Tourists traveling to Bali for the festive season and into 2025 are reminded that events the world is moving towards more digitalized payment systems as standard; in many areas of Bali, cash is still king.
The world is moving towards more digitalized banking and more cashless payment systems. It’s easy to overlook cash as an option.
Bali and Indonesia, more broadly, certainly keep up with the times. All hotels, tourist cafes, restaurants, and major attractions now accept debit and credit card payments.
In the wake of the pandemic, contactless and digital payments have become more widely adopted in Indonesia, with online banking and systems like OVO making it easier for residents and local businesses to accept digital payments.
In 2024, some of Bali’s top attractions have made the switch to cashless systems, including the world-famous Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan Regency.
Speaking in September the Manager of Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Ketut Purna, explained, “In addition to the implementation of non-cash, it is part of reducing problems in the field.”
He continued, “Now that this card machine is provided, we can accept all kinds of cards; in essence, we want to make it easier for tourists who visit.”
For tourists heading to Bali, it’s become even easier to use cashless systems abroad too. Digital banks like Wise and Revolut allow travelers to create digital wallets in Indonesian Rupiah and dozens of other currencies to keep their travel money separate from their current savings accounts with national banks at home.
The beauty of online digital banking services such as these is that payments can be made in the local currency, facilitating more accurate exchange rates and reducing bank charges, it is also easier than ever to freeze and unfreeze cards in the event that a wallet is lost or stolen.
Once upon a time losing a bank card abroad was the end of the world, now in just a few seconds and a few taps on a mobile app accounts can be blocked and temporary solutions such as digital cards put into place so that travellers are never without access to their funds. While all of these technological advancements have made things easier, they have not yet eradicated the need for cash in Bali.
Tourists will still be required to pay with cash at many different outlets in Bali, whether this be at street food stalls, beach shacks, small community-operated attractions like waterfalls and rural temples, for tipping drivers, waiters, and hotel staff, and in the event that ATMs go offline or run out of cash which is an issue, especially in the high season.
Small cash notes are also essential for visiting many of Bali’s paid-entry beaches and for car parking. Parking a car usually costs IDR 5,000 and a moped IDR 2,000, and beach entry can cost anywhere between IDR 5,000 and 20,000, depending on the location.
Then there is the age-old question of when and where to withdraw cash. Do you withdraw cash at a local ATM using an international card or exchange cash at the airport or once you land?
Many digital banks like Wise and Revolut do not charge users to withdraw cash abroad, though some ATMs do charge a fee for international cards. Many domestic banks in Australia, the UK, the US, New Zealand, and Europe charge users to withdraw cash abroad and offer poor exchange rates.
For those exchanging cash within Bali, there are a few things to be aware of. It is always best to exchange money within a bank or at a currency exchange within a hotel or resort rather than a venue on the street.
If opting for a currency exchange located within Bali’s busiest resort areas, there are some precautions that must be followed. Always check the exchange rate of the day before entering the show to ensure that a fair exchange is being offered.
Once the amount is agreed upon and the teller counts the cash-out, the customer must double-check the final amount of notes handed over to them before leaving the store.
Over the years, there have been dozens of reporters of tellers using a sleight of hand to swipe away several notes as they hand over the cash to the customer.
Don’t get confused by the number of zeros, and don’t be afraid to count the cash out in front of the teller twice before leaving the store. A legitimate teller will not be offended and should encourage you to do so.
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