Credit or debit cards are widely accepted in Bali in most places, and you won’t have any issues paying for your purchases and food in restaurants and shopping malls.
World-class places like FINNS have their own ATMs right on the premises and accept all cards, all for your stress-free vacation.
You will likely only need cash to visit local markets, leave tips, pay for temples and parking fees, and for smaller purchases.
You can find ATMs in all tourist areas, but some may look sketchy. So, is it safe to withdraw cash in Bali, and can you use your card while travelling? Let’s find out.
What Is The Currency in Bali?
The home currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Indonesia and Bali use the national official currency for all transactions; no payments can be made in AUD or USD by law.
They have coins for anything under 1,000 IDR and notes for 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 IDR.
You will notice that menus and shops shorten the prices, removing the last three zeros, like that: 25k (25,000 IDR) or 2,5 jt (2,500,000 IDR).
For reference, eating like a local, you won’t need more than 20,000 IDR, but shopping at boutiques, visiting tourist attractions, and getting a latte at a trendy coffee shop, you will need more than that.
ATMs In Bali: What You Need To Know
Card Types ATMs in Bali Accept
ATMs in Bali tend to accept all VISA and MasterCard credit and debit cards with no issues.
While Indonesian cards have 6-digit PIN codes, 4-digit PIN codes for your card will work just fine; nothing to worry about when you see six empty slots for entering the PIN.
ATM Machines At Bank Branches – Best & Safest
The safest cash machines in Bali are the bank-owned ATMs in national bank branches like Mandiri, BNI, BRI, BCA, or Permata.
They are the best to use as always located inside the bank under 24/7 CCTV surveillance and are unlikely to be able to skim your card.
Plus, even if something happens, like the ATM swallowing the card, you will be able to immediately call someone from the staff.
We also have good experience with ATMs from Maybank and CIMB Niaga, but they are less popular.
We don’t recommend Commonwealth Bank ATMs; they have the highest exchange rate.
Stand-Alone ATM Machines
Stand-alone ATMs in Bali are the least safe to use, but can still be good. It all depends on location.
If it is in a touristy area near a well-lit area with CCTV, it is safe.
If it is a remote area, no cameras, and no one around, skip it.
ATMs In Bali Convenience Stores
There are sometimes ATMs in convenience stores like Alfamart or Coco Mart. They are often poorly maintained (no cash, broken). Officials don’t recommend using them at all.
Another downside is that not all of the convenience stores, even from the same brand, will have a machine.
When passing by Indomaret, Alfamaret or Coco Mart, you will be able to see a lit sign by the parking with emblems of a toilet, ATM, etc.
ATM Galleries
Sometimes you will see a bunch of ATMs in one spot, near gas stations, tourist attractions, restaurants, or supermarkets – those are rented spaces for cash machines.
Machines near Mason in Canggu, at Pepito supermarkets, and ATMs inside big shopping malls are ok to use because these places have great security.
But in general, it is best to avoid ATM galleries as they are the first target of scammers who want to skim your card.
Bali Airport ATMs
Both domestic and international gates have ATMs at the airport, and they are very safe to use. They are owned directly by the banks, and airports always have security guards everywhere.
The only downside is that they notoriously have a worse currency conversion rate for exchanging money.
Maximum Withdrawal Limit In Bali ATMs
Yes, all the ATMs in Bali have a withdrawal limit of 1,250,000 to 2,500,000 IDR (120 to 250 AUD).
But you can withdraw money a few times if you need a larger sum.
Many ATMs will have a label stating which type of banknotes it gives to you; it is usually 50,000 IDR or 100,000 IDR.
Language In ATMs In Bali
Most ATMs in Bali offer the menu in both English and Indonesian, so you don’t have to worry about translation.
However, if you encounter an ATM that doesn’t have an English menu, here are a few useful words:
Withdraw – Tarik
Money – uang
Checking account – rekening giro
Savings account – rekening tabungan
7 Safety Tips For Withdrawing Cash In Bali & Avoiding High ATM Fees
Always Wait For Your Card
In Bali, many ATMs will first dispense the money and then the card.
Automatically, you may grab the money and leave, as Western ATMs work differently, but you should always wait for the card; sometimes it can take 10 seconds after the money.
