Bali Payment Guide for Kiwis: Cards, Fees, & Money Tips

Using your NZ debit or credit card in Bali is one of the easiest ways to pay for hotels, restaurants, shopping, and transport in 2026.

But if you use the wrong card, choose the wrong currency, or withdraw cash the wrong way, those extra fees can quickly add up.

Here’s your pro guide to using New Zealand cards in Bali, including best cards, where you’ll need cash, how to avoid bank fees, and my recommendations for spending money as a Kiwi in Bali.

Quick Bali Payment Tips for Kiwis

Sorting out your spending money before you leave New Zealand doesn’t need to be complicated.

But if you rely only on your everyday NZ bank card, you could end up paying unnecessary fees or even have your card declined.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you should know before using your New Zealand cards in Bali in 2026.

Paying in Bali as a Kiwi

• NZ Visa and Mastercard cards work almost everywhere: You can use NZ-issued Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards at hotels, beach clubs, nicer restaurants, and major supermarkets like Bintang Supermarket and Grand Lucky.
• Regular NZ EFTPOS cards won’t work: If your card doesn’t have a Visa or Mastercard logo, it won’t work at Indonesian ATMs or payment terminals.
• Always pay in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR): If the payment terminal asks whether you want to pay in NZD or IDR, always choose IDR. Choosing NZD uses Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which usually comes with poor exchange rates and extra conversion markups.
• A multi-currency card can save you money: Travel cards like the Wise card usually offer much better exchange rates and lower fees than the 2.5% to 3% foreign transaction fees charged by many NZ banks such as ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac, and Kiwibank.
• You’ll still need cash: Card payments are common, but you’ll still need Indonesian Rupiah for local warungs, traditional markets, small temple donations, tipping, and many local drivers.
• Set up Grab or Gojek before you arrive: Link your NZ debit card, credit card, or travel card to the apps as soon as you land. It makes paying for rides and food much easier without needing to carry as much cash.

If you’re planning your overall Bali holiday, check out my guide to the cost of a Bali trip from New Zealand. It covers everything from flights and accommodation to food, transport, and daily spending.

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Do New Zealand Cards Work in Bali?

Short answer is yes. Using your New Zealand Cards in Bali should give you no issues, as long as they have a Visa or Mastercard logo.

The bigger question is which card you’re using and which currency you choose at checkout, because both can make a noticeable difference to how much you end up paying.

Here’s what to expect with different types of Kiwi bank cards in Bali:

1. Visa & Mastercard Debit & Credit Cards (Fully Supported)

If your card is issued by a major NZ bank like ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac, or Kiwibank, or by a travel card provider, you’ll have no problems using it across Bali.

• At payment terminals: Accepted at hotels, beach clubs, supermarkets, larger restaurants, and most tourist businesses.
• At ATMs: You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) from major bank ATMs.
• Apple Pay & Google Pay: Both work anywhere you see a contactless payment symbol.

2. Standard NZ EFTPOS Cards (Not Supported)

• EFTPOS: Basic NZ EFTPOS cards that only work on New Zealand’s EFTPOS network won’t work in Bali.
• Logos: If your card doesn’t have a Visa or Mastercard logo on the front, it can’t be used at Indonesian ATMs or payment terminals.
• Plus / Cirrus: Some NZ EFTPOS cards with a Plus or Cirrus logo may work for ATM withdrawals, but they still can’t be tapped or inserted at most shops or restaurants.

💡 My advice: If your card doesn’t have a Visa or Mastercard logo, don’t rely on it. Bring it only as a backup.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

When you pay with your New Zealand cards in Bali, the payment terminal may ask whether you’d like to pay in NZD or IDR. Always choose IDR.

This avoids Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where the payment terminal converts the amount into NZD using its own exchange rate.

• Always choose IDR (Indonesian Rupiah).
• If you choose NZD, the terminal provider sets the exchange rate, often adding an extra 4% to 8% to your purchase.
• If you choose IDR, your own bank or travel card provider, such as Wise, handles the conversion using its normal exchange rate.

