Currency & Money
Last updated: February 2025
Overview
The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and you will encounter large denominations that can feel confusing at first — a meal might cost 80,000 IDR while a villa goes for several million IDR per night. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas like Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and Kuta, dispensing either 50,000 or 100,000 IDR notes, though they often have withdrawal limits of around 1,250,000 to 2,500,000 IDR per transaction. Credit cards are accepted at upscale restaurants, hotels, and shops, but warungs, local markets, and many small businesses remain cash-only. Using a service like Wise (formerly TransferWise) with a multi-currency debit card is one of the best ways to get competitive exchange rates and avoid hefty foreign transaction fees.
Essential Tips
Always use ATMs attached to bank branches (BCA, Mandiri, BNI, CIMB Niaga) rather than standalone ATMs in convenience stores to reduce the risk of card skimming.
Avoid money changers offering rates that seem too good to be true — they often use sleight of hand or rigged calculators. Stick to licensed exchanges like BMC or Central Kuta Money Exchange.
Carry small denominations (2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 IDR notes) for tips, temple donations, and small purchases, as many vendors struggle to break 100,000 IDR notes.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A tip of 5-10% at restaurants (if no service charge is included) and 20,000-50,000 IDR for drivers or guides is considered generous.
A Wise or Revolut multi-currency card typically offers much better exchange rates than withdrawing cash from ATMs with a traditional bank card, especially if your home bank charges foreign transaction fees.
Check your bills carefully when exchanging money — count everything before leaving the counter, and be wary of anyone who wants to recount your money after you have already verified it.
Notify your bank before traveling to Bali to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious foreign transactions. Also set your daily ATM withdrawal limit appropriately.
Important Information
As of early 2025, 1 USD equals roughly 15,500-16,000 IDR and 1 EUR equals roughly 17,000-17,500 IDR, though rates fluctuate. Most ATMs charge a fee of around 30,000-50,000 IDR per withdrawal. Visa and Mastercard are far more widely accepted than American Express. Always check if a restaurant includes a 5-10% service charge and 11% government tax (often listed as '++' on the menu) before tipping additionally.
Plan Your Bali Trip
Book hotels, tours, and transport through our trusted partners.