Practical · 6 min read

Money, ATMs, and Paying with Cards

IDR basics, skimming red flags, tipping norms, and our current rate-of-thumb math.

The currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Roughly IDR 16,000 to US$1 in early 2026 — check xe.com day-of. Big notes are 100k, 50k, 20k, 10k. Locals often drop the trailing three zeros in conversation.

ATMs

Use bank-branded ATMs inside bank lobbies (BCA, Mandiri, BNI). Avoid standalone ATMs in souvenir shops and darker streets — skimming has been reported. Withdraw in IDR (decline the 'would you like to convert to your home currency' offer — that is a dynamic-currency-conversion scam).

Cards and card fees

Hotels, larger restaurants, and our booking page take Visa/Mastercard. Many warungs are cash-only. Amex acceptance is thin. Always carry ~IDR 500k in small bills for tips, parking, and offerings.

Tipping

Not obligatory. A 10% round-up is appreciated for restaurants where service was good, and IDR 50–100k for a full-day driver or guide. Most hotels add a 10% service + 11% tax onto the bill already — check.

The sneaky exchange booths

'Authorised Money Changer' signs with unrealistically good rates, especially around Kuta. They short-count on the final bundle. Use BMC or Central Kuta Money Exchange (the named chains), or just use an ATM.