Bali ATM & Cash Tips - Avoiding Scams, Fees, and Empty Machines

Bali is paradise—but dealing with cash in Bali can feel anything but. One minute you're shopping for sarongs in Ubud, the next you're standing in front of an ATM that just swallowed your card or flashing a "card only" sign at a warung that hasn’t heard of credit machines.

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the streets looking for a working ATM in Bali, you’re not alone. The truth is, while Bali is modern in many ways, its cash and ATM infrastructure comes with quirks—and if you’re not prepared, those quirks can quickly become travel headaches.

This isn’t just a guide—it’s your survival manual. From avoiding ATM scams in Bali, to knowing where (and when) to get cash, and dodging nasty foreign transaction fees, this is everything I wish someone had told me before my first trip.

Why Cash Still Reigns in Bali

Let’s start here: cash is king in Bali. Sure, many resorts, restaurants, and trendy cafés accept cards now—especially in places like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak—but step just a little outside the tourist bubble, and cash becomes your golden ticket.

You’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for things like:

• Taxis or local drivers (unless you use apps like Grab)

• Local warungs (small eateries)

• Traditional markets

• Temple donations or entrance fees

• Small shops and rural areas

• Tips

It’s not unusual to find yourself in a charming cliffside village with no working ATM in sight, and not a single merchant accepting card. Always carry some Rupiah, especially if you’re heading out on day trips or venturing into smaller towns.

Using ATMs in Bali – What to Know Before You Withdraw

ATMs are everywhere in Bali. But not all are created equal. Some are reliable and secure. Others… well, they’re basically traps waiting for the unaware traveler.

The golden rule? Use ATMs attached to banks. Don’t just stop at that lonely machine next to a mini-mart in the middle of nowhere.

Trusted banks include:

• BCA

• BNI

• Mandiri

• BRI

• Permata

These bank branches usually have 24/7 guarded ATMs, cameras, and more reliable networks. Plus, if something goes wrong—like your card gets eaten—you can go inside and get help.

Machines outside convenience stores like Circle K or standalone ATMs in alleyways are notorious for:

• Running out of cash

• Having outdated software (read: slow and glitchy)

• Being targeted by skimming scams

If it looks sketchy, it probably is. Follow your gut.

The ATM Limit Dance – Why You Can’t Withdraw Much

One frustrating reality: many ATMs in Bali have low withdrawal limits. Typically, you’ll only be able to take out 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 IDR per transaction (around USD 130–200), even if your home bank allows more.

That’s not great if you’re planning to pay for a week-long tour or book a villa in cash.

Some machines, especially from Permata or BNI, allow up to 5,000,000 IDR. But they’re less common.

Plan ahead:

• If you know you’ll need a large amount of cash, withdraw multiple times (beware of your bank’s fee).

• Notify your home bank of your travel dates so they don’t flag repeated foreign withdrawals.

• Use a multi-currency travel card or fee-free bank like Revolut, Wise, or Charles Schwab if available in your country.

You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not paying $6 in fees per $100 withdrawal.

The Scam Game – How to Avoid ATM Skimming in Bali

ATM skimming is real in Bali. It’s not rampant, but it happens enough that locals and expats are very cautious—and you should be too.

Skimming usually happens when:

• A fake card reader is attached to the ATM

• A hidden camera records your PIN

• Your card is cloned and used elsewhere

How to protect yourself:

• Always cover the keypad with your hand.

• Check for anything loose or weird around the card slot or keypad.

• Avoid ATMs in unlit, unmonitored areas.

• Use ATMs inside malls, banks, or guarded areas.

• If the machine asks for your PIN twice, cancel immediately.

• Check your balance and card activity regularly.

Also, beware of “helpful strangers” hanging around ATMs. A common scam involves someone pretending to offer assistance while memorizing your PIN or swapping your card.

Rule of thumb? If something feels off, walk away.

Empty ATMs – Why They’re a Real Problem

It sounds silly until you’ve tried five ATMs in a row and none of them have cash. During weekends, holidays, or just after payday, it’s common for machines—especially in tourist areas—to run dry.

This happens most often:

• In remote areas (Amed, Sidemen, Nusa Penida)

• After 9 PM

• During Galungan, Nyepi, or other religious holidays

• At mini-marts (again… just don’t)

Avoid the stress:

• Withdraw early in the day.

• If you find a machine that works, take what you can (within limit).

• Keep emergency cash in a backup spot—enough for transport and food for at least 24 hours.

Having a little extra Rupiah stash can save you from moments of true panic.

Card vs. Cash – When to Use Which in Bali

So, should you use card or cash in Bali? It depends on where you are and what you’re doing.

Use card when:

• Paying at upscale restaurants or international hotels

• Booking tours online or at established agents

• Shopping at malls or chain cafés

Use cash when:

• You’re in rural areas or traditional villages

• Buying souvenirs from markets

• Eating at warungs or roadside food stalls

• Tipping staff or local drivers

• Making quick payments at convenience stores

Also important: some places charge extra (1–3%) if you pay with card, especially foreign credit cards. Always ask before handing over your VISA.

Money Changers – The Good, The Bad, The Shady

If you're bringing foreign cash and planning to exchange it in Bali, tread carefully. There are plenty of money changers—but not all play fair.

Avoid booths offering suspiciously high exchange rates. These are often scams involving:

• Sleight-of-hand cash counting

• Fake notes

• Hidden fees

Stick to authorized money changers, especially:

• Central Kuta Money Exchange

• Dirgahayu Valuta Prima

• PT. Bali Maspintjinra (BMP)

These places are transparent, reliable, and usually located in tourist zones. Always:

• Count your cash on the spot

• Ask for a receipt

• Double-check the rate before handing over your bills

And bring clean, crisp banknotes. Torn or marked bills may be rejected or devalued.

What Locals Use – And Why It Matters

Bali locals primarily use cash or QR payments via local e-wallets like:

• OVO

• Dana

• GoPay

While foreign tourists can’t easily use these apps (unless you have an Indonesian SIM and bank account), it’s good to know that small vendors often prefer these options over cards.

Some digital-savvy cafés now accept Wise or Revolut transfers, especially in Canggu and Ubud. But don’t rely on it everywhere—this trend hasn’t spread far beyond Bali’s hipster bubble.

Final ATM Tips – Your No-Stress Checklist

Let’s sum up your money strategy in Bali with a few golden rules:

✅ Use ATMs attached to real banks
✅ Withdraw during the daytime
✅ Keep a small emergency cash reserve
✅ Avoid standalone ATMs in sketchy locations
✅ Cover your PIN every time
✅ Check your balance and transactions regularly
✅ Bring at least two cards (just in case one fails)
✅ Choose ATMs with chip and PIN, not swipe
✅ Don’t freak out if an ATM eats your card—go to the bank immediately

And finally: don’t wait until your last 50,000 IDR to find a machine. You’ll either panic or get hit with a broken one. Plan ahead.

Parting Thought – Don’t Let Money Stress Kill the Vibe

Bali is about the sunsets, the ceremonies, the sounds of waves and gamelan echoing through jungle. But let’s be real—nothing kills the vibe faster than being stranded with no cash, no card access, and no idea where the nearest bank is.

The good news? With a little prep and street smarts, handling money in Bali can be smooth and stress-free. Stay sharp, stay hydrated, and always keep a little Rp 50,000 tucked in your phone case—just in case the adventure takes a turn.

Now go enjoy Bali like a pro. Money-wise, heat-proof, and fully immersed.