Damon Mcknight
Bali is a popular holiday destination for Australians, but it's important to be aware that the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the only currency accepted legally on the island. While some larger hotels and other establishments may accept Australian dollars, the exchange rate may not be favourable. It's recommended that you exchange your Australian dollars for Indonesian Rupiah at a reputable money changer in Bali, as they do not charge commission and offer better rates than hotels. ATMs are readily available in larger towns, and most accept cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. It's worth noting that while cash is king in Indonesia, a bank card can be useful for big purchases and bookings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency used in Bali | Indonesian Rupiah |
| Australian dollars in Bali | Not accepted, except in some larger hotels and other establishments |
| Best way to use Australian dollars in Bali | Change them at a reputable money changer |
| Using bank cards in Bali | VISA and Mastercard are accepted. VISA is the most popular. |
| Cash in Bali | Cash is king in Indonesia |
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What You'll Learn
- Australian dollars can be exchanged for Indonesian rupiah in Bali
- The Indonesian rupiah is the only currency accepted legally in Bali
- Some larger hotels and establishments may accept Australian dollars but at poor rates
- It is recommended to use a reputable money changer to exchange dollars
- Cash is king in Indonesia, but bank cards are accepted in some businesses
Australian dollars can be exchanged for Indonesian rupiah in Bali
Australian dollars cannot be used in Bali, as the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the only currency that is accepted legally. However, Australian dollars can be exchanged for Indonesian rupiah in Bali.
It is recommended to avoid exchanging currency at the airport due to unfavourable rates. Instead, it is better to exchange money at reputable money changers or ATMs in the city centre, which offer better rates. Some sources suggest that it is preferable to exchange currency in Bali, as the exchange rate for Australian dollars to Indonesian rupiah is fair and updated twice a day. Additionally, some reputable money changers in Bali do not charge commission.
ATMs are widely available in Bali, particularly in larger towns. Most ATMs accept cards with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, JCB, and Cirrus logos. It is important to note that some banks may charge fees for using ATMs or withdrawing cash abroad.
While cash is the predominant payment method in Bali, bank cards are accepted in some establishments. Credit cards can provide security and peace of mind in case of loss or theft. A suggested strategy is to keep two-thirds of your money in cash and one-third in credit cards.
When travelling to more remote areas of the island, it is recommended to bring cash, as money exchange locations and ATMs may not be available. It is also advisable to carry smaller denominations of Indonesian rupiah when visiting local shops and warungs, as shopkeepers may lack change for larger banknotes.
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The Indonesian rupiah is the only currency accepted legally in Bali
Although Australian dollars are commonly used by Australian tourists in Bali, the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the only currency that is accepted legally in Bali. It has been the official currency of Indonesia since 1946.
The rupiah is subdivided into 100 sen. It is issued and controlled by the Bank of Indonesia and its name is derived from the Indian 'rupiya' and Sanskrit 'rupyakam', meaning 'silver'. Indonesians may also refer to the currency as 'perak', which means 'silver' in Indonesian.
The most commonly used banknotes are the 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 & the 100,000. Coins are available as Rp. 50, Rp. 100, Rp. 200, Rp. 500, and Rp. 1,000, but these values are so insignificant that few tourists hold onto any coins.
It is recommended that you exchange your Australian dollars for Indonesian rupiah at a reputable money changer, as you will receive a poor exchange rate if you try to use Australian dollars at a hotel or shop.
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Some larger hotels and establishments may accept Australian dollars but at poor rates
While the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the only currency that is accepted legally in Bali, Australian dollars are commonly used by Australian visitors. Some larger hotels and establishments may accept Australian dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favourable.
It is recommended that you exchange your Australian dollars for Indonesian rupiah at a reputable money changer in Bali, as they do not charge commission. The conversion rate will depend on your bank, but it will almost certainly not be as good as the rate you will get if you change your money at a money changer.
ATMs are everywhere in Bali, especially in larger towns, and most accept cards with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, JCB, and Cirrus logos. However, if your card has ATM fees, it is best to limit your ATM visits as these fees can add up quickly.
