Can I Pay With My Card in Indonesia? Payment Guide for Foreigners

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, Indonesia, you’ve probably wondered, “Will my card work there?” Don’t worry, you’re definitely not the only one asking.

Paying in a new country can feel confusing at first, but once you know how things work here, it becomes super easy.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about paying in Indonesia as a foreigner, from cash and cards to e-wallets and online payments.

We’ll also share a bit of our experience using cashless payment methods in Bali as foreigners, to give you a clearer picture of what it’s really like here.

Key Takeaways

• A mix of cash and a reliable travel card (like Wise card) is the most practical setup for foreign travelers, avoiding issues like ATM limitations and extra fees.
• Cash is essential in many local places such as warung, markets, small shops, beaches, and tourist attractions where cards are not accepted.
• Cards work well in Bali’s tourist areas, especially Visa and Mastercard. However, many places add a 3% card fee, and some stores require a minimum spend.
• E-wallets like GoPay, OVO, and DANA are popular option for cashless transaction in Indonesia, but foreigners usually need an Indonesian SIM card or bank account to use QRIS payments.
• Smaller towns and islands rely heavily on cash, and ATMs may be limited or offline. So, always carry enough Rupiah when traveling outside major Bali hubs.

What Are the Payment Methods in Indonesia?

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and you’ll need it for most everyday purchases. USD, EUR, and other currencies aren’t accepted directly, but you can withdraw or exchange money once you arrive.

Let’s break down the main ways people pay in Indonesia:

1. Cash

Cash is the most widely used payment method, especially in local spots. Think:

• Street food
• Small cafés
• Warung (local eateries)
• Markets
• Tourist attractions (waterfalls and temples)

You’ll want Rupiah for these places because they often don’t take cards. Some beaches and areas also charge a small entry fee. And one more tip from us: keep a mix of smaller bills, because not every vendor has change.

Customs tip: You can bring up to 100 million Rupiah equivalent (~$6,000 USD) without declaring it. More than that needs to be declared.

Read More: Actual Cost of Living Comfortably in Bali for Expats

2. Debit & Credit Cards 

Cards are widely accepted in Bali and most tourist-heavy areas of Indonesia. You can use them at:

• Hotels
• Beach clubs
• Restaurants
• Spas
• Supermarkets
• Convenience stores like Indomaret, Alfamart, and Circle K (some stores apply a minimum pay of around IDR 50K (~$3) to be able to use your card)

Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable here. American Express works in some places but not everywhere. Using a card is great for bigger expenses because it’s safer, easier to track, and you don’t have to carry tons of cash.

Watch out: Many businesses ad up a 3% fee when paying with a credit card. So be aware of those expenses. 

When I came to Bali, I was a little sceptical about my home debit card, even though I activated it for international use. So I got a Wise card, which has been amazing, no declines, fewer fees, and I could top it up instantly.

You can also connect it to apps like Gojek and Grab, which make ordering smooth. Many travelers also use Revolut, which seems to work well across Bali too. If you want something reliable, either of these option will save you headaches.

3. E-Wallets

Indonesia LOVES e-wallets. Locals use apps like:

• GoPay
• OVO
• DANA
• ShopeePay
• LinkAja

These are used for everything, food delivery, supermarket shopping, taxis, and even tiny warung. Most of these payments are done through QRIS, Indonesia’s universal QR code system that lets people scan and pay instantly.

But, here’s the catch for foreigners:

• You need an Indonesian SIM card to register.
• It’s much easier if you have an Indonesian bank account.
• Most foreign banking apps don’t support QRIS scanning.

If you don’t have those, it’s honestly simpler to stick to cash and card.

Read More: Bali Belly Explained: Meaning, Symptoms, and How to Cure It Fast

So, How Do Foreigners Pay in Indonesia?

Most travelers keep it simple and use cash or a card, because those are the easiest and most reliable options. Cash is perfect for small purchases and local spots, while a good travel card works smoothly in restaurants, hotels and shops.

Some foreigners do use e-wallets, but that’s usually people who stay in Indonesia for a longer time, digital nomads, long-term visitors, or expats with an Indonesian SIM card and sometimes a local bank account. For short-term tourists, e-wallets aren’t as practical.

For online payments, most foreign visitors use Visa or Mastercard, since Indonesia online payment methods often rely on cards when you don’t have a local bank account. This also applies to things like booking tours, activities, or Airbnb.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Canggu, Bali: An Insider’s Guide

Is It Better to Use Cash or Card in Indonesia?

Personally, I always use my card to pay for everything because it’s easier to track how much I spend in euros (and it helps me control my expenses better). However, you still need to carry some cash because you will need it.

From my experience in Bali, there are many situations where cash becomes more important than you’d expect. For example, when I was at a local supermarket and only wanted to buy small snacks but didn’t meet the minimum spend for cashless payments.

Or when I visited Melasti Beach and had to pay a small entry fee. Another time, I wanted to buy a cute necklace from a local vendor. And sometimes, I simply wanted to avoid the extra 3% fee that some local businesses add for card transactions. In situations like these, cash becomes essential.

In big areas like Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu, withdrawing money is easy. But in smaller towns or islands like Nusa Penida, ATMs can be limited or out of service — and most local places rely almost entirely on cash.

Tips:

• If you plan to use your regular bank card, make sure you inform your bank that you’re traveling so your payments don’t get flagged as suspicious.
• Make sure you have a card that actually works here. For longer trips, bringing two cards is even better: your main Visa or Mastercard, plus a reliable travel card like Wise or Revolut.

Conclusion

You’ll be totally fine with a reliable travel card and some Rupiah for cash-only situations. That combo covers pretty much everything you’ll need during your stay in Bali.

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