NZ Card Surcharges in Bali (1.5% to 3%)

Unlike New Zealand, card surcharges are still fairly common in Bali, especially at businesses that mainly cater to tourists.

• Expect a 1.5% to 3% surcharge at some beach clubs, restaurants, tour operators, and boutique shops when paying by card.
• Larger supermarkets like Bintang Supermarket and high-end stores often don’t charge a card fee, but I still recommend checking your bill or payment terminal before paying.

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Best New Zealand Cards for Bali

Not all Kiwi bank cards are created equal when you’re travelling to Bali.

Using your New Zealand cards in Bali for every coffee, taxi, and dinner can quietly add up through foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates.

My recommendation: Travel with a multi-currency travel card for everyday spending, then keep your regular NZ debit or credit card as a backup.

Top New Zealand Cards in Bali for Daily Spending

Card Provider	Foreign FX Fee	Overseas ATM Fee
Wise NZ Card	~0.5% – 0.6% (Mid-market rate)	First 2 withdrawals/month free (up to $350 NZD equivalent)
Revolut NZ	0% (up to $2,000 NZD/mo, standard plan)	Free up to $350 NZD/month
ANZ Visa Debit	1.3% currency conversion fee	$0 ANZ fee (local bank ATM fees apply)
BNZ Flexi Debit Visa	2.25% foreign service fee	$0 BNZ fee (local ATM operator fees apply)
ASB Visa Debit	2.10% transaction charge	Included in 2.10% transaction fee
Westpac / Kiwibank Debit	2.5% – 3.0% transaction fee	$0 – $5 NZD per withdrawal + local fees

1. Wise NZ Travel Card (My Top Pick)

If you’re only getting one travel card for Bali, this is the one I’d recommend for Kiwis in 2026.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is one of the easiest ways to reduce fees while travelling, and it’s what many frequent travellers use.

• How it works: Hold, convert, and spend Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) directly through the Wise app before or during your trip.
• Why it’s good: Wise converts NZD to IDR using the real mid-market exchange rate, with low conversion fees of around 0.5% to 0.6%.
• Extra bonus: You can link your Wise card to Grab and Gojek, making it easy to pay for rides and food deliveries without worrying about extra bank charges.

👉 I recommend getting your Wise card sorted before you fly. You can sign up using that link and have it ready for your Bali trip.

2. Revolut NZ (Best Secondary Travel Card)

Revolut works in a similar way to Wise, letting you hold and spend multiple currencies from the one account.

• Why people like it: You get 0% foreign exchange markup on weekdays for currency exchanges up to NZD $2,000 per month on the standard plan.
• Keep in mind: Weekend currency conversions attract a small 1% fee, so it’s worth converting your NZD to IDR during the week if you know you’ll be spending over the weekend.

3. Major NZ Bank Debit Cards (ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac, Kiwibank)

Your everyday NZ bank card will work perfectly well across Bali, but you’ll usually pay more in fees than you would with a travel card.

• ANZ: One of the lower-cost options, charging around 1.3% for Visa Debit foreign transactions.
• BNZ & ASB: BNZ charges around 2.25%, while ASB charges 2.10% on foreign transactions.
• Hidden cost: Every time you tap your regular bank card, your bank converts the IDR amount back to NZD using its own exchange rate, then adds the foreign transaction fee on top.

💡 My advice: Don’t rely on just one NZ card in Bali. I always recommend bringing at least two. Keep your everyday NZ bank card safely stored as a backup, then use your Wise or Revolut card for everyday spending, ATM withdrawals, Grab, and Gojek. It gives you a backup if one card is lost, blocked, or damaged, while helping you avoid unnecessary fees.

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Using NZ Banking Apps in Bali

Your NZ banking app becomes even more useful once you’re in Bali. It’s not just for checking your balance.

You’ll use it to approve payments, lock your card if it goes missing, and keep an eye on transactions while you’re away.

There are a couple of things Kiwis should sort out before leaving New Zealand, especially around travel notifications and two-factor authentication (2FA).

1. Submit a Travel Notification Before You Fly

If you suddenly start using your ANZ or BNZ card at a beach club in Seminyak without warning your bank first, there’s a chance the transaction could be flagged as suspicious and your card temporarily blocked.

