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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166415 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
Nusa Lembongan
4.6/5
179 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
117 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
Great200 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|12.86km from downtown
The hotel is well-located. Since it’s an international hotel, I don’t have much comments on the overall welfare.
I stayed at the ocean suite and I can clearly see the sea view. The room is simple and clean. I give 3 stars to the service as I have experienced very nice service at other stays. I expected to experience better service as this is a 5-star hotel, so this is something that can be improved.
Other than that, all good!FromRUB 4,798
Great469 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
This resort in Uluwatu was an amazing experience! I was pleasantly surprised with a free room upgrade upon check-in, and the room had a fantastic view. The resort's environment is beautiful and peaceful, with lush greenery everywhere. The staff were warm and polite, creating a wonderful vacation atmosphere. The pool is huge and I absolutely loved it; I could spend all day lounging by the pool. It's also quite close to the beach, perfect for surfing. Anyway, it's definitely worth choosing when you come to Bali.FromRUB 6,439
Great862 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!FromRUB 8,316
Great832 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!FromRUB 8,017
Great133 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14.42km from downtown
This is my second time staying at this hotel, and I love its architecture. The breakfast selection isn't very extensive, which is a bit disappointing for a 4-star hotel. The rooms are decent. There are restaurants and shops nearby. The beach is calm with no waves, but the water is a bit shallow. Beautiful sunrises here!FromRUB 6,327
Business travel
Good409 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
The hotel is quite old. The furnitures, beddings, walls, and everything reflects the age of the hotel. Though the staff probably tried their best to keep the room clean, it is not.. The bedding has stains, walls have cracks, and pipes smell. Minimal amenities provided. It's cheap so I guess you get what you pay for.
The location is very good. Walkable to some mini marts. Grab-able to beach and shopping area with lots of good cafe and restaurant around.FromRUB 994
Very Good432 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
A very good hotel. There are 4 or 5 restaurants, bars, and cafes on site. They have an entertaining evening program. The grounds are large, beautiful, and green, with two pools (one for children with slides and a basketball hoop, and one for adults with a bar). Both pools are separate, so adults can relax by the pool without the screams and squeals of children. The children's pool has family nest-like sunbeds, which are very convenient. The service is top-notch, and all the staff are friendly. The hotel's location is also convenient, near the main street of Sanur, where there are cafes, shops, and stalls. There's a large parking lot for cars. The breakfast buffet caters to all tastes.FromRUB 4,848
Very Good359 Reviews
Kuta Bali|10.42km from downtown
Front desk very friendly and helpful, the green color tone in the room and toilet is very nice (personally).
This is the 4th hotel in this trip, and this hotel providede the best quality of sleep, very comfortable.
The floor is a bit oily after in contact with water, not sure if its something i did, slightly uncomfortable to walk in.FromRUB 1,193
Great789 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!FromRUB 3,095
Very Good469 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.FromRUB 1,641
Breakfast
Great600 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
A beautiful resort with incredible views and exceptional service 🌴
We had a wonderful stay at Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. The hotel is beautifully located on a hill, and the views from both the lobby and the infinity pool are absolutely spectacular. It is the kind of place where you immediately feel that you can slow down, relax and simply enjoy being there.
The service was exceptional from beginning to end. Everyone was incredibly kind, attentive and welcoming, and throughout our stay we felt genuinely well cared for. A very special thank you to the wonderful team at Clay Craft Restaurant, which we visited every day - they made our breakfasts and meals even more enjoyable with their warmth and hospitality.
And the breakfasts themselves deserve a separate mention. The selection was absolutely incredible - honestly, I don’t think I have ever experienced such a wide variety of breakfast options at a hotel before. Every morning felt like an experience in itself.
Our room was spacious, beautifully designed and extremely comfortable, with a lovely view from the windows. The entire resort is created in a way that makes it very easy to relax, even if you decide to spend the whole day at the hotel.
We also really appreciated the variety of activities offered by the resort and the helpful Uluwatu guide, which made exploring the area even easier.
Renaissance Uluwatu combines beautiful surroundings, comfort, fantastic facilities and truly outstanding hospitality. A wonderful place to experience Uluwatu, but also a destination worth enjoying in its own right. We would happily return. 🩵🌴✨FromRUB 10,354
Amazing1226 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
Our recent stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali was, overall, a comfortable and pleasant experience. The resort is grand in scale with striking architecture. The magnificent lobby and large swimming pools are particularly impressive, truly showcasing the elegance of a five-star luxury resort. The hotel's beachfront is also quite nice, featuring clean sand and clear water, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun and ocean views.
As for the room, the decor felt relatively new, clean, and comfortable. The soundproofing and air conditioning performance were both satisfactory, bringing the overall accommodation quality to a very high standard. The staff were professional, friendly, and attentive, living up to the standards expected of a luxury hotel.
