Currency, Prices and Tipping in Bali

Bali is surprisingly affordable – but some things cost more than you’d think, and there are a few classic mistakes that cost travellers money for no reason. After four years on the island we’ve seen most of it. Here’s the honest price overview no tour operator wants to give you.

Not sure about your budget or what’s included? We’ll set up a tailor-made itinerary with clear prices before you book anything.
Get a free Bali trip proposal →

Currency in Bali

Indonesian rupiah (IDR) – don’t let the zeros scare you. The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. The amounts look big: IDR 100,000 is only about $6, and IDR 1,000,000 – a million – is about $60. A simple trick: knock off three zeros and divide by 16 to get roughly US dollars.

The exchange rate fluctuates. In 2025–2026 the rate has been around IDR 16,000–16,800 per US dollar. Check the day’s rate on xe.com in the days before you leave and note it on your phone – it makes it easier to judge prices at the market.

Tip: Always pay in the local currency (IDR) when you use a card in Bali. If the terminal asks whether you want to pay in your home currency, always choose IDR – otherwise the bank adds a hidden mark-up of 5–8%.

ATM or money changer?

An ATM is always best. Don’t exchange large amounts at home – banks at home give poor rates, and you risk being left with rupiah after the trip. The smartest thing is to withdraw cash from ATMs in Bali as you need it.

The best ATMs in Bali. BCA and Mandiri are the safest and most reliable – found all over the island, with good rates and rarely any technical problems. 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. The money changers at Ngurah Rai airport typically offer rates 10–15% worse than ATMs in town. Withdraw cash at the first BCA ATM you see after arrival – one of the easiest ways to save $20–40.

Tip: Check whether your card has low foreign transaction fees. Cards from Wise, Revolut and many travel cards give you the interbank rate with no extra mark-up – that can save you $50–100 on a two-week trip.

Card or cash?

Use a card where you can, cash where you must. Hotels, Western-standard restaurants, organised activities and most shops in tourist areas accept cards. But markets, warungs (local eateries), temple entrances, local drivers and many street food stalls need cash.

Always have IDR 200,000–500,000 ($12–30) in cash on you. That covers a couple of meals, a day’s scooter rental and temple entrance fees. Top up at an ATM when you get 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 a local warung	$3–6
	A meal at a Western restaurant in Seminyak/Canggu	$13–25
	Dinner with wine at a good restaurant	$30–60
	Local coffee (kopi susu)	$1.50–3
	Beer (Bintang 0.6 l)	$4–8
Transport	Grab/Gojek taxi (5 km)	$2.50–5
	Scooter rental per day	$5–9 on the street, from $15 delivered with us
	Private driver, full day	$99 per car with us
Accommodation	Guesthouse / budget hostel	$20–50/night
	3-star boutique hotel	$70–140/night
	Private villa with pool	$120–300+/night
Activities	Massage (60 min)	$8–18
	Surf lesson with instructor	$20–40
	Mt. Batur sunrise	See current price
	Nusa Penida day trip	From $99
	Temple entrance (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu)	$5–9

Daily budget – what suits your travel style?

Travel style	Daily budget	What you get
Budget	$30–50/day	Warung food, hostel/guesthouse, scooter, local activities
Mid-range	$60–100/day	Boutique hotel, a mix of local and Western food, day trips
Comfort	$120–200/day	4-star hotel, good food, private transport, spa
Luxury	$250+/day	Private villa, fine dining, butler service, private car

Tip: Bali suits budget travellers just as well as luxury travellers – it’s rare to find a destination that gives such good value for money whatever your travel style.

Tipping in Bali

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s always appreciated. Bali isn’t a tipping culture like the US, but locals earn little and a small extra amount means a lot. Here are the rules of thumb we use ourselves.

Restaurants. Always check the bill first – many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge automatically. If it’s included, you don’t need to tip. If not, 10% is appropriate, or round up to the nearest IDR 10,000.

Drivers and guides. For a full day, IDR 50,000–100,000 ($3–6) per person is usual. A particularly good guide deserves IDR 150,000. We always recommend tipping our own guides.

Spa and massage. 10–15% or IDR 20,000–50,000 ($1.20–3) is standard. Give it directly to the therapist, not at the till.

Hotels. Housekeeping IDR 10,000–20,000 ($0.60–1.20) per day – leave it on the table with a note. Porters IDR 10,000–20,000 per trip with luggage.

Watch out for these traps

Exchanging money at the airport. Always a 10–15% worse rate. Use an ATM instead.

Indie ATMs without a bank logo. They charge extra fees (IDR 50,000–100,000 per withdrawal) and are vulnerable to skimming. Stick to BCA, Mandiri and BNI.

Paying in your home currency at the terminal. When the terminal asks “Pay in USD/EUR or IDR?” – always choose IDR. The home-currency option uses a dynamic conversion rate that is typically 5–8% worse.

Unofficial money changers. Especially in Kuta and Legian there are money changers that lure you in with good rates but miscount or charge hidden fees. Only use reputable changers, or stick to ATMs.

Planning a honeymoon in Bali, a family holiday or a 10-day round trip? We’ll put together a complete itinerary with clear prices – no surprises.

→ The best time to travel to Bali, month by month
→ Bali for first-time travellers – the complete guide
→ See all Bali package trips

Daily budgets range from $30 in low season to $150 in high season. We’ll help you plan a trip that fits your budget – free and with no obligation.
Send a travel request →