How Much Cash Do You Need in Ubud? (2026)

How much to carry

For a typical day in Ubud — meals, a couple of rides, a temple or waterfall entry and some small purchases — 500,000 to 1,000,000 IDR in your wallet is a comfortable range. Bigger costs such as accommodation, a private driver for the day or a cooking class may need more, and some of these can be paid by card or transfer.

Keep the bulk of your money and a backup card in your room safe, and carry only what you need for the day.

Where cash is essential

• Warungs and small restaurants. Many don't take cards, or have a minimum spend.
• Temples and waterfalls. Entry tickets, donations, parking and sarong rental are usually cash.
• Drivers and local transport. Most private drivers expect cash at the end of the day.
• Markets and small shops. Cash, and small notes help when bargaining.

Larger restaurants, cafés, hotels and many shops in central Ubud accept cards, sometimes with a surcharge of a few percent. Ask before you order if you plan to pay by card.

Using ATMs safely

• Use ATMs attached to a bank branch, or inside a supermarket or mall, rather than standalone machines on the street.
• Withdraw during daylight and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Check the card slot for anything loose or bulky before inserting your card; skimming devices exist.
• Many machines dispense cash before returning your card. Wait for the card — it's easy to walk away without it.
• Withdrawal limits per transaction are often low, and your home bank may charge a fee each time. Fewer, larger withdrawals are usually cheaper.
• If the machine offers to convert the amount into your home currency, decline and pay in rupiah; the conversion rate is usually worse.

Changing money

If you bring foreign cash, change it only at an authorised money changer or a bank. Rigged money changers are one of the most common scams in Bali, and the trick is clever enough to catch careful people. Read how money changer scams work before you change anything.

Getting used to the notes

Rupiah amounts have lots of zeros, and some notes look alike at a glance. Take a moment with each payment, keep large and small notes in separate places, and carry plenty of small notes for tips, parking and snacks. Shopkeepers and drivers often don't have change for large notes.