I recommend logging your travel plans in your NZ banking app a couple of days before you leave.

• ANZ goMoney: Tap Support, then Message Us, and let them know you’re travelling overseas.
• BNZ App: Go to Menu > Contact Us > Let us know before you travel.
• ASB Mobile App: Go to More > Overseas Travel under Get Help.
• Westpac One: Go to Cards, select your card, then choose Notify Travel.
• Kiwibank App: Go to Settings or Message Us to log your overseas travel.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Is Important

When you book day tours, pay for activities, or make purchases online in Bali, your NZ bank may send a One-Time Password (OTP) by SMS to confirm the payment.

The problem is that if you’ve swapped your NZ SIM for an Indonesian SIM, or you’re using an eSIM without roaming on your NZ number, you might not receive that SMS.

Here’s what I recommend for 2026:

1. Before you leave New Zealand, check your banking app settings and switch to in-app push notifications or biometric verification (Face ID or fingerprint) instead of SMS, if your bank supports it.
2. If your bank still relies on SMS codes, keep your NZ SIM active in a dual SIM phone. Turn data roaming off on your NZ SIM, then use your Indonesian SIM or eSIM for mobile data. That way you’ll still receive verification texts without paying roaming charges.

3. NZ App Card Controls for Bali

If you misplace your card at a restaurant or think you’ve left it in a taxi, don’t panic or cancel it straight away. Most NZ banking apps let you temporarily lock your card with a couple of taps.

• Temporarily lock your card: Apps like ANZ goMoney, BNZ, ASB, Westpac One, and Wise all let you freeze your card instantly. If you find it later, you can unlock it just as quickly.
• Turn off overseas ATM withdrawals or contactless payments: Many banking apps let you disable international ATM withdrawals or tap payments while leaving chip-and-PIN payments active. It’s an easy way to reduce the risk of fraud.
• Enable transaction notifications: Switch on instant payment alerts so your phone notifies you every time your card is used. If something doesn’t look right, you’ll know immediately.

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Where Can You Use NZ Cards in Bali?

You’ll have no trouble using your New Zealand cards in Bali, especially in the main tourist towns like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu.

That said, “card acceptance” still depends on where you’re spending your money.

Knowing where you can pay by card, and where you’ll need cash, will save you a few awkward moments during your trip.

Places Where NZ Cards Are Widely Accepted

Across Bali’s main tourist areas, you can comfortably use your NZ Visa, Mastercard, or Wise card for most bigger purchases.

• Hotels & resorts: Cards are accepted for accommodation, restaurant bills, and security deposits.
• Beach clubs & nicer restaurants: Places like Finns, Potato Head, Savaya, and La Brisa all accept card payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Major supermarkets: Bintang Supermarket, Grand Lucky, and Pepito all accept cards. Just keep in mind that some convenience stores, including Indomaret and Circle K, might require a minimum spend of IDR 50,000 to 100,000 before they’ll accept card payments.
• Shopping centres: Malls like Beachwalk Shopping Center, Discovery Mall, and international stores such as Uniqlo and Zara all take cards.
• Grab & Gojek: Once you’ve linked your card to the app, you can pay for rides and food deliveries without carrying cash.

Places Where You’ll Still Need IDR Cash

Outside the main tourist businesses, cash is still very common. I always recommend carrying a bit of Indonesian Rupiah for things like:

• Local warungs and street food stalls: Many smaller family-run places are still cash only.
• Local markets: Markets like Ubud Art Market, Sukawati, and Kuta Art Market usually prefer cash.
• Temple entrance fees and parking: Smaller temples, waterfalls, and local parking attendants often only accept cash.
• Street taxis: If you hail a taxi from the street instead of booking through Grab or Gojek, cash is often expected.
• Tips: Tipping in Bali isn’t compulsory, but if you want to tip your massage therapist, villa staff, porter, or private driver, cash is by far the easiest option.

