Money and Payments

Indonesia's currency is the rupiah (IDR), and prices involve many zeros, so take a second look before you pay. Bali's provincial rules expect transactions to be made in rupiah, not foreign currency. Cash is still essential for warungs, small shops, parking, temple donations and markets, while cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and many cafes. Some places add a small surcharge for card payments.

ATMs are everywhere in tourist areas. Choose machines attached to a bank branch, a supermarket or a shopping center rather than standalone booths on dark streets, since skimming devices and hidden cameras have been found. Cover the keypad, tell your bank you are traveling, and check your statements. Many ATMs dispense cash before returning your card, so wait until you have it back. Withdrawal limits per transaction can be low, and your home bank may add fees.

If you change money, use authorized money changers, ideally inside a bank, a mall or with a clear official license and posted rates. Be wary of booths advertising rates far better than everywhere else: a common trick involves counting the notes correctly in front of you and then palming some during a final shuffle. Count the money yourself, keep it in view, and do not hand it back once you are satisfied. Receipts help if something goes wrong.

QRIS, Indonesia's national QR payment standard, is displayed almost everywhere, from cafes to market stalls. Visitors from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand can pay with linked home apps, and some travel cards and e-wallets offer access for other nationalities, but options change, so check before relying on it. Tipping is not obligatory; many restaurants add a service charge, and rounding up or a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated. Bargaining is normal at markets, not in shops with fixed prices.