- Currency
- IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: travelcurrencyguide.com, wise.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Uluwatu is a tourist-heavy area, so card acceptance is better than remote Bali, but cash is still essential for local vendors, warungs, and entrance fees.
- Temple entrance fees (including Uluwatu Temple) are cash-only.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs; always choose IDR charges. This saves significant fees.
- Use trusted banks (BCA, BNI, Mandiri) inside bank branches or malls rather than standalone outdoor ATMs to reduce card-skimming risk.
- Tipping is appreciated but optional in Uluwatu; it's more relaxed than Western norms. Check restaurant bills—5–10% service charge is often already included.
- Carry a mix of payment methods: a Visa or Mastercard for larger expenses, cash (IDR) for daily transactions and small vendors, and avoid relying on American Express.
- Many establishments add 2–3% card surcharges, especially smaller businesses. Ask before paying if unsure.
- Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks. Some cards (Wise, Revolut) charge zero or low fees on Indonesian ATM withdrawals.
Recommended Banks
Bank Central Asia (BCA)
- Foreigner Friendliness
- Good
- Minimum Initial Deposit
- IDR 500,000
- International Transfer Fee
- IDR 50,000
- Notes
- Largest ATM network in Bali, English-language mobile app, reliable QRIS support. Branches in expat areas handle foreign applicants regularly.
OCBC NISP
- Foreigner Friendliness
- Very Good (best for non-KITAS tourists)
- Minimum Initial Deposit
- IDR 50,000,000
- Term Deposit Requirement
- IDR 25,000,000
For first 3 months
- Notes
- Singaporean bank, most foreigner-friendly for short-stay visas. Multi-currency accounts available. High entry cost and deposit requirement.
Permata Bank
- Foreigner Friendliness
- Good
- Notes
- Modern, digital-first experience. Some branches in Bali open accounts for tourists without KITAS. Competitive exchange rates.
Bank Mandiri
- Foreigner Friendliness
- Fair
- Minimum Initial Deposit
- IDR 500,000
- Notes
- Large government bank with extensive ATM network. Some branches more flexible than others for foreign applicants.
Requirements By Visa Status
With KITAS Kitap
- Processing Time
- Under 1 hour to 2 business days
- Account Activation
- Immediate or same-day
- Description
- Easiest path. Most banks accept KITAS (temporary stay permit) or KITAP (permanent stay permit) holders with minimal friction.
Required Documents
- Valid passport (original and photocopy)
- KITAS or KITAP (original and photocopy)
- Proof of local address
- Indonesian phone number
Tourist Visa Short Stay
- Maximum Balance
- IDR 840,000,000
USD 50,000 for formal tourist accounts
- Minimum Balance
- IDR 2,000,000
USD 2,000 USD for formal tourist accounts; varies by bank
- Description
- Possible but more restrictive. Tourist account or limited-balance account option; some banks more flexible than others.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of return flight (some banks)
- Local phone number (preferred)
Currency
IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
ATM Access
- Dcc Warning
- Always decline dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and choose to be charged in IDR. ATMs will offer to convert to your home currency; reject this and let your bank convert at interbank rates, which saves significant fees.
- Availability
- Readily available in Uluwatu and surrounding Bali tourist areas. ATMs are accessible in popular areas like Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu.
- Security Note
- Avoid standalone outdoor ATMs, especially on Jalan Legian and tourist strips. Use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or secure locations with security cameras. Card skimming is a documented risk in Bali.
Fee Guidance
- Bri
- Some ATMs charge 3% fee (recently introduced).
- Bca Bni
- Usually zero withdrawal fee from these ATMs, especially with Wise or Revolut cards.
- Mandiri
- 50,000 IDR fee for withdrawals with foreign cards.
- Cimb Niaga
- Recently introduced 2.5% withdrawal fee.
- Note
- Many Indonesian ATMs do NOT charge a withdrawal fee on their end. Your home bank may charge an 'access' or 'foreign withdrawal' fee — check in advance.
Trusted Banks
- BCA (Bank Central Asia)
- BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia)
- Mandiri Bank
Withdrawal Limits
- Typical Per Transaction Max
- IDR 2,500,000
- Typical Per Transaction Min
- IDR 1,250,000
Tipping Norms
- Customary
- Yes
- Cultural Practice
- Give and receive money with both hands as a sign of respect. Avoid tossing money on tables.
- Cultural Note
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Uluwatu and broader Indonesia. Bali has a more relaxed tipping culture than Western countries, but tourist areas (Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu) have elevated expectations due to decades of tourism.
