What Money to Use in Bali - bestmoneychanger.

Planning your trip to Bali? 🌴☀️
Between beaches, temples, and the famous Balinese hospitality, there’s one thing every traveler needs to know before landing:

💭 What money should I use in Bali?

Should you bring U.S. dollars? Australian dollars? Or just wait to get Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) after you arrive?

Let’s break down which currency works best, how to pay smartly, and where to exchange your money safely while in Bali.

When I first arrived in Bali, I thought I could use my U.S. dollars everywhere.
At the airport, the taxi driver smiled politely — then said, “Only Rupiah.” 😅

That’s when I realized: while Bali is an international destination, the only legal currency accepted for daily transactions is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Even if you’re carrying USD, AUD, or EUR, you’ll need to exchange it into IDR for things like taxis, meals, markets, or tours.

Over time, after visiting Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud, I discovered how to handle money properly — and which licensed money changers, like Best Money Changer Bali, give the safest and best-value exchanges.

1️⃣ The Official Currency in Bali

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the only legal and accepted currency in Bali.
Every price tag, receipt, and menu will be listed in IDR — not USD or AUD.

💰 Common Banknotes:

Rp100,000 (red)

Rp50,000 (blue)

Rp20,000 (green)

Rp10,000 (purple)

Rp5,000 (brown)

Rp2,000 and Rp1,000 for small purchases

💡 Tip: Always carry smaller denominations (Rp10,000–Rp50,000) for taxis, local markets, and small cafés — many don’t have change for large bills.

2️⃣ Can You Use Foreign Currency (USD, AUD, SGD) in Bali?

Technically, no — by law, only Indonesian Rupiah can be used for local payments.
However, some hotels, villas, or tour companies may quote prices in USD or AUD for convenience, especially online or in invoices. But when you pay in person, they’ll usually convert it into Rupiah at the current exchange rate.

💬 Traveler Insight: You might get a better deal if you pay in IDR directly, since paying in foreign cash can lead to round-ups or poor conversion rates.

3️⃣ The Best Way to Get Indonesian Rupiah

You have three main options to get IDR while in Bali:

Option	Pros	Cons
💵 Exchange Cash at Licensed Money Changer	Best rates, fast process, no bank fees	Must bring clean notes
🏧 Withdraw IDR from ATM	Convenient, available 24/7	Possible fees & withdrawal limits
💳 Use Card Payments	Easy in hotels & restaurants	Not accepted at markets or taxis

Most travelers prefer to bring foreign cash (USD, AUD, EUR) and exchange it locally for better rates — especially at Best Money Changer Bali, a Bank Indonesia–licensed and PT-registered company known for transparency and fair pricing.

4️⃣ Where to Exchange Money Safely in Bali

While there are hundreds of exchange kiosks in Bali, not all are legitimate.
Some offer “too good to be true” rates, only to short-change travelers during counting.

To stay safe, go only to licensed and regulated money changers, like Best Money Changer Bali (BMC) — trusted by both locals and tourists for over a decade.

📍 BMC Branches:

Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai)

Seminyak

Canggu

Legian

Sanur

Tuban

🕖 Open Daily: 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM
☎️ Contact: +62 851-6706-3510

💬 Pro Tip: Exchange a small amount at the airport for transport, then visit a BMC branch in town for the best rates and no hidden fees.

5️⃣ Quick Money Tips for Travelers in Bali

✅ Always pay in Rupiah (IDR) — it’s the only accepted currency.
✅ Bring clean, large foreign notes ($50 or $100) for better rates.
✅ Avoid damaged or marked bills — many exchangers won’t accept them.
✅ Count your cash before leaving the counter.
✅ Keep small notes handy for convenience stores, tips, and parking.

💬 Local Insight: Bali is safe for carrying small amounts of cash daily, but avoid flashing large bills in crowded areas.

The Smart Way to Spend in Bali

So, what money should you use in Bali?
➡️ Always use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for all local payments — it’s the official and only legal currency.

And to get the best value, exchange your USD, AUD, or other currencies at a licensed and trusted provider like Best Money Changer Bali. Because the right exchange doesn’t just save you money — it makes your Bali trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

📍 Best Money Changer Bali: Airport, Seminyak, Canggu, Legian, Sanur & Tuban
🕖 Open: 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM
☎️ Contact: +62 851-6706-3510

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