Can I pay in Indian rupees in Bali?

No. Hotels, restaurants and shops do not accept rupees. Change them to Indonesian rupiah first.

Should I carry US dollars or rupees?

Dollars are more widely accepted and often get a better rate. If you can get them easily, they are usually the better choice. Bring notes in excellent condition, printed after 2009.

How much cash should I bring for a week?

Start with the equivalent of USD 200–300. That covers the visa on arrival, your first transfers and the first day, while you find an ATM or money changer.

Does UPI work in Bali?

Not reliably. At the time the page was written, UPI was not accepted for retail payments and a link with Indonesia’s QRIS was only in a pilot. Do not count on it.

How do I pay the visa on arrival?

The IDR 500,000 fee is paid at the airport counter before immigration, in rupiah, dollars or other major currencies, or by Visa or Mastercard. Exact cash is quickest.

Rupees to rupiah: money in Bali

How to read rupiah prices, where to change money, what ATMs and cards cost you, and how much cash to carry.

Ask us about money in Bali

or call +62 811-3941-4563

Hands exchanging Indonesian rupiah banknotes

Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR, Rp)
Rough rate: About ₹1 = IDR 200 (late 2023, approximate)
Largest note: IDR 100,000
Visa on arrival: IDR 500,000, payable in cash or by card

Reading rupiah prices

Rupiah prices carry a lot of zeros. Notes run from IDR 1,000 to IDR 100,000, and coins from IDR 100 to IDR 1,000. The blue IDR 50,000 and red IDR 100,000 notes are the ones you will use most.

The rate changes daily. On the page’s late-2023 figure of about ₹1 to IDR 200, a coffee at IDR 45,000 is roughly ₹225. Check the day’s rate before large payments.

IDR to INR: drop three zeros and halve. IDR 200,000 is about ₹1,000.
INR to IDR: double and add two zeros. ₹500 is about IDR 100,000.
“50K” or “50 ribu” means IDR 50,000. “Juta” means a million.

Where to change rupees

Change a little before you fly and the bulk in Bali. Avoid street offers with unusually high rates.

Where to change rupees
Topic	What to know	Guide
Indian airport	Poor to fair rates. Fine for a small amount, around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, for your first needs.
Bali airport (DPS)	Fair rates and very convenient on arrival. Change enough for a taxi and your first meal.
Authorised money changer	The best rates, close to mid-market, with buy and sell prices on display. Central Kuta and BMC have branches in Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud.
Hotel front desk	Poor rates. Use it only for small, last-minute exchanges.
US dollars	Crisp notes printed from 2009 onwards can get a slightly better rate than rupees, which may help for larger sums.

Using ATMs with an Indian card

Indian debit and credit cards work in Bali ATMs. Bank Mandiri, BCA, BNI and CIMB Niaga have machines across the tourist areas. Use one inside a bank lobby or attached to a minimart.

Each withdrawal is capped, usually IDR 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 (about ₹7,500 to ₹15,000). Your Indian bank typically charges a flat ₹150–250 plus a 2.5–3.5% conversion markup each time.

Pick machines that dispense IDR 100,000 notes, cover the keypad, and check the card slot for skimmers. Tell your bank your travel dates first.

Stone-paved street lined with traditional gateways in Penglipuran village — Penglipuran village, Bangli

Cash or card

Bali is still mostly a cash economy. Carry both.

Cash

For small and local payments

Warungs and market stalls
Private drivers and small tour operators
Temple entrance fees
A nasi goreng at IDR 25,000 cannot usually go on a card

Card

For hotels and larger bills

Mid-range and high-end hotels, chain restaurants, large supermarkets and boutiques
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; American Express less so
Many shops add a 2–3% card surcharge
If offered payment in rupees, decline and pay in rupiah

A daily spending guide

Per person, per day, excluding flights and hotel. Approximate figures from the page.

Full trip costs

A daily spending guide
Topic	What to know	Guide
Budget	About IDR 380,000 (~₹1,900): meals IDR 200,000, scooter or ride-hailing IDR 80,000, activities IDR 100,000.
Mid-range	About IDR 1,300,000 (~₹6,500): meals IDR 600,000, transport IDR 300,000, activities IDR 400,000.
Luxury	IDR 3,500,000 or more (~₹17,500+): meals from IDR 1,500,000, driver from IDR 800,000, activities from IDR 1,200,000.
One week, mid-range	Around IDR 5,000,000 to 7,000,000 (₹25,000 to ₹35,000) in cash per person, plus a card for hotel bills.

Aeroplane wing seen through a cabin window

Money checklist before you fly

Tell every bank whose card you will use your travel dates and destination
Check each card’s international ATM fee and currency markup
Carry cash for the visa on arrival (IDR 500,000) and the ride to your hotel (IDR 200,000–400,000)
Install an offline currency converter app
Mix sources: cash changed in Bali, a credit card and a debit card

A multi-currency forex card can offer better rates than a standard bank card. Compare IDR rates and ATM fees first.

Related travel guides

Currency questions

All questions and answers

Questions about money in Bali?

Tell us your dates and how you plan to pay. A planner in Bali replies within four business hours.

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Phone: +62 811-3941-4563
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (GMT+8)
Office: Jalan Sunset Road No. 88, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia