Bali Travel Money Guide

Bali lives in two worlds: the beach clubs, villas and cafés that tap a card without blinking, and the warungs, temples and scooter rentals that want rupiah in hand. Carry a daily cash float and you'll glide between them.

How much cash to bring to Bali

A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — Rp150,000–400,000/day (a warung meal is Rp30,000–60,000; beach clubs cost far more)
• Getting around — Rp100,000–300,000/day on a scooter, Grab or a hired driver
• Activities & temples — Rp150,000–400,000/day (entries, a guide, a day trip)

Paying your way around Bali

• Use bank-attached ATMs — card skimming has been a problem at standalone machines; withdraw from ATMs inside or beside a bank branch and cover your PIN.
• Cash for scooters and drivers — rentals, hired drivers and parking are cash; agree the price before you set off.
• Cards at resorts, beach clubs and cafés — fine for the splurges; useless at a roadside warung.
• Pay the tourist levy — at the time of writing Bali charges foreign visitors a Rp150,000 levy; pay it online before you fly to skip the airport queue.

Neighbourhood cash notes

• Seminyak & Canggu — beach clubs, boutiques and cafés take cards; the little warungs between them don't.
• Ubud — the art market, temples and rice-terrace cafés are largely cash.
• Uluwatu & temples — entry fees and the sarong hire are cash; bring small notes.
• Kuta — touristy and card-friendly in the bigger spots, cash for the street.

One Bali habit

• Treat ATMs with care and carry cash daily — pull rupiah from bank ATMs, keep a float for warungs, temples and drivers, and a small tip is always appreciated.