The currency of Bali - A guide to Bali money

The currency of Bali

Next to Bali Belly, questions about Bali’s currency are at the top of travelers' minds.

This article will share with you all you need to know about Bali's currency: what the currency of Bali is, how to get your hands on it at the best rate, and more.

You might also like our article Bali Exchange Rate Calculator and the Best Bali Money Changer.

The almighty dollar often leads people to ask their first question: Does Bali use dollars? The short answer is Bali does not use dollars - but Bali money changers certainly do accept dollars from a range of countries.

However, Bali has its own currency, so let’s find out what that is!

What currency do they use in Bali?

Bali uses the currency of the Republic of Indonesia because Bali is not a country, but rather a province of Indonesia, and therefore Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah as its currency.

Related:

Bali Travel Tips

Does Bali Use Dollars

Is Bali Water Safe to Drink

What is the currency in Bali besides the rupiah?

Interestingly, barter is also still used as a currency in Bali. It's not uncommon for locals to barter with each other to exchange personal goods, services, and produce.

Does Bali use rupiah?

Yes, Bali uses the rupiah, but it's important to note that it is specifically the Indonesian rupiah.

There are three countries in the world that use a currency with the word 'ruipah' in it, so it can be confusing. They are:

1. Indonesia - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR): Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million people, is the largest country that uses the currency called Indonesian Rupiah. 

2. Nepal - Nepalese Rupee (NPR): Nepal, with a population of around 30 million people, uses the currency called Nepalese Rupee. 

3. Sri Lanka - Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR): Sri Lanka, with a population of approximately 21 million people, uses the currency called Sri Lankan Rupee.

What currency does Bali use for ceremonies?

When you visit temples and see money placed with offerings, you might wonder, is that currency legal tender? The answer is yes; often small denomination Indonesian rupiah bank notes are tucked into offerings. It is also common to see rupiah-denominated coins. 

In the past, Chinese coins were used - these were round with a punch-out in the center, usually square in shape. You may still see this type of coin used in family temples because it has been there for decades and has been reused. They are, of course, not legal tender.

What type of currency does Bali use in hotels and businesses?

Since 2015, Indonesian law has required that hotels and all other businesses take payment in Indonesian Rupiah. 

This is why when you settle your bill at a hotel, they will charge you in Indonesian rupiah. This often confuses travelers who might have booked online and were quoted a price in their home currency or US dollars, with terms to pay on arrival at the hotel. When you arrive, you will be asked to pay in rupiah. 

You can pay in cash, but if you use a foreign currency, the exchange rate at the hotel will be poor. You are better off changing money at a reputable money changer and then settling your bill. Of course, credit card payments are also common, but your bank will probably give you a poor exchange rate as well.

What is Bali currency?

Bali currency is much like other countries' currencies. Bank notes in a range of denominations and some coins (although you hardly see any these days!).

What kind of currency does Bali use?

The denominations of the Indonesian Rupiah bank notes are:

• Rp100,000 note

• Rp50,000 note

• Rp20,000 note

• Rp10,000 note

• Rp5,000 note

• Rp2,000 note

• Rp1,000 note

• Coins are in the following denominations: Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, and Rp1000.

What kind of money does Bali use?

Bali's bank notes are mostly paper. However, the Rp100,000 note comes in both paper and polymer (plastic) types from a time when Indonesia imported polymer notes in a trial from Australia. This polymer note was discontinued, however, because it was hard for counting machines to count in volume. You may still come across them in circulation, and they are legal tender.

What does Bali money look like?

Indonesian Rupiah banknote colours:

• Rp100,000 note - Pink

• Rp50,000 note - Blue

• Rp20,000 note - Green

• Rp10,000 note - Purple

• Rp5,000 note - Orange 

• Rp2,000 note - Grey/blue

• Rp1,000 note - Green/yellow

Which currency for Bali?

You might be wondering which currency to bring with you to Bali for your holiday?

If you come from a country with a major currency, just bring that currency with you and change it at an authorised money changer, and most do not charge commission.

Don't feel you need to change your currency into US dollars and then bring that to Bali; you will lose twice in conversion.

Does Bali use dollars? 

We have a specific article, "Does Bali use dollars?" so you might like to check that out next.

Can you use Monzo in Bali?

Yes, you can use your Monzo card in Bali. Make sure to enable the 'magstripe ATM' option in the app before using at an ATM.

How to use money in Bali?

Using money in Bali can be confusing because of all those zeros! Even something costing about US$100 is Rp1,000,000, or one million rupiah, and the mind starts to boggle.

When you are bartering in a store or the market, it can be particularly confusing. The best tip is to not allow anyone to rush you. Take a piece of paper and a pen with you and use it to write down the price as you bargain and show it to the store owner so you both agree before you start pulling bank notes out of your wallet.

Another great tip is to have two stashes - one for small purchases and the other for storing larger amounts (eg: in a money belt). That way, you are not flashing around large fistfuls of rupiah banknotes to buy safe Bali water to drink.

More Travel Tips Articles