The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1
Amounts counted in hundreds of thousands
At a rate of roughly 20,000 to 21,000 IDR per 1 โฌ, a meal at 100,000 IDR corresponds to about 5 โฌ. A short adjustment period to the large numbers stays normal the first few days.
- 2
An exchange rate that has shifted notably recently
The EUR/IDR rate fluctuated significantly in 2026, with the euro appreciating over 9% during some periods. Check the exact rate via a real-time converter before departure.
- 3
Cards widely accepted in Bali
Hotels, tourist restaurants and major retailers in Bali widely accept international cards. Cash stays essential at warungs and markets.
- 4
Always decline DCC conversion
At ATMs, systematically decline the on-screen offer to be billed in euros, since the applied rate is generally about 5% less favorable than the actual exchange rate.
- 5
Documented exchange scams in Bali
Some unauthorized exchange bureaus post off-market rates or engage in short-counting tricks. Always check for the official green 'PVA Berizin' (Authorized Money Changer) sign.
Payment methods by context
What works where, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
| Location | Cash | Bank card | ATM withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warung, traditional market | Yes | No | Not applicable | |
| Small local restaurant | Yes | Rarely | Not applicable | |
| Tourist restaurant, villa | Yes | Often | Not applicable | |
| Hotel, major retailer | Yes | Yes | Not applicable | |
| Bank, tourist-area ATM | Not applicable | Not applicable | Yes, watch for skimming |
Indonesia currency 2026: rupiah, exchange rate, scams
The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the only official currency usable in Indonesia, with one quirk that impresses at first: amounts are counted in hundreds of thousands. Hereโs everything you need to manage your budget and avoid common currency exchange scams in Bali.
Getting used to large numbers
The first challenge in Indonesia isnโt the exchange itself, but getting used to prices counted in tens or hundreds of thousands of rupiah. A street meal at 50,000 IDR costs about 2.50 โฌ, a full meal at a tourist restaurant at 200,000 IDR comes to about 10 โฌ. Plan a few days of mental adjustment to these orders of magnitude.
A volatile exchange rate
In 2026, the EUR/IDR rate fluctuated notably, with levels observed between 20,000 and 21,000 IDR per 1 โฌ, the euro having appreciated over 9% during some recent periods. This rate stays volatile: check it via a real-time converter before departure rather than relying on a fixed figure.
Cash essential, cards complementary
Despite the growing presence of bank cards in Baliโs tourist areas, cash remains the norm across much of daily life:
- Warungs (small local restaurants) and traditional markets, almost systematically in cash
- Local transport (scooters, unorganized taxis)
- Small street shops
International Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted at hotels, villas, tourist restaurants and major retailers in busy areas (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud).
Always decline DCC conversion
At ATMs, a screen often offers a direct euro billing option (โWould you like to be charged in EUR?โ), called DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion). Always say NO to this offer and choose the local currency (IDR): the rate applied by DCC conversion is generally about 5% less favorable than the actual exchange rate your bank would apply.
Currency exchange scams to know about in Bali
Some unauthorized exchange bureaus, particularly in very touristy areas, post off-market rates or engage in short-counting tricks when handing over cash. Always check for the official green โPVA Berizinโ (Authorized Money Changer) sign on the storefront before any cash exchange.
Skimming (fraudulent card copying) via isolated ATMs fitted with hidden devices is also documented. Favor ATMs located inside bank branches or with a guard present, rather than isolated street ATMs.
Other practical info Indonesia
- Visa: e-VOA mandatory, 500,000 IDR
- Safety: snatch theft, tainted alcohol
- Budget: how much to plan per day
- Airports: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok
Page written by Marie L., Southeast Asia specialist, editor-in-chief of LโHeure du Voyage. 12 years of experience, regular stays in Indonesia since 2017. Updated: August 5, 2026. Verified by 2 experts.
Sources
FAQ
Can you pay in euros in Bali? +
What's the euro-rupiah exchange rate in 2026? +
How do you avoid currency exchange scams in Bali? +
What is DCC conversion and how do you avoid it? +
Do you need a lot of cash in Bali? +
Is card skimming a risk in Bali? +
Marie Laurent
Verified authorSoutheast Asia specialist ยท 12 years experience.