Money and tipping for your Bali wedding
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What currency do we use in Bali?
The Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Indonesian rules require rupiah for payments inside Indonesia, so even if a vendor quotes in US dollars, you’ll usually settle in rupiah at that day’s rate. Rupiah notes are large, so count zeros carefully: A$1 is about IDR 12,480 at the rates we use.
Cash or card?
- Cards (Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted) work at hotels, resorts, larger restaurants and shops in tourist areas.
- Cash for warungs, markets, drivers, tips and village fees.
- Card skimming happens: use ATMs inside banks or shops (Smartraveller).
Which ATMs should we use?
- Choose bank ATMs inside branches or shops.
- Expect a limit of about IDR 1–3 million per withdrawal; some machines charge foreign cards a fee per withdrawal.
- Always choose to be charged in rupiah when the screen offers to convert to your home currency; the ATM’s conversion rate is usually worse.
- Change cash only at authorised money changers (Smartraveller).
Can we pay by QR code?
Indonesia’s QR system (QRIS) is everywhere, but tourists from Australia, the UK and the US can’t use it with their home banking apps: cross-border QRIS currently works for visitors from six Asian countries only (IDN Financials, 28 Sep 2026). Pay by card or cash instead.
How do we pay our wedding vendors?
- Deposits and balances: vendors set their own terms; the ones that publish them ask for about 50% to book, with the balance about 60 days before. Get the terms and cancellation policy in writing.
- Bank transfers to Indonesian accounts are paid in rupiah.
- “++” on hotel and resort prices means tax and service are added on top: in Bali, a 10% local tax plus a service charge the venue sets, often about 21% in total (The Bali Sun, Apr 2026). Compare every quote with these included.
Who do we tip at a Bali wedding?
Nobody publishes standard amounts for tipping wedding staff in Bali, so here’s the practical way to do it:
| Who | Tip? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Venue and catering staff | Only if no service charge, or they went beyond | One envelope through your coordinator, shared by the team |
| Wedding planner or coordinator | Optional | A thank-you gift or note; cash only if they went far beyond |
| Photographer, videographer, hair & makeup | Optional | Cash on the day, or a review and referral (often valued more) |
| Drivers | Common | About IDR 50,000–150,000 a day per driver |
| Celebrant or priest | Usually not | A thank-you; follow their guidance for offerings at a blessing |
Tipping individual staff at private events is optional and usually arranged through the event coordinator (Aperitif, Aug 2026). Prepare envelopes in rupiah before the day.
General tipping in Bali
- Restaurants: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.
- Hotel staff: about IDR 20,000–50,000 for housekeeping; IDR 10,000–20,000 for porters.
- Spa: IDR 20,000–50,000 if no service charge.
Source: travel guides (Jan–Aug 2026).
Frequently asked questions
Should we pay in Australian dollars?
No. Pay in rupiah and choose rupiah on card machines and ATMs.
Is there a tourist levy?
Yes, IDR 150,000 per person per trip, as Smartraveller notes.
Changelog
- : First published.