It is also worth noting that while bank cards are accepted in some Balinese businesses, cash is still the predominant payment method on the island and will be essential in more rural areas. Many smaller establishments, market stall owners, and taxi drivers will only accept cash, so it is important to have a wallet stocked with banknotes before heading out for the day.
When travelling around Bali and visiting local shops, it is wise to carry "small money" in notes of 10,000, 5,000, or even 2,000, as shopkeepers often lack change for larger denominations.
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It is recommended to use a reputable money changer to exchange dollars
Although Australian dollars are commonly used by Australian tourists in Bali, the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the official currency of the island, which is part of Indonesia. It is therefore recommended to exchange your dollars for rupiah at a reputable money changer.
Money changers in Bali are easy to find, especially in the airport and around the major resort areas. However, not all money changers are trustworthy. Some are very small kiosks with exchange rates that are too good to be true. It is best to use a popular money changer with direct frontage onto a main street with heavy walk-by traffic. The best money exchanges don't charge a commission and have regularly updated market rates that closely track the international inter-bank foreign exchange rate. Places that charge a commission will likely make it up with a less competitive exchange rate.
Two of the most reputable money changers in Bali are BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange, which has the most branches in the Kuta-Legian-Seminyak strip and is also present in Nusa Dua, Ubud, Sanur, and Denpasar. BMC has been in business since 1993 and has branches in Kerobokan, Legian, Sanur, and Ubud. Both money changers offer competitive rates, no commissions, and good security.
It is important to note that money changers in Bali will check the quality of your bills, especially when you're changing US dollar notes. They always accept newly issued, clean, and stiff notes. Creased, torn, and wrinkled notes will often be rejected. Coins are not accepted. It is also a good idea to have mobile internet access on your travels in Bali so that you can check out the latest rates online.
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Cash is king in Indonesia, but bank cards are accepted in some businesses
While Australian dollars are commonly used by Australian visitors in Bali, the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the only currency used in Bali that is accepted legally. You may be able to use AUD as a form of payment in certain larger hotels and other establishments, but the exchange rate may not be favourable.
It's worth noting that cash is king in Indonesia, and it will be essential in more rural areas. Many smaller establishments, market stall owners, and taxi drivers will only accept cash, so it's important to have a wallet stocked with banknotes before heading out for a day of exploration.
That being said, bank cards are accepted in some Balinese businesses. VISA and Mastercard are the most popular, and ATMs are everywhere in Bali, especially in larger towns. However, carrying all your cash can be a worry, and a credit card can give you peace of mind as it can be quickly cancelled if lost or stolen. A good compromise may be to keep two-thirds of your money in cash and one-third on a credit card.
It's recommended to buy your Indonesian money before you leave home, as you'll likely need local money as soon as you step outside the airport to pay for a taxi to your accommodation. You can buy IDR online and have it delivered or collect it in-store, or buy it from a bureau de change or your home airport. However, it's best to avoid buying currency at the airport, as a captive market means that rates are often worse than in city centres.
If you decide to buy your currency when you get to Bali, you can exchange foreign currency for Indonesian rupiah at the marked exchange rate without commission at various airport counters. However, airport money changers typically offer much lower exchange rates than authorised money changers outside the airport. There are also ATMs at the airport that will likely offer a better exchange rate if you use your bank card.
Outside the airport, you can find money exchange locations throughout Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, and a few in Sanur and Ubud. There won't be any in more remote areas, and they may also lack ATMs, so it's important to bring cash if you plan to travel to these areas.
When it comes to getting the best exchange rate, it's a good idea to get familiar with the rates offered locally and online. This will help you decide whether to switch some funds in advance, use a card while you're away, or convert cash on arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the only currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
You can exchange your Australian dollars for Indonesian Rupiah at various airport counters when you arrive in Bali. However, airport money changers offer much lower exchange rates than authorised money changers. There are also many money exchange booths in popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud.
The best way to use Australian dollars in Bali is to change them at a reputable money changer. If you try to use them at a hotel, you will get a poor exchange rate. It is better to change your money at a money changer first and then pay the hotel.
Yes, you can use your Australian bank card to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah from ATMs in Bali. However, depending on your bank, there may be associated fees.
The largest Indonesian Rupiah banknote is the 100,000 IDR note, which is worth approximately 10 Australian dollars.
