A few years ago, almost everywhere in Bali accepted only cash. Cards rarely worked — mostly in large hotels and expensive restaurants. Now the situation is changing: digital payments are becoming the norm in tourist areas across the island.
Cash is still needed, especially in small warungs and villages. But in popular locations — waterfalls, viewpoints, parking lots, and attractions — it's increasingly possible to pay by card or QR code.
The tourism department of Buleleng confirms: the region is gradually introducing electronic tickets and digital payment terminals. There are currently only 13 devices throughout the district, while there are more than twenty official tourist attractions. The authorities have already applied for additional funding to expand the system in 2026. According to the tourism office's assessment, the district needs about 40 terminals to cover all major attractions.
The demand for cashless payments will only grow. Hotels in the north of the island report high occupancy in the holiday season, and many popular dates after the New Year are already booked at over 90%. In some hotels, all rooms are sold out even before the holidays.
According to Bank Indonesia, in 2025 QRIS — the national QR code payment system — became one of the most popular payment methods in Bali. Over the year, more than 130 million such transactions were conducted on the island, and the number of users and retail outlets exceeded a million.
QRIS works almost everywhere — from cafes and souvenir shops to ticket counters at natural sites. A smartphone and an electronic wallet are all a tourist needs.
In December, the Indonesia Tourist Travel Pack service was launched at Ngurah Rai Airport by Bank Indonesia. Foreign tourists can receive a SIM card, an electronic wallet, and instructions on registering in the national QR payment system immediately upon arrival. This allows for avoiding currency exchanges and carrying large amounts of cash: many services can be paid directly from a phone.
Meanwhile, cash hasn't been abolished. Before the Christmas and New Year holidays, Bank Indonesia increased the volume of banknotes in circulation in Bali to prevent shortages and inconvenience for tourists and locals.
If you need to exchange cash, it's easy with the Bali Forum Currency Exchange Chat. Legal Indonesia can help you open a bank account and get a local card.
Sources: nusabali, antaranews
You can add one right now!