Bali Tourists Will Soon Lose Their ‘Millionaire’ Feeling
Travelers who are used to feeling like “millionaires” upon arriving in Bali may soon have to say goodbye to that familiar sensation. Indonesia is preparing a sweeping financial reform — the redenomination of the rupiah. For those who visit the country regularly, the change will be noticeable but ultimately convenient: the endless rows of zeroes on banknotes will disappear, and everyday payments will become clearer and calmer.
Photo: flickr.com by Monito – Money Transfer Comparison, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Indian 100 and 2000 rupee banknotes
Why Indonesia Needs to Change Its Currency Format
The Indonesian government has long discussed the need to simplify monetary operations. In daily trade, where price tags often run into tens of thousands of rupiah, mistakes are easy to make. The redenomination aims to accomplish several goals at once: make payments more transparent, reduce confusion, and complicate the work of scammers who profit from exchange-rate tricks and sleight-of-hand with thick bundles of cash.
Under the reform, existing banknotes will lose exactly three zeroes. For example, 100,000 rupiah will become 100, and 1,000 rupiah will become 1. The real value of the currency will not change: food, transport, and accommodation will simply be priced with smaller numbers.
The process is expected to be completed by around 2027, and 2026 will likely be the final year of “million-rupiah” transactions for tourists.
How a Common Scam Works on Bali
The currency-exchange trick involving the substitution of a few banknotes has existed on Bali for years. A tourist is shown the correct amount and the cashier counts it out loud. But the moment the visitor is distracted — usually to sign a receipt — the cashier quickly “removes” several notes. Many travelers notice the shortage only after leaving the exchange booth, when proving anything becomes nearly impossible.
“The main rule that protects you in such situations is simple: count your money the moment it is handed to you.”
What to Know About Prices on Bali Before and After the Redenomination
The overall cost of living remains moderate. Visitors can tailor their budget to any travel style — from modest guesthouses to oceanfront villas.
Approximate prices:
- Food:
Street dishes like nasi goreng: 15,000–30,000 rupiah (1–2 USD).
Standard cafés: 50,000–150,000 rupiah (3–10 USD).
Premium restaurants: significantly higher. - Transport:
Scooter rental: 50,000–70,000 rupiah per day.
Taxis and Gojek/Grab services: among the most convenient options. - Accommodation:
Hostels: from 100,000 rupiah.
Hotels: from 300,000 rupiah.
Villas: from 1,000,000 rupiah per night. - Services and entertainment:
Massage: from 100,000 rupiah.
Surfboard rental: from 50,000 rupiah per hour.
Excursions: from 300,000 rupiah and up.
After the redenomination, these same prices will simply be expressed with smaller numbers — making it easier to navigate and reducing the chance of errors during payment.
Comparison: Current and New Denominations
| Current Denomination | New Denomination | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 rupiah | 1 rupiah | Smaller price notation |
| 10,000 rupiah | 10 rupiah | Real value remains unchanged |
| 50,000 rupiah | 50 rupiah | Faster transactions |
| 100,000 rupiah | 100 rupiah | Lower risk for tourists during exchanges |
How to Protect Yourself from Mistakes and Scams: Step by Step
- Count the money yourself — ideally twice: immediately and again before leaving the exchange booth.
- Compare the rate with several other nearby exchange points — an unusually favorable rate almost always hides a trick.
- Use electronic payments whenever possible: bank cards and apps like Gojek/Grab.
- Keep receipts, especially for large payments or accommodation bookings.
Common Tourist Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake: Trusting the cashier without checking the notes.
Consequence: Shortages of up to one-third of the amount.
Alternative: Count the cash at the counter.
Mistake: Exchanging money in small street booths.
Consequence: Higher risk of counterfeits and manipulation.
Alternative: Use ATMs or large, reputable exchange offices.
Mistake: Paying with large banknotes when exact change is needed.
Consequence: Wrong change or note substitution.
Alternative: Carry smaller denominations or pay via an app.
