Chapter 8: Money Matters: Currency, Security, and Scams

How Much Cash to Carry

While most restaurants and larger shops accept cards, many local warungs and market stalls are cash-only. It’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash for small purchases and have a card for larger expenses.

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

The official currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah, often abbreviated as Rp. The term “rupee” is a different currency used in countries like India.

Here are the approximate exchange rates (as of August 2025):

• 1 USD is roughly 16,250 Rupiah
• 1 Euro is roughly 19,000 Rupiah
• 1 British Pound is roughly 21,860 Rupiah

Notes of Indonesian Money

The most common banknotes you will encounter are:

• Rp 100,000: The highest denomination, which is red and features the portraits of Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, Indonesia’s first president and vice president.
• Rp 50,000: This blue note features the portrait of I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a Balinese national hero, and depicts Tanah Lot Temple on the back.
• Rp 20,000: This green note features the portrait of Dr. G.S.S.J. Ratulangi and Bunaken Marine Park on the back.
• Rp 10,000: This violet note features the portrait of Frans Kaisiepo, a Papuan hero, and Lake Sentani on the back.

ATMs, Cards, and E-wallets in Bali

While the payment landscape in Bali is modernizing, it’s crucial to be aware of how to handle your money safely.

ATMs and Card Safety

ATMs are widely available in popular tourist areas, but it’s important to use them with caution.

Safety Recommendations:

• Use ATMs at banks or official outlets: The safest ATMs are located inside major bank branches (like BCA, BNI, or Mandiri) or at a well-lit, busy location with CCTV cameras, such as a large supermarket or mall. Avoid isolated, unbranded, or standalone machines on the street, which are more susceptible to tampering.
• Check for tampering: Before you insert your card, physically inspect the machine. Look for anything that seems unusual, such as a bulky or loose card slot, a different-colored keypad, or tiny hidden cameras pointed at the keypad. If anything looks suspicious, move to a different ATM.
• Cover your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your other hand when you enter your PIN to prevent anyone, including hidden cameras, from seeing it.
• Be patient for your card: Unlike many Western ATMs, some machines in Bali dispense cash before they return your card. Make sure to wait for your card to be returned before leaving the machine to avoid it being taken by a scammer.
• Be aware of your surroundings: If anyone approaches you offering help or if you feel uneasy, cancel your transaction and leave. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM.

Common Scams:

• Card Skimming: This is the most common scam. Criminals attach a device to the ATM’s card slot to read your card information and a hidden camera to record your PIN. This information is then used to create a cloned card.
• Fake ATMs: In some cases, scammers may set up fake, non-functional ATMs to capture your card data.

Cards and E-wallets

Major credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops. However, many smaller local businesses, like warungs and market stalls, are cash-only.

E-wallets:

• E-wallets like GoPay (for Gojek) and OVO (for Grab) are extremely popular and convenient for paying for transportation, food delivery, and many other services. You will need a local Indonesian SIM card to set these up.
• You can top up these e-wallets with cash at convenience stores or via bank transfer, which is a secure way to manage your day-to-day spending without exposing your main bank account.

Safety Tips for Cards and E-wallets:

• Inform your bank: Before you travel, let your bank know you will be in Indonesia to prevent them from flagging your transactions as suspicious and blocking your card.
• Check your statements: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Use a travel card: Consider using a separate travel-specific debit card that is not linked to your primary bank account, or an e-wallet for daily spending, to minimize your financial risk.

Tips for Bargaining

Bargaining is a common and often enjoyable part of the shopping experience in Bali, especially at local markets. It’s a key part of the culture, and approaching it with the right attitude can lead to great deals and friendly interactions.

Understanding “Local” vs. “Bule” Price

Tourists (often referred to as “bule” in a non-offensive way) are often quoted a higher initial price than locals. This is a standard practice, and it’s why bargaining is expected. Your goal is to negotiate closer to the local price.

The Art of the Bargain

• Start Low: A good starting point is to offer a price that is much lower than the initial asking price. For example, if a shirt is priced at Rp 200,000, a reasonable opening offer would be around Rp 50,000.
• Negotiate Up: The seller will likely counter with a higher price, and you will gradually increase your offer. The key is to find a middle ground that is fair for both you and the vendor.
• Aim for a Fair Price: While your initial goal might be a very low price, a good bargain is one where you and the seller are both happy. For the Rp 200,000 shirt, a final negotiated price of Rp 100,000 might be a successful outcome.
• Be Friendly and Patient: Always maintain a friendly demeanor, smile, and never get angry. Getting frustrated will not help you get a better price. The process is a social one.
• Walk Away: If you can’t agree on a price, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely walk away. Sometimes, the seller may call you back with a better offer. If not, there will likely be another stall selling the same item.

Bargaining is a skill that improves with practice, and it’s an excellent way to engage with the local culture.