How much does a meal cost in Bali in USD?
My fave meal in Bali is Nasi Campur; this one is OTT! | Digital art by Simon
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How Much Does a Meal Cost In Bali Per Person?
Inexpensive meals in Bali can range from US $0.50 to $5, while mid-range dining experiences can cost between US $10 and $25. You can easily eat three solid meals a day for US $10 a day and still have change in your pocket.
Is Bali food still cheap?
Considering my frequent visits over the last 25 years to Bali, I am surprised at how relatively cheap the food has remained. You can eat like a Balinese raja (king) and hydrate like sang ratu (the queen) for $10 a day.
In this article, we'll dive deep into understanding the average cost of meals in USD - from street food to fine dining options, and offer some handy tips on saving money while experiencing a mouth-watering gastronomic journey.
Trust me when I say - your tastebuds and wallet are both in for a treat!
But before we go on, let’s get the money cleared. Exchange rates flap around, but let’s go with this guide:
Bali food prices in USD
US$10 is approximately Rp150,000. That would make the average Bali cheap meal of Rp25,000 equal to $1.60. You can get a meal for as little as Rp5,000, and a fancy restaurant could set you back Rp150,000+.
Bali food prices in AUD
AUD$10 is approximately Rp100,000. That would make the average Bali cheap meal of Rp25,000 equal to $2.50. You can buy a snack for as little as Rp1,000 for a piece of pisang goreng or spend a bomb on a western haute cuisine meal.
Bali food prices in pounds
GBP10 is approximately Rp190,000. That would make the average Bali cheap meal of Rp25,000 equal to GBP 1.30. You can slurp on a fresh coconut for Rp10,000 or buy a fancy cocktail at a bar for Rp200,000.
Key Takeaways
Inexpensive meals in Bali can range from $0.50 to $5, offering a variety of affordable dining options such as cheap roadside cafes and delicious street food.
Mid - range dining in Bali costs around $21 for a meal for two people, providing a balance between affordability and quality.
Factors that can affect food costs in Bali include location, type of establishment, seasonality, menu selection, dining style, and service charges/taxes. It's important to research different options and ask locals for recommendations.
Tips for saving money on dining in Bali include looking for local warungs, exploring street food options, avoiding touristy areas, shopping at local markets for fresh ingredients, taking advantage of happy hour specials, opting for shared meals with friends or family members,and staying hydrated with filtered or boiled tap water instead of purchasing bottled water.
Want the full story?
Read our MEGA article, Bali Travel Tips for a complete list of tips and resources.
Other articles:
How much is a meal in Bali? Average Cost of Dining in Bali
Let’s dig into some examples to explore the cost of a meal in Bali today.
Price range for inexpensive meals
My travels to Bali have taught me a lot about the cost of dining, especially for those looking to enjoy inexpensive meals. The affordability is one of the factors that keeps drawing me back to the island.
Let's break it down into a list for a clearer view.
Cheap roadside cafe dinner for two: $3.90 to $5.20
Street food per serving: $0.70 to $2.00
Bottle of water: $0.35 to $1.00
Fruits per kilogram: $0.65
Beer: from $1.20 to $2.00
Juice in a restaurant: up to $2.30
As you can see, Bali offers a variety of inexpensive dining options. From cheap roadside cafes to street food, you can enjoy delicious meals on a budget. Additionally, drinks like water, beer, and orange juice are reasonably priced.
Even the fruits per kilogram are incredibly affordable. It's one of the reasons I love dining in Bali—it's all about great food without breaking the bank.
Cost of mid-range dining experiences
Mid-range dining experiences in Bali offer a balance between affordability and quality. When dining at these restaurants, you can expect to pay around $21 USD for a meal for two people.
These establishments often have enticing menus that combine local flavors with international influences, allowing you to explore the culinary diversity of Bali. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the location and ambiance of the restaurant. However, this mid-range option offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank during your trip to Bali.
Factors that can affect food costs in Bali
Food costs in Bali can vary depending on a few factors. Here are some things to consider:
Location: Restaurants and cafes near tourist areas tend to have higher prices compared to those in more local neighborhoods.
