Before You Travel to Bali, Know the Currency
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, one of the first questions you might ask is: What currency is used in Bali?
Understanding the local currency helps you budget correctly, avoid confusion, and get better value when exchanging money during your trip.
📖 Story: The Official Currency Used in Bali
💱 What Is Bali’s Currency?
The official currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah, abbreviated as IDR and symbolized as Rp.
Bali does not have its own separate currency — it uses the same national currency as the rest of Indonesia.
You’ll see prices written like:
- Rp 50,000
- Rp 100K (informal way to say Rp 100,000)
- Rp 1,000,000
This can feel confusing at first, especially for travelers from countries with smaller denominations, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
🪙 Common Rupiah Banknotes
Indonesian Rupiah banknotes commonly used in Bali include:
- Rp 1,000
- Rp 2,000
- Rp 5,000
- Rp 10,000
- Rp 20,000
- Rp 50,000
- Rp 100,000
💡 The Rp 100,000 note is the highest denomination and is widely accepted everywhere.
💳 Cash vs Card in Bali
While credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, cash is still essential in Bali for:
- Local markets and street vendors
- Small restaurants (warungs)
- Taxis and scooters
- Temples and donations
For this reason, understanding the Rupiah and having cash on hand is very important.
🧠 EEAT: Expert Travel & Currency Insight
Travel finance experts recommend:
- Carrying small Rupiah notes for daily spending
- Avoiding reliance on cards in rural areas
- Checking exchange rates with trusted sources like Google or XE
Indonesia’s central bank officially regulates the Rupiah, ensuring it remains the only legal tender in Bali and across Indonesia.
🎁 Offer: Best Tips for Handling Money in Bali
✅ Smart Currency Tips for Travelers
✔ Use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for all transactions
✔ Exchange money at licensed money changers or trusted ATMs
✔ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
✔ Keep smaller notes for daily purchases
💡 Knowing Bali’s currency before you arrive helps you travel confidently and spend smarter.