Planning your Schoolies trip to Bali is exciting — private villas with friends, beach clubs every night, sunset sessions, and unforgettable memories. But before you lock in flights and accommodation, there’s one important question: how much money do you need for Schoolies Bali?
For a 7-day trip, most students spend between AUD $1,500 to $3,000 per person, depending on lifestyle and party level. Some manage with less by budgeting carefully, while others easily exceed AUD $3,500 with luxury villas and VIP tables. Below is a realistic breakdown so you can plan properly and avoid running out of cash mid-trip.
Schoolies season in Bali brings thousands of Australian graduates to popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. Days are spent relaxing by the pool or exploring cafés, while nights revolve around beach clubs and nightlife. Because of event pricing and minimum spends at party venues, daily expenses during Schoolies season are typically higher than normal travel periods. Understanding where your money goes will help you enjoy the experience without financial stress.
Flights to Bali
Return flights from major Australian cities to Ngurah Rai International Airport usually range between AUD $400 and $900, depending on departure city and how early you book. Booking early for Schoolies season is highly recommended, as prices increase closer to peak dates.
Accommodation for 7 Nights
Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on whether you choose a hotel or a shared private villa. Budget hotels may cost AUD $25–50 per night, while shared villas typically range from AUD $60–120 per person per night. Luxury villas with premium locations and facilities can exceed AUD $150 per person per night. On average, most Schoolies groups spend AUD $300 to $800 per person for a week. Villas are popular because they offer privacy, private pools, and space for group gatherings.
Food and Daily Expenses
Bali offers a wide range of food options. Local meals cost around AUD $5–10, while Western cafés range between AUD $10–20 per meal. Coffee, snacks, and convenience purchases add up quickly. Most students spend approximately AUD $30–60 per day, resulting in AUD $210 to $420 for a week.
Party and Beach Club Budget
Nightlife is often the biggest expense during Schoolies. Popular venues such as Finns Beach Club, Atlas Beach Club, Potato Head Beach Club, and La Favela frequently have entry fees or minimum spending requirements ranging from AUD $20–60 per event. VIP table packages can start at AUD $300 or more, usually shared among friends. Most students allocate AUD $300 to $800 for parties and nightlife during the week.
Transport Costs
Transport in Bali is relatively affordable. Ride-hailing services typically cost AUD $3–10 per trip, while hiring a private driver for a full day costs around AUD $50–70, which can be split among friends. Most Schoolies travelers spend AUD $100 to $200 on transport for the entire trip.
Activities and Shopping
Optional activities such as day trips, water sports, ATV rides, or island tours can cost between AUD $50–150 each. Shopping, souvenirs, and spontaneous spending often add another AUD $100–300. A safe estimate for activities and shopping is AUD $200 to $400.
Total Recommended Budget for Schoolies Bali
When combining flights, accommodation, food, parties, transport, and activities, the total recommended budget for a 7-day Schoolies trip to Bali is:
AUD $1,500 – $3,000 per person
Students choosing luxury villas, premium dining, and VIP nightlife should prepare AUD $3,500 or more.
Best Money Changer for Schoolies in Bali
Managing your money wisely is just as important as budgeting it. If you plan to bring Australian Dollars in cash, using a trusted and licensed money changer is essential to avoid scams and poor exchange rates.
One of the most reputable options in Bali is PT. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima. This licensed money changer is known for transparent rates, professional service, and secure exchange processes.
They operate daily from 08:00 to 22:00 and have six branches located in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. Additional services include hotel pick-up arrangements, airport exchange assistance, and support for large or group transactions, making them convenient for Schoolies groups staying in private villas.
Always count your money carefully before leaving the counter and avoid small, unlicensed exchange kiosks offering rates that appear too good to be true.
EEAT Framework
Experience: Spending patterns during Schoolies season show increased nightlife and entertainment costs compared to regular travel periods. Proper budgeting ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Expertise: Bali still operates heavily on cash, especially in nightlife venues and smaller establishments. Understanding exchange rates and minimizing foreign transaction fees can significantly impact your total spending.
Authoritativeness: Licensed money changers operate under Indonesian financial regulations, providing safer and more reliable services compared to unofficial street kiosks.
Trustworthiness: Choosing regulated services, planning daily spending limits, and keeping emergency funds will help you avoid common travel money issues.
Final Advice
Schoolies in Bali can truly be the best week of your life — if you plan your finances correctly. Set a realistic budget, separate daily expenses from party funds, use trusted money exchange services, and keep emergency cash available. With smart preparation, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about money.