Type of establishment: Fancy dining establishments and international chains typically have higher prices than local warungs or street food stalls.
Seasonality: Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year, with peak tourist season usually leading to higher food costs.
Menu selection: Specialty dishes or imported ingredients may come at a premium price.
Dining style: Western-style restaurants often charge more than traditional Indonesian eateries.
Service charges and taxes: Some restaurants include service charges and taxes in their menu prices, while others add them separately. The official rate added to bills in more established restaurants will be 21% (which is 10% for service and 11% tax). A local warung is not required to charge this tax and service rate (so a tip is appreciated or don’t sweat a tiny amount of change!).
Tips for Saving Money on Dining in Bali
Here are some tips to help you save money on dining in Bali:
Look for local warungs: These small, family-run eateries offer delicious and affordable meals. You can find a satisfying meal for as little as $3.90 to $5.20 USD.
Explore street food options: Street food stalls are abundant in Bali and offer a wide variety of tasty dishes at budget-friendly prices. Prices range from approximately $0.70 to $2 USD per serving.
Avoid touristy areas: Restaurants and cafes in popular tourist spots tend to be more expensive. Venture out to local neighborhoods where you can find authentic and affordable dining experiences.
Shop at local markets: Visit traditional markets like Pasar Badung or Ubud Market to buy fresh produce, snacks, and ingredients for cooking your own meals. This is a great way to save money while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Take advantage of happy hour specials: Many bars and restaurants in Bali offer discounted drink prices during certain hours of the day. Grab a refreshing beer starting from around $2 USD or enjoy an orange juice for approximately $2.30 USD.
Opt for shared meals: If you're traveling with friends or family, consider ordering shared dishes rather than individual meals. This not only helps you save money but also allows you to try a wider variety of flavors.
Stay hydrated with tap water: Instead of purchasing bottled water, which can cost around $1.60 USD per bottle, drink tap water that has been filtered or boiled. It's safe and will save you some extra cash.
Conclusion
When it comes to dining in Bali, the cost of a meal can vary depending on where you choose to eat. From cheap roadside cafes to mid-range restaurants, there are options for every budget.
So rest assured, with some tips and tricks, you can still enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank while exploring this beautiful island destination.
FAQs
1. How much does a meal cost in Bali, in USD?
The cost of dining in Bali can vary widely, but the average daily food cost for local meals at warungs or street food is quite affordable at around $1 to $3 US dollars per person.
2. Are there cheap restaurants available in Bali?
Yes, there are plenty of cheap eats available throughout Bali, including street stalls and local warungs that offer delicious food at very reasonable prices.
3. What's the average cost of meals if we dine out every day in Bali?
The cost of dining out for every meal greatly depends on where you eat, but generally speaking, considering restaurant prices and the varying costs of different foods, it remains pretty budget-friendly at around $2 per meal.
4. Can I find affordable drinks to go with my meal in Bali?
Absolutely! When eating out, you will find that drink prices are considerably low compared to most western countries. If you have an iced jeruk (fresh orange juice, with or without ice) or iced tea, it’s very cheap at around 50 cents a glass. Fancier bottled drinks are generally under $1. It’s only when you get into alcohol that, apart from beer, drink prices start to get expensive.
5. Is eating street food cheaper than dining at restaurants in Bali?
Yes! Street food tends to be less expensive than restaurant dining, plus it offers an authentic taste of Balinese cuisine, thus adding value to the experience. Having said that, do check out lower-priced warungs, where you’ll get table service (and a toilet!) but still at almost street prices.
6. What do I need to know about managing my meal costs while traveling across Bali?
Knowing the price range of places like street food and local warungs versus high-end restaurants helps manage your daily budget. Knowing the ‘right’ price for a nasi campur, for example (around Rp20,000 to Rp25,000), is handy to avoid being charged ‘tourist prices. If you are going to a night market, ask three stalls for the price of the same thing before you settle on your choice, and you’ll quickly avoid being ripped off.
