To prepare calmly for his stay in Bali involves understanding the functioning of theIndonesian rupeeand juggle with some tips to manage your daily budget. With several years to accompany travellers in their management, I propose here a concrete approach toexchange rate, payment options and pitfalls to avoid, so that every moment on the island remains fluid and rewarding, whether you come solo, couple or family.
What currency is used in Bali?
Asking about the currency to be used in Bali almost always comes back when planning your trip. Here, no suspense: everything is paid inIndonesian rupee, of which the official abbreviation isIDRorRp(this is what appears on banknotes and in most banking applications).
On the island, transactions are therefore carried out exclusively in rupee, whether it is a beach restaurant, a shop in Seminyak or a community taxi. Could not use euros or dollars to pay on site; Even if many agencies display their tariffs in foreign currencies, the actual payment is actually made in IDR. Besides, whether you're an amateur of rice fields or partying on the coast, this system applies throughout the country. As a benchmark,1 euro worth around 19,610 Indonesian rupeesin 2024 (10 000 IDRs - 0.51 €).
The good news? The local currency takes over in a few hours, as long as one learns to read between zeros. Many families, moreover, experience reassuring: with some benchmarks, managing your expenses quickly becomes natural – even on a long stay.
Summary of key points
- ✅ The official currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupee (IDR).
- ✅ 1 euro is worth about IDR 19,610 in 2024.
- ✅ Common practice only uses rupee for all transactions.
Euro/rupee exchange rates and current conversions
The multiple zeros on Indonesian tickets surprised more than one visitor in Bali. In order to find it without difficulty, it is worth clarifying together the EUR/IDR rate and setting some reference points.
The practical rate: what to expect in 2024?
On average, 1 euro gives about19 610 IDR. Of course, this rate fluctuates every day, usually between 19 200 and 19 600 IDRs per day. €. On daily amounts, for example:
- A snack or a small drink in a supermarket: 10 000 IDR, 0.51 €
- A simple local dish: 50 000 IDR, 2.55 €
- A meal in a tourist restaurant or a short transfer: 100 000 IDR - 5.11 €
For on-the-fly calculations, an online converter (e.g. Wise or XE) does the work with discounted rates. Some travellers like to take a look at evolution (less than1,1 %of variation over 30 days, which reassures). A field advisor was gliding during a workshop – "Having this app in pocket avoids bad surprises at the caisse. "
Field Tip: Simplifying your calculations
No need to remove the calculator at each purchase: just divide the amount into IDR by20 000to obtain its value in euro. For 200 000 IDRs, count around10 €. This little thing, tested by many travelling parents, often helps to defuse anxiety when paying your ticket or taxi.
Good to know
I recommend that you divide the amount into rupees by 20,000 to get a quick estimate in euros, it's simple and effective on a daily basis.
Tickets, Coins and Tricks of Recognition
Complex in appearance, the ticket system in Bali is fairly accessible when the essentials are known. Certain·report that their children become experts in ticket recognition long before adults!
Banknotes in circulation: values and visuals
In everyday life, we mainly handle1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 IDR. Parts range from 100 to 1000 IDR. Fun detail: each ticket is decorated with the portrait of a historical personality of the country, which frequently intrigues curious travellers (some ms have told of having brought a note of 2,000 as a picturesque souvenir!).
- For small values – from 1 000 to 5 000 IDRs – we remain below the0,30 €
- Between IDR 10 000 and IDR 20 000, one oscillates between0.50 and 1 €
- The cuts of 50,000 to 100,000 IDRs reach2.50-5 €
Free colours, varying sizes (the 100,000 note is the most imposing), secure paper, and systematic presence of « BANK INDONESIA » for authentication. To limit any risk of counterfeit tickets, it is best to give preference to withdrawals at official counters or distributors (this is a consensus point among local guides).
Tips to avoid confusion
The large number of zeros often disturbs during the very first purchases – some traders can take advantage of it to slip a 10,000 ticket instead of a 100,000: a misadventure reached more than one traveler in a hurry, according to expat forums. Take a moment to check colors and mentions, because children, by the way, almost never get wrong!
Change money in Bali: where, how, at what cost?
When you get there, the question of the exchange comes back quickly: where to turn your euros into rupees, without unnecessarily complicating your life? Here, it is better to opt for the method used rather than rushing to the first window.
In Bali, change smart rather than risky
Currency exchange can be made:
- In large banks (BCA, Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia...)
- Official exchange offices (Money Change Authorized, beware of fraudulent copies : travelers regularly warn on forums !)
- Directly to vending machines (DAB/ATM), to remove in Indonesian rupee
The most interesting rates are usually in the city – at the airport, commissions quickly nibble the budget. In 2024, exchange costs vary (often between0,5 %and2 %depending on the location). Some travel professionals also recommend recounting their tickets in front of the agent, and refusing any damaged or doubtful notes: this avoids many disappointments once outside.
Reduced fee withdrawals & tips
Many travellers prefer to withdraw directly from the DAB, a solution considered safer: no large sums to carry, often lower commissions. However, a fixed increase (often around2-3 €by withdrawal, rate fixed by your bank). Some French banks or cards « travel » type Wise or Revolut do not apply fees, which counts on the futures budget.
