Money matters

Bali, being part of Indonesia, uses the Indonesian currency, the Rupiah (abbreviated, Rp.) as its monetary unit.

Banknotes come in a range of denominations, including the commonly available Rp.100,000, Rp.50,000, Rp.20,000, Rp.10,000, Rp.5,000, Rp.1,000, Rp.500 and Rp.100 notes, while useful coin denominations are Rp. 1,000, Rp. 500, Rp.100 and Rp.50.

Foreign money can be exchanged at most banks in Bali. Banking hours are usually from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and until 1.00 p.m. Saturday. Money can also be changed at the airport, at hotel cashiers, and at authorised money changers (found in almost every medium to large village and city). The exchange rates are published daily in newspapers and are usually posted prominently wherever money can be changed. Most authorised money changers operate seven days a week, and remain open daily until about 10:00 p.m.

There is no real need to convert all of your currency into travellers cheques as most foreign banknotes are accepted at banks and money changers. Often cash will yield a better exchange rate, and some travellers cheques will not be accepted at all banks and money changers (surprisingly, one of the worlds most popular brand of cheques are sometimes the most difficult to cash). The major advantage of travellers cheques is that they offer security features such as replacement if lost or stolen.

Most major credit cards are acceptable at hotels, large restaurants, department stores, travel agencies and many businesses that cater to the tourist trade, including galleries, arts and craft sellers.