Before your trip, it’s a good idea to check the exchange rate to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Many money changers in Bali offer competitive rates, but be aware of hidden fees and conversion fees that can affect your total. Knowing the currency in Bali helps you plan better and avoid common tourist pitfalls. With a major credit card (VISA, Mastercard), cash withdrawals are possible almost everywhere in Bali. Of course, you can also exchange money into Indonesian Rupiah upon arrival at the airport without any problems.

So, while it may be true that the Indonesian rupiah is currently worth more than the Indian rupee, this could change in the future. Converting between currencies can be tricky, so it’s always a good idea to carry a currency converter with you when travelling. The exchange rate between Indian rupee and Indonesian rupiah is not fixed and constantly changes. As of May 2017, 1 Indian rupee is equivalent to 2.9 Indonesian rupiah. The banknotes between 20,000 and 100,000 IDR have been redesigned and revised since 2004. This occasionally leads to a little confusion among travelers, but is absolutely unproblematic in payment transactions.

  • The «Indonesian rupiah» is the official currency of the Indonesia.
  • Also, rounding up small differences between the amount to be paid and the amount paid is absolutely common.
  • It is generally worth carrying smaller notes (1,000 to 20,000) in your wallet, as this makes it easy to pay small amounts in cash.
  • For example, forty-five thousand Rupiah is written as Rp 45.000, not Rp 45,000.

So, while a certain amount of currency may be worth more in one country than another, this may not actually reflect the cost of goods and services in those countries. This is a difficult question to answer as the value of the rupiah (local currency) can vary depending on the situation. However, during periods of high inflation or when the value of the rupiah is unstable, this amount can change.

What’s the Ideal Season for Your Bali Trip?

Even if you don’t carry a lot of cash, tourists should expect the currency to be on a different scale than in their home country. Please note this is the international inter-bank rate and is better than what you will get when using a local money changer to exchange your foreign cash for Bali currency. Unlike some other South-East Asian countries, US dollars are not widely accepted. Although some large hotel and tour operators will accept them, I don’t recommend this as the exchange rate they charge is not nearly as good as using a money changer. Don’t forget to look at and compare exchange rates from other banks available from 4 sources.

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate for Currency in Bali

Wise works with a local bank partner to offer the service in India with the approval of the Reserve Bank of India. It’s perfectly safe to use your credit card (and some debit cards) to withdraw local Bali currency (IDR) from ATMs in Bali if you know which ones to use. You can also look up the real-time exchange between the Indonesian Rupiah and the Australian Dollar, Euro and almost every other international currency. This caused the value of the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to drop against other currencies. The 100,000 Rupiah note is the largest and is worth approximately AUD$9 or USD$7 at the time of writing (see the currency exchange table below for real-time rates). One important thing to consider is that the currencies of different countries can fluctuate in value relative to each other over time.

There have been instances of card skimmers and scams but you can easily avoid these by reading my comprehensive article on safely withdrawing cash from ATMs in Bali. This is a question that can be difficult to answer without knowing the specific context in which it is being asked. For example, if someone intends to use 100rs in Bali to purchase goods or services, the value may be different than if 100rs is being used as a unit of currency. It is generally worth carrying smaller notes (1,000 to 20,000) in your wallet, as this makes it easy to pay small amounts in cash. Use this currency calulator for live currency conversions as you type. Understanding and managing your Bali money effectively can help you have a hassle-free and enjoyable experience in Bali.

You can get a bottle of water at a local convenience store for less than IDR5,000. Although having said that, a bottle of water from a multi-national chain like Circle-K will cost more, around IDR 8,000. 50,000 will buy you a cup of coffee at a cafe or hoptel restuarant frequented by tourists once the dreaded plus-plus is added.

