Travel Traps to Avoid If You're Heading to Bali in 2025
Travelling to a foreign country can be full of hidden traps when it comes to money. So we've put together our top travel money tips for Bali so that you can avoid them, and save some money along the way!
Read the rest of this article to find out the traps that you must avoid when travelling to Bali and what payment methods is the most common but also safe to use in Bali.
8 essential money tips for traveling to Bali
1. Take a prepaid travel card
Our first point is an important one. Using a prepaid card in Bali is a great way to avoid the fees and costly exchange rates that often come with ordinary debit and credit cards, not to mention the theft risk of carrying around large amounts of cash.
The Wise card may be a good option for a prepaid travel card. You can access the mid-market exchange rate plus a conversion fee, and you'll only spend what you load onto the card.
2. Avoid exchanging money at the Airport
Exchanging AUD to IDR at the airport in Bali can be quite expensive, as the exchange rate is usually lower than what you can get elsewhere. This option is best for withdrawing a small amount upon arrival.
It's generally better to withdraw cash from an ATM or visit a reputable money exchange shop in a major city.
Remember that when paying by card or using an ATM, always choose to be charged in IDR (not AUD). This avoids dynamic currency conversion, which can apply poor exchange rates.
Learn more about the best places to exchange currency in Denpasar, Indonesia.
3. Have different payment methods
Card is becoming more and more accepted in Bali. But having said this, there may be times when you will almost definitely need some cash. Having a combination of payment methods such as cash, debit card and credit card means you're covering all bases. As an extra tip, keep your money in different places. If the worst happens and you don't have access to some of your things it will put your mind at ease to know you still have money.
How to pay in Bali?
The payment method you use depend on the vendor and the region you are buying it from:
- Taxis/ride-hailing: Cash is usually preferred, but ride-hailing apps like Grab may accept card payments or have an in-app wallet option.
- Markets/warungs/temples: Cash is typically required, as smaller vendors often do not have card facilities.
- Mid-range restaurants/shops: Cards are increasingly accepted, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash just in case.
- Hotels/resorts: Cards are widely accepted, especially in larger establishments.
Tip: It's always best to have some cash on hand for smaller or more rural areas.
4. Pay in Indonesian rupiah when using your card.
Sometimes when you make a purchase Internationally with your Australian debit or credit card, you will be asked if you want to make the payment in your currency, or the local currency. It is almost always better to pay in the local currency than it is to pay in AUD to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.
5. Book luggage when you book your flight
Don't get caught out. If you're booking a flight, it can be tempting to save money by not booking any checked luggage. This can be a saving at the time, but it's much more expensive to buy luggage when you're checking in. Even if you're a light traveller, at least consider booking it for your flight home. This way you're covered in case you stock up on souvenirs and shopping.
6. Plan your ATM withdrawals
While it could be better to withdraw money from an ATM than it is to exchange money at the airport, or your hotel you still want to be careful. If you do decide to do this, just try to plan in advance. Because you will almost definitely need to make a withdrawal at some point during your stay in Bali, try and withdraw more money, less often. Fees will almost always be a set amount, so lessening the amount of times you're doing it can definitely help you save.
Here are the best ways to withdraw money in Bali
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ATMs – The safest option, but use only ATMs inside banks or reputable locations
- Some banks: BCA, BNI, Mandiri, and CIMB Niaga
- Some ATMs have a withdrawal limit
- Withdraw a bit more, less often, to minimise per‑withdrawal fees from your bank/card
- If the ATM offers “with conversion,” decline it and choose IDR to get the card issuer’s rate and avoid DCC
- Watch out for scams
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Airport ATMs – Convenient but often charge higher fees
7. Check terms and conditions of travel cards
If you're worried about carrying cash, you may be tempted to buy a prepaid currency card. If you do this, just make yourself aware of all the fees and charges involved. Often they are advertised as free but can be expensive to reload and withdraw cash with. You can read more about the best cards to take to Bali here.
8. Split up the cash
Our final tip is to safe guard you and those you are travelling with. If you choose to travel with cash, try to split up where you're keeping it. If you're keeping millions of Rupiah in your wallet, you're opening yourself to being left in a sticky situation if you lose it or it gets stolen. By keeping some cash on you, and maybe some in your luggage or in the safe at your hotel you will have a back up if the worst happens. But like we said in tip 2, it's best to have a few payment methods on you when you're travelling.
Bali currency - what money does Bali use?
Bali is part of Indonesia, and so the official currency there is Indonesian Rupiah. Indonesian Rupiah is shortened to the code IDR online and in currency exchange offices, and you’ll often also see it written as Rp on menus and in stores.
