Is cash still widely used?
Yes, very much so. Outside Bali’s tourist zones and central Jakarta, cash is the only accepted payment method. Warung (local eateries), markets, transport, and guesthouses all rely on rupiah.
Even in tourist-friendly Bali, many smaller businesses, temple entry fees, and street vendors are cash-only.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available in Bali and major cities. BCA and Mandiri ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- Expect fees of around 30,000 IDR per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Many ATMs dispense 50,000 or 100,000 IDR notes — useful denominations for daily spending
- In rural areas and smaller islands, ATMs can be scarce or unreliable
Card acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at tourist-oriented hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bali and Jakarta. Outside these areas, cash is almost always required.
Tips for travelers
- Withdraw cash on arrival in major cities or Bali before heading to remote areas
- Keep small denomination notes (10,000 and 20,000 IDR) for transport and markets
- Exchange rates at airport money changers are poor — use city ATMs or reputable exchange offices
- Be cautious of “no fee” ATMs that offer dynamic currency conversion — always pay in IDR