Convert INR to IDR at the mid-market rate

Understanding the currency in Bali is essential for a stress-free travel experience. Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) occurs when merchants offer to charge your card in your home currency instead of the currency used in Bali. This service often comes with high fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Banknotes and coins in Bali

One advantage is that when touring Indonesia, banknotes and coins are of course also valid in other parts of the country – ideal for round trips. Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), denoted by Rp, as its official currency. Understanding the currency in Bali is essential for a smooth trip, whether you’re staying at a luxurious resort or exploring local markets. Informally, Indonesians also use the word «perak» in referring to rupiah. Inflation has now rendered all coins and banknotes denominated in sen obsolete. Another thing to consider is that the cost of goods and services can vary significantly between different countries.

Always opt to pay in Indonesian Rupiah to avoid unnecessary charges. Banks often advertise free or low-cost transfers, but add a hidden markup to the exchange rate. Wise gives you the real, mid-market, exchange rate, so you can make huge savings on your international money transfers.

In principle, it is always advisable to carry a credit card and some cash with you for spontaneous purchases in Bali. But what currency is used in Bali for payments, how common is card payment and what options are there for withdrawing money? This guide reveals everything you need to know about paying in Bali. Optimize your first Bali trip with insider tips on where to stay, what to avoid, and hidden gems locals won’t tell you. When exchanging currency in Bali, always verify the rates and fees to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

A credit card or Maestro/Cirrus card is therefore essential in Bali and also sufficient in touristically well-developed regions. If you also have some cash with you for smaller shops or street food, you are well equipped. In remote areas, carrying a little more cash is definitely an advantage, as the density of ATMs there is usually not particularly high. A typical Balinese meal such as Nasi Goreng costs between 8,000 and 50,000 IDR 1rs in bali currency in most regions. The latter price is already one that includes a tourist surcharge. Small Indonesian denominations are therefore hardly worth anything.

It has saved me a small fortune in unnecessary bank fees and international wire transfer charges. This refers to the 10-20% tax and 5-10% service charge (++) added to most bills that foreigners frequent. I’m writing a separate post on what plus-plus means (there is another meaning that I won’t go into here) and how to spot a place where this will apply. 20,000 Rupiah will buy you some local street food from a street-side vendor or local hole-in-the-wall cafes, like nasi goreng or a small portion of babi guling. Overall, it is difficult to say definitively whether the Indonesian rupiah is currently higher or lower than the Indian rupee.

  • Knowing the currency in Bali helps you plan better and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
  • This service often comes with high fees and unfavorable exchange rates.
  • Having currency in Bali on hand ensures you can cover these expenses without any trouble.
  • This refers to the 10-20% tax and 5-10% service charge (++) added to most bills that foreigners frequent.
  • One advantage is that when touring Indonesia, banknotes and coins are of course also valid in other parts of the country – ideal for round trips.
  • Overall, it is difficult to say definitively whether the Indonesian rupiah is currently higher or lower than the Indian rupee.

The exchange rate is usually cheaper locally than in your home country – especially since many local banks do not offer IDR. It is important to note that there may be fees for withdrawals abroad, which can quickly add up, even for small amounts. In some cases, it may be advisable to get a free credit card to spend before you travel. Consider using a debit card or a prepaid travel money card to minimize international transaction fees. ATMs are widely available, but keep in mind international transaction fees. Use credit cards that offer dynamic currency conversion with Visa or Mastercard symbols.

Banks and traditional providers often have extra costs, which they pass to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we’re more efficient – which means you get a great rate. It’s also worth noting that not all businesses in Bali accept rupees. So, if you’re planning to spend your money in Bali, it might be a good idea to exchange some of your rupees for another currency beforehand.

Currency Used in Bali: The Best Guide to Bali Currency, Exchange Rates, and Managing IDR

Australian dollars or US dollars can be easily exchanged for Indonesian rupiah there. Of course, caution should be exercised with unofficial exchange offices in backyards. The official currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), after all, the island of Bali also belongs to the province of Bali and that is part of Indonesia. The Indonesian Rupiah usually has a very favorable exchange rate compared to the strong US dollar. In recent years, it has mostly ranged between 14,000 and 16,000 IDR per US dollar.