NZ Card Acceptance in Bali

Category	Card Accepted?	Common Payment Types
Hotels & Villas	✅ Yes	Visa, Mastercard, AMEX (select)
Beach Clubs / Fine Dining	✅ Yes	Visa, Mastercard, Tap-to-Pay
Supermarkets (Pepito / Bintang)	✅ Yes	Chip & PIN, Tap-to-Pay
Gojek / Grab Apps	✅ Yes	In-App Card Billing
Local Warungs & Markets	❌ Cash Only	Physical IDR Cash
Temple Tickets & Waterfall Entry	❌ Mostly Cash	Physical IDR Cash

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Using New Zealand Apple & Google Pay in Bali

Yes. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Bali as long as they’re linked to an eligible New Zealand debit card, credit card, or travel card.

Anywhere you see a contactless payment terminal, you can tap your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone instead of pulling out your physical card.

How NZ Mobile Wallets Work in Bali

When you pay with NZ Apple Pay or Google Pay, you’re still using the card that’s linked to your wallet.

• Fees and exchange rates: Apple Pay and Google Pay don’t charge any extra fees. Whatever fees or exchange rates apply will come from your linked card. If you’re using an ANZ or BNZ debit card, you’ll pay your bank’s normal foreign transaction fees. If you’re using a Wise card, you’ll get Wise’s exchange rate instead.
• Where it works: As long as your linked card is a Visa or Mastercard, you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted.

Apple Pay Doesn’t Protect You From the DCC Trap

One mistake many Kiwis make is thinking Apple Pay or Google Pay automatically gives them the best exchange rate.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

• Always check the payment terminal before approving the payment.
• If you’re asked to choose between NZD or IDR, always select IDR.
• Choosing NZD triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which can add an unnecessary 4% to 8% to your purchase.

⚠️ Remember: Always check the payment terminal. Even when you’re paying with Apple Pay or Google Pay, some terminals will still ask whether you’d like to pay in NZD or IDR.

3 Tips for Using NZ Apple Pay & Google Pay in Bali

1. Set Wise or Revolut as your default card. That way, every tap automatically uses your travel card instead of your everyday NZ bank card with higher foreign transaction fees.
2. Always carry your physical card. Payment terminals occasionally lose connection or don’t support contactless payments, so it’s worth having your Visa or Mastercard with you as a backup.
3. Apple Pay and Google Pay can’t scan QRIS codes. You’ll see Indonesia’s QRIS payment system everywhere, but overseas Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets can’t scan those codes directly. If you want to pay digitally through QR codes or for rides, link your card to the Grab or Gojek app instead.

💡 Pro Tip: If your phone battery dies, so does your mobile wallet. Carry a physical Visa or Mastercard with you, especially if you’re heading out for the day or using Grab to get home at night.

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Using Your NZ Card with Gojek / Grab

In Bali, Gojek and Grab are two of the most useful apps you’ll have on your phone.

Whether you’re booking a scooter through Canggu, getting a ride, or ordering dinner, both apps let you link your New Zealand debit card, credit card, or travel card for quick, cashless payments.

For your New Zealand cards in Bali, having it linked means you won’t need to carry small IDR notes or worry about drivers finding change.

How to Add Your NZ Card to Gojek & Grab

I recommend setting up your card before you leave New Zealand, or at the very latest, as soon as you land in Bali.

1. Open the app: Go to the Payment, Wallet, or Account section in Gojek or Grab.
2. Add your card: Select Add Credit/Debit Card and enter your NZ Visa or Mastercard details.
3. Complete the verification: Your bank will usually ask you to approve the card through 3D Secure (3DS) using either an SMS code or your banking app.
4. Set it as your default payment method: If you’re using Wise or Revolut, make that your default card to avoid unnecessary foreign transaction fees.

💡 My Advice: Set up your card before leaving New Zealand. Most NZ banks send the verification code to your NZ mobile number. If you’ve already switched to an Indonesian SIM and can’t receive SMS messages, your card registration may fail.

Tips for Paying with Grab & Gojek

• No DCC worries: Unlike paying at a card terminal, you won’t be asked whether you want to pay in NZD or IDR. The app processes the payment in IDR automatically.
• Restricted pickup areas: In places like central Ubud, parts of Uluwatu, and around some busy beach clubs, local transport restrictions may prevent Grab or Gojek drivers from picking you up directly. If your driver asks you to walk a short distance, you can simply update your pickup point in the app without affecting your payment.
• Tipping is easy: After your ride ends, both apps let you leave a tip directly through the app. Around IDR 10,000 to 20,000 is a nice gesture if you’ve had good service.

