Bali is surprisingly affordable for Norwegian travelers — but some things cost more than you think, and there are some classic mistakes that unnecessarily steal hundreds of kroner. After four years on the island, we've seen most of it. Here's the honest price overview no tour operator will give you.
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CURRENCY IN BALI
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — don't let the zeros scare you. The local currency in Bali is Indonesian Rupiah. The amounts look large: 100,000 IDR is only about 60 NOK, and 1,000,000 IDR — a million — is about 600 NOK. A simple trick: always divide the IDR amount by approximately 1,650 to get the equivalent in Norwegian kroner.
Exchange rates fluctuate. In 2024–2025, the rate has been between 1,500 and 1,700 IDR per krone. Check the daily rate on xe.com a few days before departure and write it down on your phone — it makes it easier to evaluate prices in the market.
Tip: Always use local currency (IDR) when paying by card in Bali. If the terminal asks if you want to pay in Norwegian kroner, always choose IDR — your bank will apply a hidden rate of 5–8% extra otherwise.
ATM OR EXCHANGE?
ATM is always best. Don't exchange large amounts at home — Norwegian banks offer poor rates, and you risk being left with IDR after your return journey. The smartest thing is to withdraw money from ATMs in Bali as you need it.
The best ATMs in Bali. BCA and Mandiri are the safest and most reliable — widespread across the island, good rates, and rarely technical issues. BNI is also safe. Avoid stand-alone ATMs without a bank logo (known as "indie ATMs") — they often charge extra fees and are targets for skimming devices.
Avoid the airport. Exchange offices at Ngurah Rai Airport typically offer 10–15% worse rates than ATMs in the city. Withdraw money from the first BCA ATM you see after arrival — it's one of the easiest ways to save 200–400 NOK.
Tip: Check if your card has low foreign transaction fees. Cards from Wise, Revolut, and most Norwegian travel cards give you the interbank rate without extra charges — this can save you 500–1,000 NOK on a two-week trip.
CARD OR CASH?
Use card where you can, cash where you must. Hotels, Western-standard restaurants, organized activities, and most shops in tourist areas accept cards. But markets, warungs (local eateries), temple entrances, local drivers, and many street food stalls require cash payment.
Always have 200,000–500,000 IDR (120–300 NOK) in cash available. This is enough for a couple of meals, a day's scooter rental, and temple entrance fees. Withdraw more from an ATM when you have the chance — don't wait until you desperately need money and can only find an "indie ATM."
WHAT DO THINGS COST IN BALI?
| Category | What | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Nasi goreng / mie goreng at local warung | 30–60 NOK |
| Meal at Western restaurant in Seminyak/Canggu | 130–250 NOK | |
| Dinner with wine at good restaurant | 300–600 NOK | |
| Local coffee (kopi susu) | 15–30 NOK | |
| Beer (Bintang 0.6 l) | 40–80 NOK | |
| Transport | Grab/Gojek taxi (5 km) | 25–50 NOK |
| Scooter rental per day | 50–90 NOK | |
| Private driver full day | 350–600 NOK | |
| Accommodation | Guesthouse / budget hostel | 200–500 NOK/night |
| 3-star boutique hotel | 700–1,400 NOK/night | |
| Private villa with pool | 1,200–3,000+ NOK/night | |
| Activities | Massage (60 min) | 80–180 NOK |
| Surf lesson with instructor | 200–400 NOK | |
| Mt. Batur sunrise | From 599 NOK | |
| Day trip Nusa Penida | From 699 NOK | |
| Temple entrance (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu) | 50–90 NOK |
DAILY BUDGET — WHAT SUITS YOUR TRAVEL STYLE?
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 300–500 NOK/day | Warung food, hostel/guesthouse, scooter, local activities |
| Mid-range | 600–1,000 NOK/day | Boutique hotel, mix of local/Western food, day trips |
| Comfort | 1,200–2,000 NOK/day | 4-star hotel, fine dining, private transport, spa |
| Luxury | 2,500+ NOK/day | Private villa, fine dining, butler service, private car |
Tip: Bali is equally suitable for budget travelers and luxury travelers — it's rare to find a destination that offers such good value for money regardless of travel style.
TIPPING IN BALI
Tipping is not mandatory, but always appreciated. Bali is not a tipping society like the USA, but locals earn little and a small extra amount means a lot. Here are the rules of thumb we use ourselves.
Restaurant. Always check the bill first — many restaurants automatically add a 10–15% service charge. If it's included, you don't need to tip. If it's not included, 10% is appropriate, or round up to the nearest 10,000 IDR.
Driver and guide. For a full day, 50,000–100,000 IDR (30–60 NOK) per person is common. A particularly good guide might deserve 150,000 IDR. We always recommend tipping our own guides.
Spa and massage. 10–15% or 20,000–50,000 IDR (12–30 NOK) is standard. Give it directly to the therapist, not at the counter.
Hotel. Housekeeping 10,000–20,000 IDR per day — leave it on the table with a note. Porter 10,000–20,000 IDR per trip with luggage.
BEWARE OF THESE TRAPS
Airport exchange. Always 10–15% worse rates. Use an ATM instead.
"Indie ATMs" without a bank logo. Charge extra fees (50,000–100,000 IDR per withdrawal) and are vulnerable to skimming. Stick to BCA, Mandiri, and BNI.
Paying in local currency at the terminal. When the terminal asks "Pay in NOK or IDR?" — always choose IDR. The NOK option uses a dynamic exchange rate that is typically 5–8% worse.
Unofficial exchange offices. Especially in Kuta and Legian, there are exchange offices that lure with good rates but miscount or charge hidden fees. Only use reputable exchangers or stick to ATMs.
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→ Best time to travel to Bali – month by month guide 2027
→ Bali for first-time travelers – complete guide 2027
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