booked out, so based on the positive reviews I booked what has turned out to be my first and last stay at Kuta Beach Club ( KBC )
The only things KBC have going for it are the central location and the lack of traffic noise due to the property being set way back from the road. Restaurant food, taste and price, OKish ( and you must enjoy eating your dinner accompanied by the sound of pool table balls smashing each other and the ongoing pool table banter ) Restaurant service : if you're lucky! Breakfast buffet selection: reasonable. I made my first of many trips to Bali in 2013. I have stayed in 7 Hotels in the Kuta/Legian area and the KBC is the first place I have been asked to give my Room # name AND signature to get access to a pool towel. The only reason you would have this system in place is because there was a problem with towels going missing. That tells you all you need to know about the clientele at the KBC. My advice, avoid!!FromBRL 157
Very Good382 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.FromBRL 82
Breakfast
Very Good334 Reviews
Ubud Bali|21.48km from downtown
We stayed at Kenran Resort Ubud by Soscomma and had a truly peaceful experience. Even though it was rainy during our stay, the quiet mountain setting made it feel even more calm and serene. The atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
The breakfast and tea were absolutely delicious, and everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. A wonderful place to unwind and recharge in Ubud. 🌿✨FromBRL 379
Great506 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km from downtown
I booked a Junior Suite for 3 nights, but the initial experience was quite frustrating. The room had several maintenance issues: the main lights were broken (making the room very dim), the fridge wasn't cold, the kettle wouldn't auto-stop, and both bathtubs had faulty plugs. I was especially disappointed with the service; when the technician came to fix the leaking plug, he simply watched it fail to click into place yet insisted it was ”fixed” and fine. Guests should be able to relax rather than supervising ineffective repairs.
Furthermore, the breakfast experience was poor due to many flies around the buffet area, especially on the fruit and bread. The coffee machine was also extremely slow. I was also let down by the ”gym,” which is just a tiny corner with a single treadmill and no air conditioning.
However, once the hotel finally agreed to a room change, the stay became much more pleasant. The Junior Suite design is actually fantastic—having double tubs and dual TVs is a great concept when everything is operational. The mattress was exceptionally comfortable, the AC was strong, and the location is excellent, being just a short walk to the beach.FromBRL 162
Amazing1103 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
The Kempinski Bali boasts stunning architecture with strong Balinese cultural elements. It's a massive property with numerous pools! They also have a ton of restaurants, I heard there are eight!
I had a bit of an unpleasant experience right after check-in – the pillows and sheets had a distinct foot odor. When I reported it to the front desk, they actually asked if all the rooms were like that! I mean, seriously?
Thankfully, with the help of Ctrip customer service, I was moved to a new room (on a higher floor, the fifth floor), which was a huge improvement! The rest of my two-day stay was very satisfying!
Aside from the inconvenient location for getting around, everything else was great! The breakfast spread was also incredibly rich and varied!FromBRL 1,710
Very Good176 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14km from downtown
The room was exactly as pictured and described. The breakfast wasn't great; there was no congee with noodles, only plain congee, milk, bread, and coffee (which was decent when made fresh). The 'Seafood Carnival' was a disappointment. 🤔 It wasn't as good as the first convenience store to the left across from the hotel. That place has a huge seafood platter for just over 300, and it's incredibly fresh. The lobster and tiger prawns with garlic butter sauce are especially worth trying there. The hotel's seafood tasted like it had been frozen and wasn't very fresh, though the live music and atmosphere were a plus. The seafood platter shown in the picture is not from the hotel.
What truly stands out is the fantastic service and warm smiles from every single staff member. They genuinely care, and I would definitely come back again.FromBRL 520
Great164 Reviews
Sanur Bali|6.62km from downtown
We booked a king room with lagoon access and was upgraded to a suite (Thank you Andaz, was a lovely surprise). We had a beautiful, clean and spacious room with a massive patio that backed onto a lagoon connected to the main pool with a sea view. It felt like paradise. There were toads croaking after the rain. We saw cockatoos and many other kinds of bird. Bird sang every morning. We even a monitor lizard swimming in the spa’s lily pond. This place is bathed in nature. Service was friendly and warm from top notch staff. The turndown service every evening was a special touch, and the grounds were immaculately kept! There were almost always staff working away to keep the grounds pristine and lush. We really like the hotel’s layout where it seems (to us) that all rooms provide a good level of privacy and some kind of a view, be it lush beautiful gardens, pool or the beach. Lastly, the à la carte unlimited breakfast was what brought us here (from the flip flop traveller, iykyk) and it did not disappoint. What an amazing treat! Andaz Bali is truly a gem.FromBRL 1,736
FAQs about Bali Currency
How much is $100 AUD in Bali currency (IDR)?
At current approximate exchange rates, A$100 Australian dollars is worth roughly 1,000,000 to 1,050,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so it's always best to check a live currency converter before you travel. In practical terms, Rp 1,000,000 goes a very long way in Bali — it could cover several nights in a budget guesthouse, multiple local warung meals, or a full-day spa package.What is the best currency to use in Bali?
The best currency to use in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While US dollars are occasionally accepted at larger hotels and tourist shops, you will almost always get a worse effective rate than paying in Rupiah. Australian dollars are rarely accepted outside of currency exchange counters. For daily spending — at local markets, warungs, temples, and smaller businesses — IDR cash is essential. Always carry a supply of smaller denomination notes for convenience.How much is $1 AUD in Bali?
One Australian dollar is approximately equivalent to 10,000 to 10,500 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), though this varies with daily exchange rate movements. This means that when you see prices in Bali in the thousands of Rupiah, they are often equivalent to just a few Australian cents or dollars — making Bali excellent value for Australian visitors. Always check the latest rate via a currency converter app before and during your trip.How far does $1 AUD go in Bali?
One Australian dollar (approximately Rp 10,000) can buy you a local street snack, a small bottle of water, a short ride on a motorbike taxi (ojek), or a portion of tempeh at a local market. In terms of broader purchasing power, a budget meal at a warung costs around Rp 15,000–30,000 (A$1.50–3), a Bintang beer at a local shop is around Rp 25,000 (A$2.50), and a one-hour traditional massage can cost as little as Rp 80,000–100,000 (A$8–10). Bali is genuinely one of the most affordable holiday destinations for Australians.What is the Bali currency symbol?
The Bali currency symbol is 'Rp', which stands for Rupiah — the official currency of Indonesia. The international currency code is IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). You'll see the Rp symbol on price tags, menus, and at money exchange counters throughout Bali. Note that prices are often displayed in thousands, so 'Rp 50' on a menu typically means Rp 50,000 — so always double-check before assuming something is cheaper than it appears.Is it better to get Bali currency in Australia or in Bali?
Generally, you'll get a better exchange rate in Bali than in Australia, particularly at reputable authorised money changers. However, it's advisable to exchange a small amount (around A$20–50 worth of IDR) before you leave Australia so you have cash ready for transport and tips on arrival. Exchange the bulk of your money at an authorised money changer in Bali's tourist areas — avoid airport kiosks and unlicensed street changers, as these typically offer the worst rates.
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