The Best Travel Cards for Bali: Navigating Money, ATMs & Scams

Worried about using your bank card in Bali? This comprehensive guide reveals the best travel cards for your trip, how to avoid hidden fees, and essential tips for using ATMs safely.

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Money in Bali: Cards, Cash, and Smart Tips

Getting your finances sorted before you travel to Bali can save you a significant amount of money and stress. With stunning rice paddies, vibrant markets, and endless beaches, the last thing you want to worry about is a transaction fee or a dodgy ATM.

This guide will walk you through the best payment methods for your trip, helping you decide whether to use a travel card, a credit card, or cash, and how to stay safe while you’re at it.

For a smooth start to your holiday, make sure you’ve also read our guide on Fast-Track Your Arrival: Insider Tips for Clearing Bali Immigration and Customs.

Cash vs. Card: What’s Best for Bali?

The short answer is: both.

While Bali is becoming increasingly cashless, you cannot rely on card payments alone.

• Cash is King for Local Life: You’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for small purchases, especially at local warungs (food stalls), traditional markets, street vendors, and for tipping. It’s also essential for small expenses like scooter parking, entrance fees to smaller temples, and private drivers.
• Cards for Convenience & Security: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, upscale restaurants, modern cafes, and larger supermarkets. Paying with a card for bigger expenses means you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash.

The Best Travel Cards for Bali

When it comes to paying with plastic, not all cards are created equal. The best travel cards for Bali are those that offer the most competitive exchange rates and minimal fees.

1. Travel Debit Cards (Our Top Recommendation)

For most travelers, a travel-focused debit card is the best option. These cards allow you to convert your home currency to Indonesian Rupiah at the mid-market exchange rate, often with minimal or no fees.

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): This is one of the most popular choices for Bali travelers. You can hold and spend IDR in a multi-currency account, lock in a good exchange rate, and use the card for both payments and ATM withdrawals. The app is easy to use and provides instant transaction notifications.
• Revolut: Similar to Wise, Revolut offers a multi-currency account and excellent exchange rates. Their app includes budgeting tools and the ability to freeze your card instantly if you lose it, adding an extra layer of security.

2. Travel Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees

A credit card with no foreign transaction fees can be a great backup and is ideal for larger purchases. These cards are designed for international use, so they won’t charge you the typical 3% fee on every purchase you make.

• Pros: Useful for booking accommodation and tours online, and for large transactions at hotels or high-end restaurants. Many offer purchase protection and travel insurance.
• Cons: You may still incur a cash advance fee if you use it for an ATM withdrawal. Also, some merchants in Bali may add their own 3% surcharge for credit card payments, regardless of your card’s features.

Crucial Tips for Using Cards & ATMs in Bali

Once you have the right card, a little know-how goes a long way to ensuring a safe and smooth experience.

1. Be ATM Smart: Safety First!

ATM scams, particularly card skimming, are a known issue in Bali. Follow these rules to protect your money:

• Only Use ATMs Inside Major Banks: Stick to machines located inside a major bank branch, like BCA, Mandiri, or BNI. These ATMs are monitored and are far less likely to be tampered with.
• Avoid ATMs in Convenience Stores: Machines in mini-marts or on the side of the street are a high risk for skimmers.
• Check the Machine: Give the card reader and keypad a little tug. If anything feels loose, wobbly, or out of place, find another ATM.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN and be mindful of anyone standing too close.
• Wait for Your Card: A common quirk of some Indonesian ATMs is that they dispense cash before they return your card. Make sure you take both your cash and your card before you walk away.

2. Always Pay in Local Currency (IDR)

When paying with your card, the terminal may ask if you want to be charged in your home currency (e.g., USD, AUD, GBP) or in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Always choose to be charged in IDR. This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and choosing your home currency gives the merchant and the local bank a chance to set a poor exchange rate for you. By selecting IDR, you let your bank or travel card (like Wise or Revolut) handle the conversion at a much better rate.

3. Don’t Carry All Your Cash at Once

Withdraw or exchange only what you need for a few days. Store the rest of your cash and cards in a secure location like the safe in your hotel room. It’s best to have a small wallet for daily use and a separate bag or pouch for your main stash.

By preparing the right cards and following these simple rules, you can handle your Bali travel money like a pro.