Managing cash in Bali
We can’t help you budget for those extra pair of shoes that you absolutely must have, but we do have tips on how you can hang on to your money (by not getting cheated, particularly when changing to bali currency) and where you can go when your well is dry.
Let’s start at the beginning – the currency
If you want to feel like a millionaire, come to Bali. The notes start at 1,000 and go up to 100,000 with 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 notes in between. That’s quite a lot of zeroes to get your head around. There are coins but they’re pretty much worth peanuts, literally. Sometimes if the shopkeeper doesn’t have enough change, they’ll give you peanuts or sweets instead. Just smile and eat the Mentos.
Do you need to bring Rupiah with you?
It doesn’t hurt to have a some Indonesian currency with you when you first arrive as you may need to pay a taxi driver or tip your porter. There are currency changers just as you exit the customs area at the airport, who will wave and smile at you. Avoid unless absolutely necessary: the exchange rates are pretty low. We suggesting changing a small amount to rupiah at your bank before you leave home.
Where to get money then – ATMs?
There are plenty of ATMs on the island, especially in the Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, and Ubud areas . Remember that ATMs do start to thin out once you leave the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas. Machines dispense either 50,000 or 100,000 notes and will let you withdraw anything up to 1.5 to 3 million ($150 to $300 USD). Of course, if you do use ATMs you will be charged international bank withdrawal fees.
Just a word of warning with the ATMs: you really have to make an effort to get your card back so don’t forget to press all the buttons and ensure you take your card with you! It’s happened to us a few times. You think we’d learn!
What about money changers?
If you bring money with you from home and want to change with a money changer, we have one thing to say and we’re saying it loudly – If the exchange rate looks too good to be true, it is! Always use a reputable money changer; by that we mean – do not go to one down an alleyway, or use a money changer that also doubles as a clothes shop or has another business attached.
Go to money changers that are big, air-conditioned, with security guards out front. Make sure the money exchange takes place at a front desk and not in a back room.
If you see a sign for PT. Bali Maspinjinra, you know you’re in safe hands. Check out their website for the list of locations that extend from Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Ubud, and right across the straits to Lombok.
Do not hand over your money until you are completely satisfied that you have the right amount and you’ve counted it yourself. Don’t be embarrassed to check their calculations. We don’t want to scare you; we just don’t want you to get ripped off.
Can you use credit cards in Bali?
Sure you can at big establishments such as hotels, upmarket restaurants, and clothing shops. But remember, if you’re in a market, a local restaurant or somewhere you want to bargain, cash is always king.