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NZD & IDR: How Much Cash Should You Carry?

Parking, local markets, small warungs, and temple entrance fees are just a few examples where cash is still the norm.

Knowing roughly how much IDR cash to carry, and where to exchange or withdraw it, will help you avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Daily Cash Guide for Kiwis

For most Kiwis in 2026, carrying IDR 300,000 to 500,000 in cash each day is a good amount.

Use your NZ card for bigger purchases like hotels, beach clubs, and shopping, then keep cash for smaller everyday expenses.

NZD to IDR Cash Conversion Guide

• IDR 10,000 ≈ NZD $1 (handy for parking or a bottle of water)
• IDR 50,000 ≈ NZD $5 (great for smaller purchases)
• IDR 100,000 ≈ NZD $10 (Indonesia’s largest banknote)
• IDR 500,000 ≈ NZD $50 (about as much cash as I’d carry around)

Cash You’ll Need When You Arrive

Before heading off to your hotel or the beach, make sure you’ve got enough cash for these arrival expenses:

1. Bali Tourist Tax: You can pay online before you fly or on arrival at the official payment counters. I recommend paying online through the official Bali Tourist Levy website if possible.
2. Visa on Arrival (if required): If you need a Bali Visa on Arrival, bring a card that works internationally or enough cash to cover the fee if needed.

👉 If you’re not sure whether you need a visa, check out my Bali Visa Guide for New Zealanders. It covers Visa on Arrival, longer stay options, costs, extensions, and everything you need before you fly.

Should You Exchange NZD or Withdraw Cash in Bali?

Where you get your Indonesian Rupiah can make a noticeable difference to how much you pay.

• Avoid exchanging cash before you leave New Zealand. Airport exchange counters and most currency exchanges in NZ usually offer poor rates for Indonesian Rupiah.
• Avoid airport money changers in Bali unless you have to. They’re convenient, but the exchange rates are often among the worst on the island.

💡 My recommendation: Withdraw IDR from a major bank ATM in Bali using your Wise or Revolut card. In most cases, you’ll get a much better exchange rate with lower overall fees.

Staying Safe When Exchanging Money

If you do exchange your cash in Bali, stick to authorised money changers and avoid anywhere that looks too good to be true.

1. Use authorised money changers. Look for official businesses with clear signage and avoid tiny roadside exchange booths.
2. Avoid street money changers with unrealistically good rates. Some use distraction tricks or incorrect counting to short-change tourists.
3. Count your cash yourself before leaving the counter. It’s a simple habit that can save you a headache later.

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Using Bali ATMs with NZ Cards

Using New Zealand cards in Bali to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah from Bali ATMs is usually the cheapest and easiest way to get cash, especially if you’re using a travel card like Wise or Revolut.

That said, not all ATMs are equal. Choosing the right one can help you avoid card skimming, unnecessary fees, and machine issues.

Best ATMs to Use in Bali

I recommend sticking to ATMs attached to official bank branches or those inside shopping centres.

Avoid standalone machines on quiet streets, inside small convenience stores, or near busy tourist areas if you can.

These are the Indonesian bank ATMs I trust most:

• BCA (Bank Central Asia): Dark blue and light blue branding. Widely regarded as the most reliable ATM network in Bali.
• Bank Mandiri: Blue and yellow branding with plenty of well-maintained ATMs across the island.
• BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia): Orange branding and a solid choice for international Visa and Mastercard withdrawals.
• CIMB Niaga: Red branding with modern ATMs that generally work well with overseas cards.

Understanding 50,000 vs 100,000 IDR ATMs

Many ATMs in Bali display a sticker showing whether they dispense IDR 50,000 or IDR 100,000 notes.

This affects the maximum amount you can withdraw in a single transaction.

