Bali Great Escape
In Bali, the currency is the Indonesian Rupiah, which is the only widely accepted currency on the island. The Rupiah is available in denominations of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 banknotes.
Currency Acceptance in Bali
Unlike some Southeast Asian countries, US dollars are not commonly accepted in Bali. While some large hotels and tour operators may take them, it’s advisable to use a money changer for better exchange rates.
The largest banknote, the 100,000 Rupiah, is roughly equivalent to AUD$9 or USD$7 (check the currency exchange table for real-time rates).
Why Are Banknotes So Large?
Indonesia’s currency underwent devaluation until 1997, impacting the value of the Rupiah against other currencies. Since then, it has operated under a floating exchange system, with stable rates between IDR 13,000-14,000 per USD$1 and IDR 9,000-10,000 per AUD$1. Thus, prices can seem high, such as a restaurant bill of 1,000,000 Rupiah for a meal that would cost around AUD$100.
Current Exchange Rates
You can find the current USD to IDR exchange rate and other currency comparisons online. Keep in mind that the rates listed are typically better than those offered by local money changers.
Understanding Plus-Plus Pricing
In Bali, “plus-plus” indicates a 10-20% tax and a 5-10% service charge added to most bills. I’ll cover this topic in more detail in another post.
Best Multi-Currency Card for Bali
I recommend the Wise Debit Card for travel. It allows you to withdraw cash from local ATMs and exchange currencies at competitive rates using their app. It’s ideal for transferring money between accounts, saving you on fees.
Where to Exchange Foreign Currency
While you can exchange USD for Rupiah at major hotels, they often offer poor rates with high commissions. Using an authorized money changer is advisable; you can find tips on safely using them in my article.
Withdrawing Cash from ATMs
It’s generally safe to use credit and certain debit cards to withdraw Rupiah from ATMs in Bali. To avoid scams and skimmers, refer to my detailed guide on safely withdrawing cash.
