Jazmin Li
If you're headed to Bali, you may be wondering whether you can exchange money at the airport. The short answer is yes, it is possible to exchange money at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. However, you may not get a favourable exchange rate, and it is generally recommended to only exchange a small amount of money at the airport to cover immediate expenses like taxi fare to your hotel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exchange money at Bali Airport | Possible |
| Exchange rate at the airport | Poor |
| Transaction fees at the airport | High |
| Money changers at the airport | Safe and effective |
| Money changers in Bali | Easy to find |
| Best money changers in Bali | BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange |
| Best way to exchange money in Bali | Use a credit/debit card |
| Currency to carry to Bali | USD in cash |
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What You'll Learn
Money changers at the airport
There are several money changers at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, which are open 24 hours a day. They offer fairly competitive rates, although you may find better rates outside the airport. It is recommended to change enough money at the airport to cover your taxi fare and the trip to your hotel.
When exchanging money at the airport, be aware that some sources advise against exchanging money at airports in general, as they tend to offer poor rates and high transaction fees. It is suggested that you only change enough money to pay for your initial transportation and, if possible, find a money changer outside the airport to exchange a larger sum.
If you are staying in Bali for longer than a few days and plan on spending a significant amount, it may be a good idea to exchange your local currency for Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), the local currency in Bali.
When choosing a money changer, it is recommended to use a well-established company with direct frontage onto a main street, as this reduces the risk of being scammed. Some of the best money changers in Bali, known for their competitive rates and plentiful supply of Indonesian Rupiah, include BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange.
It is also important to be cautious of potential scams. Money changers in Bali often display whiteboards listing attractive exchange rates, but these rates may not reflect the mid-market rate. Always check the current exchange rate beforehand to ensure you are getting a fair deal. Be wary of 'zero-fee' services, as they may offer poor exchange rates. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of your bills, as money changers in Bali commonly check the condition of banknotes, especially USD notes, and may reject creased, torn, or wrinkled notes.
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Safety and scams
Money exchange scams are common in Bali, and tourists are often targeted. The most well-known scam involves money changers counting your money in front of you several times, but on the final count, they use sleight of hand to take a note or two. In some cases, the money changer may ask how long you plan to stay in Bali and offer you an exchange rate using a calculator. They may then begin counting out the Indonesian Rupiah in front of you, laying out the correct amount, but ultimately giving you less cash than you are owed.
To reduce the risk of being scammed, only use legitimate money exchangers. These will typically be located in proper buildings in busy areas with windows and air conditioning. It is recommended to use changers at the airport or look for well-known brands like BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange, which have a good reputation and plentiful supply of Indonesian Rupiah. Avoid small operations that play fast and loose with the paperwork and do not be tempted by good rates offered by small streetside shacks.
Always check the paperwork to ensure the amount you are tendering, the exchange rate, and the amount you will receive in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) are all correct. You can also download the XE.com smartphone app to check if the money changer's rate is within 2-3 percentage points of the inter-bank rate. Be wary of 'zero-fee' services, as these often offer poor exchange rates that do not reflect the mid-market rate.
If possible, avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotels, as they usually offer poor rates and high transaction fees. It is advisable to bring some Indonesian Rupiah from your home country and only exchange a small amount at the airport if absolutely necessary.
In addition to money exchange scams, be aware of other common scams in Bali, such as the Karma Group free holiday scam, where you are offered scratch cards and prizes in exchange for attending a presentation with pushy sales tactics. Be vigilant when booking accommodation, as scams involving non-existent properties or phishing messages requesting payment through a link have also been reported.
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Best exchange rates
While it is possible to exchange money at Bali airport, it is generally recommended that you avoid doing so, as airport exchanges tend to offer poor rates and high transaction fees.
If you are looking for the best exchange rates, it is recommended that you use a money changer with direct frontage onto a main street, as they are larger and more established for a good reason. The best money changers in Bali, such as BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange, tend to have the best exchange rates and a plentiful supply of Indonesian Rupiah.
