Do you need much cash in Bali?

In many foreign destinations, cash is absolutely necessary but in Bali you won't need to keep that much on hand. Credit or debit cards can pay for almost all accommodations. If you do decide to withdraw cash from an ATM, you definitely don't need to withdraw a large amount.



In 2026, Bali has become significantly more digitized, but cash (Indonesian Rupiah) remains essential for a smooth trip. While major hotels, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls in tourist hubs like Seminyak and Canggu widely accept credit cards and QRIS (digital payments), you will absolutely need cash for smaller daily interactions. This includes eating at local warungs (family-run eateries), shopping at traditional markets, paying for "beach bed" rentals, or using public toilets. Additionally, many small transport providers and scooter rentals still prefer physical currency. Travelers should also be aware that as of 2026, Indonesian immigration has tightened checks; for certain visa types, you may be asked to show "sufficient funds," which can be demonstrated via bank statements or approximately $100 USD per day of stay. It is best to use ATMs at reputable banks to avoid card skimming and to keep a stash of small denominations for tipping and minor purchases.

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Many places in Bali will accept card payments, which can be the most convenient way to pay. However, it's not an option everywhere so having some cash is also a smart move. Get a travel money card to make ATM withdrawals locally on arrival in Bali, and so you don't need to carry too much IDR cash at any one time.

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I suggest for 10 days in Bali that you bring about $250-$500 USD cash per person. This will be more than enough to cover your day-to-day cash expenses on a small to medium budget. Now let's talk about some of the costs that you can expect on your Bali trip.

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The $1000 will be enough, but does that include VOA and departure tax?. On your intended plan, I expect you will spend $60-$70 a day however add $13/day to cover VOA and departure tax. Waterbom will cost extra on the above so you won't have a lot for shoping, which you will want to do..

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How Much to Budget For Two Weeks in Bali? On top of flights, if you budget around $100 per day for your trip to Bali it would be more than enough. This amount would enable you to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat out for every meal and enjoy some of the island's best activities.

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Bali is Indonesia's most expensive tourist destination and one of the most expensive places to travel in Southeast Asia. There is almost no public transportation, and supermarket prices aren't dissimilar to what you'd find at home.

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Inexpensive local eateries and street food stalls offer budget-friendly options starting from around $2 to $5 in USD per meal. Mid-range restaurants and cafes typically range from $5 to $15 in USD per meal, while high-end dining experiences can cost $15 and above.

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Although card may be accepted in larger Bali cities such as Denpasar, cash may be preferable in surrounding villages such as Ubud and Kuta. Travellers can use international ATMs in Denpasar and other major towns to withdraw cash and use it for further travel. They can also buy IDR in advance before travelling.

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Tipping. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping in Bali. All hotels and most restaurants have a 17% or 21% tax and service charge included in your bill so it is up to you whether to add any extra tip on top of that. When it comes to tipping drivers or other 'freelancers', it's nice but not required.

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How can you avoid Bali Belly?
  1. Make sure all meat and seafood is thoroughly cooked (not raw or rare)
  2. Avoid the following foods while travelling: Sushi. Unpasteurised dairy products milk/cheese/ice cream. ...
  3. Water: Don't drink tap water. Don't use tap water to brush your teeth. ...
  4. Hygiene: Wash your hands after using the toilet.


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Bali remains affordable compared to Western destinations and other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia; however, Thailand is still slightly less expensive. This is what makes Thailand such a great choice for many travelers.

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When planning a trip to Bali, I recommend planning to spend at least 5 days in Bali. However, 10 days to 2 weeks would ultimately be best, allowing you to explore everything the island offers. You can also go for as little as 3 days, but you can only visit one location.

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Prices in Bali have gone up, for sure, but it's still a lot cheaper than Canada, USA and Europe. For USD200, you cna get a lovely villa in Bali - with your own private pool, garden, housekeeping services, etc. You can't get that same kind of luxury in an Occidental country... one reason why I love Asia so much.

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