What can $10 dollars get you in Bali?
Bali markets are a great place to get cheap produce | Digital art by Simon
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What can $10 buy you in Bali?
US$10 can buy you a lot in Bali, from renting a scooter for the day to a massage, 3 solid meals a day plus snacks, incredible cultural encounters, exploration of temples and adventure visiting waterfalls, beaches and more.
How far would $10 a day go in Bali?
Planning a trip to Bali and wondering how far your dollar can stretch? I've been there. Having traveled to this beautiful Indonesian island for over 25 years, I can assure you that $10 still goes surprisingly far today, thanks to the relative cost of living (Fact: You can rent a scooter or enjoy a spa treatment for just $10!).
In this article, we'll discuss what exactly you can experience in Bali with ten bucks in your pocket. Exciting discoveries await!
Key Takeaways
Rent a scooter for just $10 and explore the beautiful sights of Bali at your own pace.
Try delicious local street food, including mouthwatering satay skewers and aromatic nasi goreng, nasi campur (my favourite) and Masakan Padang (shops selling towering buffets of meal components plus rice), all within your $10 budget. And I mean, three meals and snacks for $10!
Visit a local market or shop for souvenirs to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and bring home unique handicrafts or traditional clothing.
Get an invite to a local ceremony and make a donation in return for a lifetime memory
Tip: In this article, I will use Indonesian Rupiah to quote some prices, so as a rough guide, let’s say US $10 is equal to Rp 150,000. You can check the Bali exchange rates to get updated figure.
Want the full story?
Read our MEGA article, Bali Travel Tips for a complete list of tips and resources.
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What you can do with $10 in Bali
For just $10 dollars, you can do so much in Bali, it’s insane. Sure, if you need cocktails, coffees and western comfort food, you will go bust quick.
But if you are coming to Bali to immerse yourself in local food, culture, nature sites, and religious lore, you will hit the target with a $10 note in your pocket.
Rent a Scooter
Exploring Bali on a rented scooter is one of the best ways to get around and see many sights for just $5-$10. This budget-friendly mode of transportation offers you the freedom to discover remote beaches, hidden waterfalls, and local villages at your own pace.
Scooting around is part of the local lifestyle here! Not only will it save you money, but it is also an exhilarating way to experience adventurous rides through lush landscapes and narrow roads in between rice terraces.
Don't forget that traffic rules should be strictly observed – safety always comes first in every ride!
Tip: You have to have an International Drivers License to rent a scooter.
Try Local Street Food
One of the best things to do in Bali with $10 is to try the local street food. The delicious flavors and affordable prices make it a must-try for any traveler. From mouthwatering satay skewers to aromatic nasi goreng (fried rice), the streets of Bali are filled with tempting options.
Expect to spend the following on a budget meal:
Rp5,000 (US 33 cents) for a basic meal in a very local warung (OMG, delicious, like Nasi Jenggo, which could be yellow rice and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaf);
Rp10,000 (US 66 cents) for a step up with a bit more variety;
Rp15,000-20,000 (US $1 to $1.30) for a really delicious meal that has more protein (that could be meat, tofu or tempeh or a combination);
Above Rp20,000 you are starting to get into top-tier market food or smarter local eateries and special occasion dining.
You can also indulge in traditional snacks like pisang goreng (fried bananas, Rp 1,000 each - that’s like, 7 cents a piece!).
Exploring the vibrant food stalls and markets as well as local warungs will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a glimpse into the rich culinary culture of Bali.
Visit a Local Market or Shop for Souvenirs
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture and bring home a piece of Bali is by visiting a local market or shopping for souvenirs. With just $10, you can find some amazing handicrafts, traditional clothing, or unique trinkets that will remind you of your trip.
Don't be afraid to bargain and negotiate prices to get the best deal. Exploring these markets is also a great way to interact with locals and learn more about their traditions and customs.
I have been shopping in Bali for 25 years and some of the items I treasure today are small items like a brass Ganesha statue that sits on my desk, an amazing fish trap woven basket I turned into a lamp for my bedroom (romantic light!) and batik cloth - all purchased for under $10 each.
Visit temples and waterfalls
When you visit a temple, waterfall and some beaches in Bali, expect to pay a small entrance fee. Sometimes they just charge for parking.
Expect to pay from Rp2,000 to Rp30,000, with most around the Rp10,000 mark. A popular temple like Uluwatu Temple charge at the ‘higher’ end of Rp30,000 for adults and Rp15,000 for children (still peanuts, right?).
This money is not income for a business - it is a genuine donation to the village nearby (in the case of a waterfall, or beach, for example) or the temple. The person taking the money is most likely a volunteer or just receives a stipend (they are not being paid to take crap from rude tourists) and the funds go toward the cost of upkeep, repair and ceremonies. Please don’t begrudge paying this tiny amount :)
Visit a village ceremony and make a donation
If you are invited to someone’s private ceremony, like their family temple odalan (6-monthly temple purification), cremation ceremony, tooth filing etc, you will have the most impactful time. You will almost certainly be fed and given coffee and snacks. In return, a donation of Rp50,000 is nice, a Rp100,000 note would be very much appreciated.
What you are getting for less than $10 bucks is insight into a real-life ceremony, not just food, and your gift will help in a small way to defray the eye-watering, debt-crippling cost of these ceremonies for your hosts.
Other things $10 bucks in Bali will get you
The sky’s the limit for what your $10 can do in Bali.
If you see a rice harvest as you pass on the road, walk into the field, say hello and ask to have a go. A donation of Rp20,000 would be very much appreciated. You will remember that experience forever.
What other opportunities can you find to spend pennies and create a lifetime memory?
I bet you will find heaps when you get here!
Conclusion
In conclusion, with just $10 dollars in Bali, you can rent a scooter and explore the island, try delicious local street food, visit a local market or shop for souvenirs and step into local life and activities.
The relative cost of living is low in Bali and your $10 dollars can go a long way and create a ton of happiness for you and the Balinese folks you meet along the way.
FAQs
1. What can I purchase with $10 dollars in Bali?
With $10 dollars in Bali, you can explore local food, pamper yourself, hunt for a keepsake, dive into fresh tropical fruits and explore amazing temples and nature.
2. How do currency exchange rates impact the cost of living in Bali?
Currency exchange rates influence your budget for a Bali trip because they determine how much local currency you get for your notes, affecting daily expenses and overall travel expenses. Keep an eye on the rates as your trip to bali approaches so you get a feel for what costs will be on your trip.
3. Can I visit popular tourist attractions like Uluwatu Temple within my $10 budget?
Yes, many affordable tourist attractions including the Uluwatu Temple offer entry fees well within a $10 budget. Expect to pay in the range of 50 cents to $3, depending on the temple.
4. Are there inexpensive accommodation and transportation options available in Bali?
Absolutely! Inexpensive accommodations are plentiful and low-cost transportation is readily available, making it really easy to manage a tight budget during your stay.
5. Can I eat out regularly or buy souvenirs while staying on an economical budget?
Sure thing! With cheap food options including local cuisine and several places offering bargain shopping for affordable souvenirs, enjoying delicious meals or buying keepsakes won't break your bank.