Read a comprehensive guide on currency in Bali here.
Is it possible to use Australian dollars in Bali?
While Bali is a popular destination for Australian tourists, local transactions are typically conducted in the local currency, the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). You'll need to exchange your currency for IDR at a money changer, bank, ATM or use your Australian card in Bali.
Where to get Bali currency from?
Spending with your card when you’re away from home is usually the most convenient option - but not everywhere you visit in Bali will accept cards, so also having some rupiah in cash is a smart idea. There are plenty of different ways you can get your IDR either before you travel or on arrival - although some will net you better exchange rates and lower fees compared to others. Here are a few places you can get your Bali travel money from:
- Open a multi-currency account with an online provider like Wise or Revolut. With Wise for example, you can add money in AUD and exchange to IDR, and set your holiday budget in advance of travel
- Get a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut which will let you top up in AUD and convert to IDR at the point of purchase or withdrawal, often with great exchange rates
- Order your IDR in cash before you travel and collect it at the airport - or take along AUD in cash and switch in the airport on the spot as you pass through (this can be a quite costly way to go - watch out for markups in the exchange rate if you choose to use an airport exchange)
- Carry cash to Bali and exchange in tourist locations and larger towns there which have currency exchange shops
- Buy IDR from your bank in cash - if this service is supported
Before you decide where to get your Bali currency from, compare a few options looking at both fees and exchange rates. Using a travel card with a linked multi-currency account is often one of the best value options as you’ll be able to securely manage your money in AUD and IDR without needing to carry too much cash at any given time.
Is it better to exchange money in Australia or Bali?
The best place to exchange your dollars to rupiah comes down to the exchange rates available wherever you happen to be. Because lots of Australians visit Bali every year, you’ll often find the exchange rates available there are reasonably fair - although you'll need to make sure you’re using a reputable service to avoid being ripped off.
For most travellers, having some cash and a couple of different low cost cards is the best option. Carrying a small amount of cash in AUD or IDR when you travel is reassuring, but having a card you can use to make withdrawals on arrival in Bali can be safe and convenient, specially if you pick a provider like like Wise or Revolut that can use the mid‑market rate when exchanging money.
Cash or card in Bali - which is the best way to pay?
The best way to pay in Bali will depend a bit on where you are and what you’re doing. In the more touristy areas, or when you’re in chain hotels, restaurants or stores, you can often use a card. However, there are still plenty of places which won’t accept card payments, so having some cash on you as well is usually a smart plan.
If you’re looking for a flexible way to manage your money when you’re in Bali, take a look at travel cards such as Wise or Revolut. Both offer the option of adding money to your account in AUD and just exchanging to IDR automatically when you pay for things. That means you’re less likely to have left over rupiah at the end of your trip - and can avoid the conversion fees for switching unused travel money back to dollars.
You can also use your travel card from a service like Wise or Revolut at an ATM in Bali. This means you can get some IDR in cash when you need it. Fee structures vary depending on your card provider, with some offering limited free withdrawals per month.
Will my Australia card work in Bali?
If you have a Visa or a Mastercard, your Australian debit card will likely work in Bali. However, keep in mind that some places might not accept cards at all - let's review some of the common situations where you'll need to spend money in Bali. Here's a breakdown of the preferable payment methods in Bali:
- Taxi – Mostly cash, but some app-based taxis (like Grab or Gojek) accept card/digital payments
- Public Transport – Cash only, as local buses and bemos (shared minivans) rarely accept cards
- Markets – Primarily cash
- Coffee Shops – Increasingly accepting card, but smaller cafes may prefer cash
- Accommodation – Mid-range to luxury hotels take card, while budget homestays or guesthouses may often prefer cash
- Temples – Cash only for entry fees
Do I need cash in Bali?
If you’re out and about in Bali, you’ll need cash. Your hotel might take card payments, but when you’re grabbing a beer at a beach bar, or buying souvenirs, cash is usually the only option. Keep an eye out for ATMs which are available in all the major towns, often in malls or within banks, and get cash out when you need it.
How much cash should I take to Bali?
There’s no simple answer to the question of how much cash you should take to Bali. Carrying a lot of cash is a security risk. Carrying none may leave you stuck if you can’t find an ATM when you need it. How much you take really comes down to your risk tolerance and your plans on arrival.
For most travellers taking a small amount of cash to Bali, and then using an ATM either at the airport or in the first town you arrive in, allows you the flexibility to navigate this. Plus, with a travel card from a service like Wise or Revolut, you may be eligible for a limited number of free ATM withdrawals each month up to certain limits. Check the specific terms of your card before traveling.
