Where cards work (and where they don't)
- Yes: hotels, villas booked through agencies, sit-down restaurants, beach clubs, supermarkets, malls, bigger shops.
- Often not: warungs, markets, small shops, street food, tips, many massage places. Bring cash or use a QR wallet. Pay by phone
- Surcharges: plenty of places add a card fee, commonly quoted at 1.5% to 3%. (Bali Villa Realty, checked 2026-10-25) Ask before you tap; on a big villa bill it can be worth paying by bank transfer through Wise instead.
Always pay in rupiah
Card machines and ATMs will often ask whether to charge you in AUD or IDR. It looks helpful. It isn't. Choosing AUD lets the machine's provider set the exchange rate (this is called dynamic currency conversion), and that rate usually carries a markup. One guide for Kiwi travellers puts it at 4% to 8%. (Bali Holiday Secrets, checked 2026-10-25)
Pick IDR, and your own card does the conversion at its normal rate.
Aussie cards that skip the foreign fee
Most standard Aussie bank cards charge a foreign transaction fee on overseas spending. unverified These are the usual picks for avoiding it. Terms change, so check the current fee page before you go.
| Card | Foreign purchase fee | Overseas ATM | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | None on rupiah spending; small conversion fee on AUD→IDR | A$400/month free, then 2.69% | A separate app and account to top up |
| Revolut | None within plan limits | ~A$350/month free (Standard), then ~2% | Weekend markups and limits vary by plan unverified |
| Macquarie Transaction Account | None | No Macquarie international ATM fee | The Bali ATM's own fee still applies |
| Ubank | None | No Ubank fee | The Bali ATM's own fee still applies |
| ING Orange Everyday | None (conditions apply) | No ING fee; operator fees apply | Rebate conditions changed in 2025 unverified |
Sources: Finder, Wise AU, Countryman, Revolut AU, checked 2026-10-25. General information only; read the PDS and TMD.