However, the dining experience fell a bit short. Although the restaurant service was excellent, the food quality was only average. Breakfast, in particular, failed to fully meet expectations for a hotel of this caliber in terms of both taste and overall quality. Additionally, food and beverage prices were on the higher side with limited value for money, which is an area the hotel could improve upon.
All in all, the biggest strengths of The Apurva Kempinski Bali lie in its grand architecture, well-maintained facilities, beautiful beach, and comfortable accommodation. While the culinary offerings have room for improvement, it remains an outstanding luxury resort overall. Highly recommended for travelers with a generous budget who prioritize resort ambiance and room comfort!FromRUB 20,373
Amazing182 Reviews
Sanur Bali|6.62km from downtown
Just like other reviews mentioned, the location was great, the atmosphere was lovely, the food was delicious, and the staff were friendly – everything was wonderful. However, there was just one thing: there were two or three mosquitoes in the room, and each of us got more than 10 bites. When the hotel staff asked if anything was bothering us, I jokingly mentioned the mosquito problem, and they said there was nothing they could do, so I just accepted it. The next day, I searched online, went to a supermarket, bought something like a mosquito repellent mat, and plugged it in, which helped a bit.
After that, I moved to a 5-star hotel in another area, and guess what? There was already a mosquito repellent mat in the room! Perhaps that's why there are no mosquitoes here, and I finally feel comfortable. It would be great if there was a little more thoughtful service. Nevertheless, the food at Fisherman's Club was absolutely delicious, and we had a great time. Next time, I think I'll bring three liquid mosquito repellent mats with me!FromRUB 18,160
Very Good294 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.75km from downtown
My impressions are mixed. On the plus side: the hotel has a pleasant nook, the road leading to it and the surrounding area are nice, and there's a small lake and a couple of decent restaurants for a quick bite right opposite. It's much better than most of Uluwatu, which is filled with broken roads and endless construction. The rooms are a bit dated; there was a nail sticking out from under the TV stand, and the toilet kept making a flushing noise occasionally after pressing the button, but overall it was clean and tidy. We didn't ask to change rooms, though. Breakfast was satisfactory; like everywhere else, it was sometimes difficult to get eggs from the station, but there were many alternatives like pancakes, local soups and main courses, pastries, and desserts. The same restaurant for lunch/dinner was a bit overpriced, portions were smaller than usual, and there wasn't much meat in the dishes. We also had to order drinks twice and wait before being told they were out of stock. For savings, I recommend joining the hotel's loyalty program for a 20% discount on your bill, but for truly good food, it's better to eat outside the hotel. We booked the hotel with 'bonuses' including a massage, which was fine, and welcome drinks (available any day at the restaurant/bar) – these turned out to be just two tiny glasses of boxed juice. Honestly, it would be better not to offer such a gift at all than to offer that. We only dipped into the pool once; there were no staff members on that floor at all, so we had to bring our own towels. There's a billiards table, but it's always covered with a cloth. There were some cracked tiles and construction boards in places, and they were mowing the lawn nearby. Definitely not a place for a full day of chilling, but you can go for a quick half-hour swim. My biggest dissatisfaction at the hotel was with the towel situation and the staff's response to it. Initially, there were only THREE towels in the room. For two people. In a supposedly four-star hotel. Two bath towels and one foot towel, that's it. Immediately after checking in, we went to the reception and asked for two more small hand towels. A couple of hours later, nothing. We went a second time, and okay, they brought the towels, problem solved. But the next day during cleaning, they took these towels (and note, they weren't thrown on the floor; the hotel's policy is supposedly 'eco-friendly,' and according to the rules in the room, towels for 'replacement' are supposed to be thrown on the floor), and didn't provide new ones. Another trip to reception followed, and we agreed that for the rest of our stay, no towels in our room should be changed at all – just the trash taken out. This rule was followed for another day, but then the towels were taken again. We were too tired to fight it anymore and just accepted it. Judging by other reviews and the situation we observed, there's high staff turnover here; there's one competent administrator, but the rest are green trainees who know absolutely nothing. Also, I recommend getting a room with a balcony, because after two days of drying inside the room, I still had to use a hairdryer on my swimsuit to pack it in my suitcase. With cotton clothes, it would be even worse.FromRUB 2,635
Good64 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14.61km from downtown
This hotel is a bit far from Lassadova Beach. However, the facilities are a little old, but the breakfast is good. There's a swimming pool around the building, but it was too hot, so not many people were swimming. It's a great hotel for a layover. The breakfast has a wide variety, the coffee is delicious, and there are various fruits. There are few restaurants and supermarkets nearby, so you need to walk a bit to find them.FromRUB 1,902
FAQs about Bali Currency
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