- Currency Note
- Always tip in IDR. Foreign coins and small bills cannot be easily exchanged and are burdensome to staff.
Hotel Tipping
- Bellhops
- IDR 15,000
Per bag
- Housekeeping
- IDR 30,000
Per night (left daily)
- Overall Hotel Range
- 10–20% appreciated, but varies by service level.
Spa And Massage
- Percentage
- 15–20% appreciated
Example
- Massage Cost
- IDR 200,000
- Suggested Tip
- IDR 35,000
Transport Tipping
- Taxis
- Round up to nearest 10,000 IDR; 10,000 IDR for short rides, 50,000–100,000 IDR for longer journeys.
- Gojek Grab Drivers
- Not required, but appreciated. 5,000–10,000 IDR for longer rides or bad-weather deliveries via app.
Restaurant Tipping
- Local Warungs
- Not expected; small change or rounding up the bill is appreciated.
- High End And Tourist Restaurants
- 10–15% or 20,000–50,000 IDR if service charge is not already included.
- Service Charge Note
- Many mid-range and high-end restaurants automatically add 5–10% service charge. Check your bill before tipping extra.
Driver And Tour Guide Tipping
- Private Driver Day Rate
- IDR 75,000
Typical mid-range; adjust by service and trip length
- Tour Guide
- IDR 50,000
Card Acceptance
Discover Cards
- Status
- Not accepted
- Note
- Emerging acceptance only. Most ATMs and merchants will not accept Discover.
Visa Mastercard
- Status
- Widely accepted
- Acceptance Areas
- Hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping centers, larger tourist attractions. In Uluwatu tourist areas, card acceptance is better than surrounding neighborhoods but still varies by establishment.
- Common Surcharge
- IDR 30
Some smaller establishments and local businesses add 2–3% card surcharge. For example, a 1,000,000 IDR bill may be charged 1,030,000 IDR (3% added). Many mid-to-high-end establishments do not add surcharges.
American Express
- Status
- Limited acceptance
- Note
- Only at high-end hotels, beach clubs, and international chains. Most local restaurants and smaller shops do not accept Amex.
Cash Requirement
- Necessity
- Essential. Cash remains king in Uluwatu for smaller venues, warungs, local shops, and certain activities.
- Recommended Daily Carry
- IDR 500,000
Conservative daily estimate for a nomad in Uluwatu. Adjust based on dining and activity frequency. Mix of 50,000 and 100,000 note denominations recommended for easier change.
Cash Only Locations
- Temple entrance fees (including Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple)
- Small warungs and local eateries
- Local market stalls and street vendors
- Scooter/motorbike rental deposits
- Motorbike taxis (ojeks) and local taxis (if not using Grab/Gojek apps)
Foreigners can open bank accounts in Uluwatu/Bali with varying ease depending on visa status and bank choice. Multiple options exist for both short-stay tourists and long-term residents.
Useful Features
Multi-currency accounts available at several banks; QRIS (QR payment system) standard at restaurants, markets, and local businesses; debit cards issued immediately or same-day.
Online Banking Options
KITAS holders can open accounts online via Jenius, Digibank, or Mandiri Livin' without branch visit.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.travelcurrencyguide.com
- 2.wise.com
- 3.twoticketsanywhere.com
- 4.atmfeesaver.com
- 5.travelcurrencyguide.com
- 6.bali.com
- 7.backpackmoments.com
- 8.wise.com
- 9.horizonjumpers.com
- 10.baliholidaysecrets.com
- 11.inivie.com
- 12.sevenpaintingsubud.com
- 13.hootling.com
- 14.expat.or.id
- 15.balibro.com
- 16.balivillarealty.com
- 17.xe.com
- 18.tradingeconomics.com
- 19.coinbase.com
- 20.bloomberg.com
- 21.911medical.id
- 22.internationalmedicalbali.com
- 23.trishnandacarecentre.com
- 24.bimcbali.com
- 25.onemedicalclinic.id
- 26.unicare-clinic.com
- 27.cekindo.com
- 28.johnnyafrica.com
- 29.statrys.com
- 30.emerhub.com
- 31.balivisa.co
- 32.purebalipharmacy.com
- 33.medisferapharmacybali.com
- 34.purebalipharmacy.com
- 35.balipharmacydelivery.com
- 36.pharmacymedisfera.com
- 37.realting.com
- 38.trishnandacarecentre.com
- 39.trishnandacarecentre.com
- 40.finnsbeachclub.com
More About Uluwatu
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.