In Bali you pay in Indonesian rupiah (IDR). You use a mix of cash and card. Below are handy tips on withdrawals, changing money and paying so you don't spend more than you need to.
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Add it in the trip planner →Larger hotels, restaurants and shops often accept credit cards, but many small warungs, markets and taxis are cash-only. So always carry some cash. Note: a surcharge may sometimes apply to card payments.
Only change money at reliable, official exchange offices (authorised money changers) and always count your money. Avoid rates that look 'too good' on the street — those are often scams. Withdrawing from an ATM is generally better value than changing money.
Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated; restaurants sometimes already include a service charge on the bill. Keep small notes on hand for taxis, parking help and small purchases.
Most machines dispense a maximum of around Rp 2.5–3 million per withdrawal, so to save on the per-transaction fee, take out larger amounts less often. Use ATMs attached to a bank or inside a guarded space, cover the keypad, and if the machine offers to charge you in euros, always decline the conversion (choose to be charged in rupiah) — the machine's exchange rate is poor. Tell your bank you're travelling so your card isn't blocked, and carry a backup card in case one is retained or skimmed.
If you exchange cash, use an authorised money changer (often signed "PVA Berizin") or a bank, never a street tout offering a rate that looks too good. Count your money carefully before you leave the counter, and be wary of "no commission" places that make it back on a worse rate or sleight of hand. Bring clean, newer banknotes — torn or old bills are often refused.
Tipping isn't compulsory but is warmly appreciated given local wages. A rough guide: round up or add 5–10% at restaurants that don't already add a service charge, tip your private driver a bit at the end of a good day, and leave a little for spa therapists and hotel staff. Check the bill first — smarter venues add a "++" service charge and tax, in which case an extra tip is optional.