• 100,000 IDR note ATMs: Usually allow withdrawals of up to IDR 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 per transaction.
• 50,000 IDR note ATMs: Usually have a lower limit of around IDR 1,250,000 to 1,500,000 per transaction because the machine can only hold a certain number of notes.

💡 Pro Tip: If your bank charges a fee for overseas ATM withdrawals, it’s usually cheaper to make one larger withdrawal from a 100,000 IDR ATM than several smaller withdrawals throughout your trip when using New Zealand cards in Bali.

Total ATM Fee Breakdown for Kiwis

When you withdraw cash from an ATM in Bali, there can be up to three different fees:

1. Local Indonesian ATM fee: Some ATMs charge a local access fee of around IDR 50,000 to 100,000 (roughly NZD $5 to $10) per withdrawal.
2. NZ bank overseas ATM fee: Your NZ bank may also charge an international ATM withdrawal fee, often around NZD $3 to $5.
3. Foreign transaction fee: If you’re using a regular NZ bank debit card, you’ll usually pay a foreign transaction fee of around 1.3% to 3.0% on top.

The easiest way to reduce these fees: Use a Wise card. It includes two free international ATM withdrawals each month (up to the NZD equivalent of $350) using Wise’s competitive exchange rate.

Bali ATM Safety Tips for Kiwis

1. Always decline currency conversion (DCC). After entering your PIN and withdrawal amount, the ATM may ask if you’d like to be charged in NZD. Always choose Decline or Pay in IDR. Accepting NZD usually means paying a much worse exchange rate.
2. Take your cash first, then your card. Many ATMs in Bali dispense the cash before returning your card. It’s surprisingly common for people to grab their money and accidentally leave their card behind.
3. Choose “Savings” or “Checking”. If the ATM asks which account to use, select Savings or Checking/Current. Avoid selecting Credit unless you’re intentionally using a credit card.
4. Check the card slot before using the ATM. If anything looks loose, damaged, or unusual, don’t use it. Find another ATM, preferably one attached to a bank branch instead.

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Emergency NZ Bank Contacts

If you’re using New Zealand cards in Bali and your card gets swallowed by an ATM, stolen, or suddenly blocked, acting quickly can save you a lot of stress.

I recommend saving your bank’s overseas contact number in your phone before you leave New Zealand.

Emergency Phone Numbers for NZ Banks

When calling from Bali, use the full international number with New Zealand’s country code (+64).

• ANZ New Zealand
  • Lost or stolen cards (24/7): +64 9 522 3010
  • General overseas enquiries: +64 4 470 3142
• BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)
  • Lost or stolen cards: +64 4 473 5901
  • General overseas enquiries: +64 4 931 8209
• ASB
  • General & card enquiries: +64 9 306 3000
  • Fraud & urgent security help: +64 9 303 0332
• Westpac New Zealand
  • 24/7 overseas support: +64 9 912 8000
• Kiwibank
  • Overseas customer support: +64 4 473 1133
• Wise
  • Open the Wise app and go to Account > Help > Contact Us. Wise offers 24/7 in-app support and lets you freeze your card instantly from the app.

What to Do if Your Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Swallowed

If something goes wrong, here’s the order I’d follow:

1. Lock your card immediately. Open your banking app and temporarily freeze the card to stop any unauthorised transactions while you work out what’s happened.
2. Call your bank. Use the overseas support number above to report the issue. They can cancel the card permanently or organise a replacement if needed.
3. Switch to your backup card. This is exactly why I recommend carrying a second card, such as a Wise or Revolut card, so you can keep paying for things without interrupting your trip.
4. Report theft to the local police if needed. If your wallet or card has been stolen and you need to make an insurance claim, visit the nearest Polsek (local police station) and request a Surat Keterangan Kehilangan (loss report). Most travel insurers will ask for this before processing a claim.

Using New Zealand cards in Bali is generally very straightforward, and knowing what to do in an emergency means you can deal with problems quickly and get back to enjoying your trip.

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FAQs About Using NZ Cards in Bali

If you’ve still got questions about New Zealand cards in Bali, you’re not alone. Below are answers to the questions Kiwi travellers ask most. Leave a comment below if you have more questions.

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