Learn more about how much spending money you need for Bali.
Bali tourist tax
The Bali tourist tax is 150,000 IDR per person, payable by international visitors. You can check the official website with information about the tax, how much it costs in other currencies, the payment options available and the form to apply for exemptions of the tax.
What other travel money traps to avoid in Bali?
You want your money to go as far as possible when you’re on holiday - and you certainly don’t want to be the victim of scams or theft. Use these common sense tips to make sure you avoid common travel money traps, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
1. Use a safety deposit box in your villa or hotel
You’ll be carrying your passport, electronics and valuables, as well as cash - and you don’t want to take any chances. In most cases hotels and villas will have a safety deposit box available for use, which can help protect all your important items and money while you’re away.
Worried about forgetting things in the safety deposit box? Leave something in there that you simply can’t forget - like a single shoe. You’ll notice it’s missing when you try to pack or leave, which can be a handy reminder to double check the safe!
2. Agree on a price before a service starts
Before you take a tour or trip, or hop in a taxi, make sure you’re very clear on the fees you’ll be charged in the end. It’s pretty common to find you’re asked for more than expected, either through simple miscommunication or if a seller or merchant deliberately inflates prices or forgets to mention all the fees involved in a service.
Get everything straightened out in advance - so if you’re taking a snorkelling trip and don’t have your own gear, check if there’s a hire fee, and make sure you know if food or entry tickets are included in any tour you take, for example.
3. Beware of pickpocketing
Tourists are easy prey for pickpockets because they’re not familiar with their surroundings and often won’t be paying much attention to their belongings. Don’t get caught out.
Situational awareness is usually all you need to avoid pickpockets - keep your valuables close by at all times, don’t put your wallet in a back pocket where it can easily be taken, and consider carrying your rucksack forward facing if you’re in a crowded area.
Bali prices
It’s rightly a very popular destination for Australians looking to spend time on the beach, surf, take part in yoga classes, visit retreats and spiritual or cultural sites. But what can you expect to pay for a trip to Bali? Let’s look.
How much does a trip to Bali cost from Australia?
You’ll inevitably need a flight which can be one of the biggest costs of any travel. The exact costs of a trip to Bali from Australia vary of course, depending on the airline you pick, the season and the airport you need to fly from.
Accommodation
Bali hotel and villa pricing runs from great budget buys to top end all out luxury - and where on the island you want to be makes a huge difference too. The good news is that there’s something for you whatever your budget.
At the time of writing, if you wanted to stay in a luxury hotel, you could pay about 211 AUD a night on one person sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, while the mid-range accommodation costs about 63 AUD a night. Far cheaper options including hostels and homestays are also available.
Prices collected via Numbeo on June 2025.
Restaurant prices in Bali
If you’re looking for a low key meal, you’ll be able to get great food on Bali for just a few dollars. Or, go for a mid-range place and you’ll pay from about 53 AUD in total, according to our guide.
Prices collected via Numbeo on June 2025.
For more information about Bali prices read this guide on how much spending money for Bali.
FAQ - travel money traps to avoid in Bali
What is the safest way to take money to Bali?
When you travel to Bali you probably want to have several different ways to pay including one or two cards, and some cash. However, carrying too much cash isn’t the safest option, and having your regular bank card with you can also expose you to extra fees when spending overseas. A great option is to get a travel money card from a service like Wise or Revolut, which lets you add AUD, and spend in IDR on your card. The account isn’t linked to your primary everyday account, making it secure, and easier to set your travel budget.
Should I exchange money before I travel to Bali?
Often the best way to get IDR cash for Bali is to have a multi-currency account with a payment card which lets you hold, spend and withdraw conveniently in rupiah. This can often mean you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs compared to exchanging at the airport or your hotel - check out Wise and Revolut as strong options available in Australia.
Is it better to use cash or card in Bali?
Many places in Bali will accept card payments, which can be the most convenient way to pay. However, it’s not an option everywhere so having some cash is also a smart move. Get a travel money card to make ATM withdrawals locally on arrival in Bali, and so you don’t need to carry too much IDR cash at any one time.
Can I use my Australian debit or prepaid card in Bali?
Yes, if it’s Visa/Mastercard and the merchant accepts cards, remember to always choose IDR at checkout. It is also good carry some cash as not all merchants accept cards.
How do tourists pay in Bali?
Mostly a mix of cash and card. Ride‑hailing and some stores support digital payments, but many spots remain cash‑only.
Need to know more about travelling to Bali?
