Should I use cash or card in Bali?
Checked October 2026 · 3 sources
Use both. Cards (Visa and Mastercard) work at most hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and shops in tourist areas, while cash in rupiah is still needed for warungs, markets, small shops, taxis, temple donations and tips. Carry around IDR 500,000 to 1,000,000 in small notes each day.
In detail
Card payments may carry a surcharge of about 2 to 3% at some businesses, and your bank may add a foreign transaction fee. A no-fee travel card helps.
When a terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose rupiah. Paying in your own currency, known as dynamic currency conversion, uses a worse exchange rate.
QRIS, Indonesia's QR payment system, is everywhere. Visitors from Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore can use some home banking apps, and others can buy a tourist SIM pack with an e-wallet at Bali airport.
Good to know
- Keep IDR 10,000 to 50,000 notes for parking, small purchases and tips.
- Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek let you pay by card in the app.
On Bali Reply
More questions about money
Sources
Rules and prices in Indonesia change often. Always check official sources before you travel.