When planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to know how much money to bring with you. This can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to get it right so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about money.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to calculate how much money you’ll need for a 10-day trip to Bali. We’ll also provide a cost breakdown for food, drink, lodging, and transportation plus share a few examples of what your budget might look like depending on the type of traveler you are.
Considering a 10 day tip to Bali? See this perfect Bali itinerary for first-timers.
Before we get to the big question, how much money to take to Bali for 10 days let’s talk about something we get asked often since it will have a direct impact on how much cash you bring with you to Bali.
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Do They Accept Credit Cards in Bali?
If you’re from the US or other first-world countries, you may be wondering if you can use your credit card. The answer is yes- most of the larger establishments in Bali accept credit cards. However, it is important to note that many will charge an extra fee of 2-3% on each transaction.
Also, unless you rent a self-drive car, hire a private driver, or have set up the Grab or Gojek ride app with a credit card you will need to budget enough cash for your transportation. And the small local warungs (restaurants) and food carts will only accept Indonesian Rupiah (cash).
How To Get Cash in Bali
There are a couple of different ways that you can get cash in Bali. First, you can bring US dollars (or other major currencies) and exchange them for the Indonesian Rupiah (the only currency used in Bali). There are plenty of currency exchange centers in Bali, especially in the high touristy areas.
You can also exchange your currency at the airport upon arrival. However, the rates seem to be a bit higher at the airport. Also, make sure that you bring nice clean crisp bills and not worn tattered bills. It does make a difference in your rate and some will only accept the fresh currency.
The second way to get some cash in Bali is to use ATMs. It is relatively safe to use ATMs in Bali. The most secure ATMs in Bali will be located in the foyer or out in front of the major banks since they usually have a security guard monitoring activity 24 hours a day. The machines will dispense 50,000 notes ($3.20 USD) or 100,000 notes ($6.40 USD). Always check the front of the ATM since this is usually stamped in plain sight.
There is usually a $2-$3.00 fee associated with each transaction. The largest transaction amount offered is 3 million ($192.00 USD). We have found that all of the Maybank machines offer that and they dispense 100,000 notes. That’s our machine of choice.
All major US bank cards are accepted. We have used our Wells Fargo debit card as well as our favorite Charles Schwabb card-no problems. You may want to give your bank heads-up that you will be traveling to avoid any fraud freezes during your trip.
How Much Cash Should You Bring to Bali?
Now that we have determined that you can use a credit card and a debit card in Bali, let’s talk about how much money should you bring on a 10 day trip to Bali.
You will probably have all of your major expenses booked and paid for when you land in Bali. But, you will want to have some cash on hand to get you going, and just in case you have trouble finding or having technical problems with the ATMs.
I suggest for 10 days in Bali that you bring about $250-$500 USD cash per person. This will be more than enough to cover your day-to-day cash expenses on a small to medium budget.
Now let’s talk about some of the costs that you can expect on your Bali trip.
Is Bali Expensive for Food and Drink?
For food and drink, Bali can be a bit on the expensive side when compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam. However, if you are savvy about where you eat and what you order, you can definitely find some affordable eats.
Let’s take a closer look at the cost of food and drink in Bali…
- Meal at a Local Warung- $2-$3 USD
- Meal at a Mid-Range Restaurant- $5-$10 USD
- Meal at an Expensive Restaurant- $20+ USD
- Beer at a Bar or Club- $3-$5 USD
- Cocktail at a Bar or Club- $5-$8
Transportation Costs in Bali
Getting around Bali can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not used to the tropical climate and the chaotic traffic. But with a little bit of planning and some knowledge about the different transportation options, you’ll be able to get around easily and cheaply.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to transportation in Bali:
- The main form of transportation is motorbikes. You can rent them pretty much anywhere, but make sure you know how to ride one before you go! The cost per day is about $2.50-$5.00 USD per day.
- Taxis are available, but they can be expensive compared to other forms of transportation. Most taxi rides depending on how far you are going will run you about $7.00 – $10.00 each.
- An alternative to taxi service is using Grab or Gojek ride-sharing app. This is the Uber service in Bali and the cost is generally a little less than the taxis but more flexible and easier to communicate your destination. You can also use both of these services for motorbike rides too which will run you $1.00 – $3.00 USD for most rides. *recommend setting this app up with a payment option before arriving in Bali.
- You can rent a self-drive car if you are comfortable driving yourself. The average daily cost of a car rental in Bali will be about $20.00 – $45.00 USD.
- Another popular option is to rent a car with a driver. This is a great option, especially for longer-day trips or half-day trips. Depending on time and distance, you can expect to pay $35 to $50.00 USD.
So what’s the best way to get around Bali? It really depends on your budget and your comfort level. If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, then that’s definitely the cheapest option. If you want something a little more luxurious, then taxis, Grab or private drivers are your best bet. And if you want extra freedom and flexibility rent a self-drive car.
Lodging Costs in Bali
There are a variety of different types of lodging options in Bali, from hostels and guesthouses to resorts and villas. And while the most expensive places to stay can definitely break the bank, there are plenty of affordable options as well.
So what’s the best way to find affordable lodging in Bali? Let’s take a look…
- Hostels- Hostels are a great option for solo travelers or groups of friends traveling on a budget. The average cost of a bed in a hostel dorm room is $5-$10 USD per night.
- Guesthouses- Guesthouses are similar to hostels but usually offer private rooms as well as dorm rooms. The average cost of a private room in a guesthouse is $10-$20 USD per night.
- Resorts- Resorts are the most expensive type of lodging in Bali, but you can often find deals and discounts if you book in advance. The average cost of a resort room is $50-$100 USD per night.
- Villas- Villas are a great option for groups or families traveling together. You can often find villas with private pools and kitchens, which can save you a lot of money on food and activities. The average cost of a villa is $100-$200 USD per night.
Tour Costs in Bali
Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for a reason. The beaches are beautiful, the culture is rich, and the prices are right. And when it comes to tours, there are plenty of options to choose from.
This full-day Instagram photo tour is the perfect sampler platter for a Bali vacation.
Bali offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an adventure or a more relaxed experience. There are outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as cultural experiences like learning about traditional dance or cooking methods. And of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.
Most tours will run you about $10.00 – $25.00 per person depending on the activity.
No matter what type of tour you’re interested in, you can find something that fits your budget. In general, the cheapest tours are those that include transportation and admission fees but don’t include any meals or accommodations. If you want a more all-inclusive experience, however, expect to pay a bit more.
The bottom line is that Bali is an affordable destination with something for everyone.
How much money do you need in Bali per day?
One of the great things about Bali is that it’s very affordable; you can get by on a relatively small budget.
However, depending on what you want to do during your stay, you may need a bit more money than usual. For example, if you want to go out clubbing or eat at some of the finer restaurants, you’ll probably need to budget around 200-400 thousand rupiah per day (which is roughly equivalent to $13-25 USD).
If you’re just looking to relax on the beach and enjoy the local food and culture, you can get by on much less. In fact, many people can comfortably live on 150 thousand rupiah ($10) per day.
Wrapping Up: How Much Money Do I Need to Take to Bali for 10 Days?
So, how much money do you need to take to Bali for 10 days? The answer really depends on what your budget is. If you have a smaller budget then you can easily get by with about $10 per day-if you just plan on hanging at the beach and eating local food. If you’re looking to eat at the higher-end restaurants explore the island and enjoy all of its many attractions, then you’ll need a bit more, like $25 to $50 per day.
No matter what your plans are, however, it’s always a good idea to have a little extra cash in case something comes up. And remember, Bali is an incredibly affordable destination, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. Have fun and enjoy your stay!
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