Before Leaving Home Country
Check the exchange rate and daily limits with your bank. Some cards, like Revolut, have a better exchange rate.
Some banks also require you to let them know in advance if you’re travelling, or they may block your card payments.
Check The ATM Machine
Always check the machine: the card slot, buttons, or anything that looks suspicious or like someone was trying to tamper with it.
Don’t use ATMs in isolated areas (remote rural areas) or smaller islands. They are likely less controlled and maintained, and if something happens, you will be stuck with it.
Check the brand of the machine. Only use big Indonesian banks’ ATMs to withdraw local currency.
Plan Expenses Ahead
If there is any upcoming holiday or payday, locals can withdraw huge amounts, leaving certain machines empty.
Plus, knowing that all Bali ATMs have withdrawal limits, you may need to make a few trips to have enough cash.
Finding Atms
Google Maps can help, but not always. To locate an ATM, simply search “ATM” near you, to find a proper bank branch, type the name of the bank + KCP.
However, not all the ATMs in Bali are on Google Maps. Sometimes it is better and faster to simply ask your driver or hotel staff.
Alternatively, you can visit the local bank website and use their “locator” feature to find an ATM nearest to you.
Skip Conversion When Withdrawing Money
Many ATMs will ask you before giving the money if you’d like to apply the conversion rate or get the equivalent sum in your home currency.
Always skip the home currency and choose IDR. It will save you money on surprise fees. Why? Because if you choose to do the transaction in AUD, the ATM and local bank will decide what exchange rate they will apply.
Temporarily Freeze The Card After Using An ATM
Some cards, like Revolut, allow you to freeze the card with one click and then reverse the action later.
If you think the ATM was a bit dodgy, you can immediately go to your bank app and freeze it to make sure even if it was skimmed, scammers won’t get a cent out of your bank account.
FAQs
What ATM To Use In Bali?
Stick to big banks when choosing an ATM to use in Bali, for example, Bank Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI, Maybank, or Permata – they have many locations around the island.
Use bank-owned ATM machines and come to the bank branches during opening hours to be able to call someone from the bank if you have any issues (cards swallowed, can’t change language, ATM doesn’t give the money, etc).
Small banks and microfinancing ATMs like Rural Banks and BPR are mostly aimed at the local population using them for paychecks and transactions, so they will not accept foreign cards or have high fees.
Is It Better To Exchange Money Or Use An ATM In Bali?
Both exchanging and withdrawing money are good options to have cash on hand in Bali. If you withdraw money, you can save up on exchange rates, too.
However, exchanging cash should only happen in authorized money changers, not on the side of the road, and ATMs attached to bank branches are the safest to use.
We recommend exchanging cash in money changing spots in tourist areas rather than in your home country or at Bali airport to get the best rates.
Is It Safe To Withdraw Money From An ATM In Bali?
It is safe to use ATMs in Bali owned by national banks (Mandiri, BCA, BNI, BRI) as you can get proper assistance in case of emergency or visit an official branch.
We would not recommend using international ATMs like HSBC, Commonwealth Bank ATMs, Citibank, and others unless you have a card with these banks specifically. Simply because if you have issues with the machine, the bank support may not be able to help you fast enough.
Can I Use My Australian Debit Card In Bali?
Yes, most touristy areas in Bali accept card payments for food, hotel rooms, activities, and shopping. It is super convenient.
However, some shops and restaurants apply 3% processing fee when charging your card so you should still have some cash on you.
Places like Pepito supermarket can also require a minimum spend to be able to pay with a debit card.
How Much Is The ATM Withdrawal Fee In Bali?
Usually, ATM fees will depend on your home bank and conversion rates, and you can get free cash withdrawals while traveling to Bali.
However, Permata, BCA, and BRI banks will likely have a withdrawal fee for international cards!
There are also travel-friendly cards like Wise or Revolut that you can easily use in Bali (with chip or tap-style contactless payment method).
Double-check with your bank what fees apply when withdrawing money overseas.
Final Thoughts On Bali Cash & ATMs
Coming to Bali, bring your ATM card with you – you will have no issues paying for dinner, groceries, and drinks at the bar using just your card without ever changing money.
We still recommend changing some of your home currency to rupiah to be able to explore local markets, practice haggling, and buy souvenirs from cute ladies on the beach at a fair price.