Note: distributors in Bali often cap amounts between2 000 000and3 000 000 IDR(approximately 100 to 150) €). This remains sufficient for a few days, and reduces the risk of loss or safety concerns.
Accepted means of payment and pitfalls to avoid
Should we prefer a card or cash? The choice depends a lot on local habits: every context in Bali has its preferred use... And his little surprises.
Credit cards, cash: what works, what gets stuck
The use of credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) is widespread in hotels, tourist restaurants, trendy shops and rental agencies. However, for everything that comes under local restaurants (« warungs »), markets, taxis or temples, only cash payment works. In general, travellers alternate between the two: some say they regretted not having planned a cash during a night market visit.
Each card transaction may involve an additional fee (often between2 %and4 %). Add that the terminal sometimes requires a minimum purchase – for example100 000 IDRor a little over 5 €.
Frequent scams and safety tips
- Practical thought: avoid getting all your cash out at once, instead put your cuts in several pockets or accessories.
- To limit the risk of piracy, prefer distributors located in malls or inside banking agencies.
- Beware of « money change » street rates seem attractive, but errors of calculation or counterfeit notes remain frequent.
Using a small conversion app like Wise or XE on your phone can reassure you when an unexpected payment is made (the app has already taken more than one vacationer out of business during an improvised shopping downtown...)
Budget per day, cash management and tips
Arriving in Bali is also a recurring question: how much to plan every day? And how can we avoid being short when it comes to paying a scooter or buying a souvenir at the last moment?
How much does life cost on site?
Bali is one of the accessible destinations. A solo or couple traveller will spend relatively betweenEUR 20 and 40 per dayfor all transport, simple meals and outings. A local dish (type nasi goreng or soup in a warung) often costs between20 000 and 50 000 IDR(from 1 to 2.50 € about). Some services, such as guided excursions, private transfer or large-scale activities, range from13-70 €according to option (airport transfer : 13,65–17,07 € ; guided hiking: about 38 € ;big excursion : 69–569 €).
To optimize your transactions in Bali, find out how to do abank account: all the steps to send money calmlyand avoid hidden costs.
The tip point and good local manners
Bali does not know the strict obligation of tipping, but the gesture is appreciated, especially in tourism. For a one-time service (carrier, maid, driver), a piece of5 000 to 10 000 IDR(0.25–0.50 €) sufficient. In restaurants, when thecharge serviceis not included, adjust to the top ten thousand, or leave between5 and 10 %. A smile or a little word in Indonesian (« Terima kasih! ») will often score more than a large piece. A field expert said, "What matters is attention; the amount does not impress, the gesture yes. "
FAQ currency in Bali (actual questions for travellers)
Last point to note: to dispel the latest uncertainties, let us rely on the questions frequently asked during my workshops or in your private exchanges.
Can we pay in euros or dollars to Bali?
No, daily payments are made exclusively in Indonesian rupee. Euros and dollars are used only in certain specific settings (large hotels, international agencies), and the sum will have to be converted to IDR to settle the final score.
Where to change your euros into risk-free rupees?
Building on recognized banks, windows « Authorized Money Change » and DABs in safe areas (malls, hotels, airport) limit surprises. Never a street transaction or in the little-watched corners: many travellers alert on the forums about it.
Are bank cards accepted everywhere?
No, only in tourist areas, hotels or important shops. For markets, warungs, taxis or souvenirs, always keep a cash reserve at the bottom of your pocket.
What are the common costs and pitfalls to avoid?
To be monitored: international withdrawal costs (2 to 3 €), commissions on card payment (2-4 %), margins on unofficial exchange and risks of counterfeit banknotes. What comes back frequently in the testimonies: focus on official circuits and remain vigilant.
How do I make a budget according to my needs and duration?
Count the number of nights, meals, some extras like excuses or a scooter rental. One week without excess costs in most cases250-300 €. It is often recommended that a small margin be provided for the unexpected.
Should we leave a tip and how much?
No obligation, but in many cases it will be appreciated. For a small service:5 000 to 10 000 IDR. At the restaurant or during an excursion, count5 to 10 %total, unlesscharge serviceis already added to the note.
Can we get rupees delivered before we leave?
Some French banks offer this service, but be careful: local rates are generally more interesting. It is therefore not necessary, even if it can reassure at the time of arrival.
Mobile applications essential for money management?
Having Wise, XE, Revolut or Currency on your phone allows to update the exchange rate, convert amounts or pay directly, often without hidden costs. Many travellers leave with at least one of these secure applications.
Experience and practical recommendations
Finally, a learned advice from experience: do not be intimidated by the succession of zeros on the banknotes; the take-over of the local currency is a reflection that comes quickly. Always have a little cash at hand, and take the reflex to recheck your money rendering (fatigue, new environments: error also happens to the most careful cashiers). A well installed mobile app allows you to convert instantly, even in the taxi on the return.
Inquire upstream offers a real gain of tranquility during his stay... and allows you to fully enjoy Balinese life. Last little tip: add a separate envelope to your organization for small daily expenses, it's simple but it really changes the daily on the island!