It is also important to be aware of 'zero-fee' services, as they often offer poor exchange rates that may not reflect the mid-market rate, similar to what you would see when checking the rate on Google. It is recommended that you research the current exchange rate so that it is easier to spot a bad deal from currency exchanges.
If you are staying in Indonesia for an extended period or planning to make a large investment, you may want to consider opening a local bank account. Otherwise, it is recommended that you exchange your money at a physical location or use a digital alternative, such as Wise, which can save you time and money.
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Using cards and ATMs
Using a card in Bali is quite safe, and many retailers offer cashback for using a contactless form of payment like QRIS, contactless debit or credit card, and e-wallets. ATMs are available at the airport, and there are several reliable options, including BNI, BRI, BCA, CIMB Niaga, and Bank Mandiri. These ATMs are located in the foyer of major banks and have 24-hour security guards posted, ensuring the safety of your transactions.
It is recommended to use a card from a bank with no international withdrawal fees, such as the HSBC global card. The ING Orange card is also suggested for Australians as it offers the Visa exchange rate, which is roughly 5% higher than what you would get at a money changer.
When using an ATM in Bali, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the maximum withdrawal amount per transaction varies depending on the ATM, with some dispensing up to 1,250,000 rupiah (50,000 bill machines) and others allowing up to 3,000,000 rupiah (100,000 bill machines). Secondly, be cautious of ATMs located inside convenience stores as they often charge higher transaction fees. It is generally safer and more cost-effective to use ATMs owned and operated by banks. Additionally, some ATMs deliver your cash first and then your card, which can be confusing for those from countries with a different card and cash dispensing order.
While cards and ATMs are widely accepted in Bali, it is still recommended to carry some cash, especially smaller bills, as cash is still a very important form of payment, particularly in smaller shops and for transportation. It is also a good idea to have some local currency on hand when you arrive, as you may need it for airport taxis or other immediate expenses.
Lastly, it is important to be aware of the exchange rate and avoid excessive charges and hidden fees. While the airport ATMs and money changers offer convenience, their rates tend to be less favourable than those found outside the airport or in local money changers.
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Indonesian rupiah
Money Changers
Money changers are the most popular way to exchange currency in Bali. The best money changers, such as BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange, tend to have the best exchange rates and a plentiful supply of Indonesian Rupiah. They take most major currencies, including USD, AUD, Pound Sterling, and the Singapore Dollar. However, if you are bringing a less common currency, you may want to exchange it for a more widely accepted currency like USD before arriving in Bali.
It is recommended to use money changers that don't charge a commission and have clearly published exchange rates. You can use the XE.com smartphone app to check if the exchange rate offered is within 2-3 percentage points of the international inter-bank rate. It is also important to be wary of kiosks with exchange rates that seem too good to be true, as these may be scams.
ATMs
Using an ATM to withdraw money in the local currency can also be a good option, as it often offers a better exchange rate than money changers. However, it is important to be cautious of card skimming at ATMs, and to be aware of any fees that may be charged by the ATM or your bank.
Banks
You can also exchange money at banks in Bali, such as the BNI bank inside the airport. However, banks typically offer worse exchange rates than money changers.
Other Tips
When exchanging money in Bali, it is important to be aware of excessive charges and hidden fees. It is recommended to research the current exchange rate so that you can easily spot a bad deal. It is also generally advised to avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as they often offer poor rates and high transaction fees.
Additionally, money changers in Bali may reject creased, torn, or wrinkled notes, particularly USD notes. They usually only accept newly issued, clean, and stiff notes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several money changers at Ngurah Rai Airport offering competitive rates. However, you may find better rates outside the airport.
Yes, the money changers at the airport are safe and licensed to deliver exchange services to tourists.
It is recommended that you only exchange enough money at the airport to pay for your taxi to your hotel. This is usually around $20 to $50.
