Using an Australian credit card in Bali

Heading to Bali and want to take your Australian credit card with you?

You can use an Australian credit card in Bali, although there are some fees to be aware of. Check out the information below for details.

Save up to 3% per transaction

Credit cards with no Bali currency conversion fee

On website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months (2% BT fee, 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to 12.99% p.a.)
Up to 55 interest-free days.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

There is no rewards program on this card.
There is a 2% BT fee.

On website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

No annual fee.
0% p.a. for 28 months on balances transferred (3% balance transfer fee applies). Reverts to 14.99% p.a. thereafter.
No foreign transaction fees and complimentary international credit card travel insurance.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

No annual fee to pay — ever.
Very long interest-free balance transfer offer.
No fees on purchases in a foreign currency.
Complimentary international travel insurance.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers.
You can't earn rewards points.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in Bali

Keep in mind the conversion rate and fees when using your Australian credit card to shop in Bali.

Currency conversion fee. Most credit cards charge a fee to convert from local currency (Indonesian rupiah) to Australian dollars. If you spend the equivalent of $300 on your credit card, you could be charged up to $9 in currency conversion fees.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. You may be charged an additional fee for dynamic currency conversion if you pay in Australian dollars. This makes paying in Australian dollars the more expensive option.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in Bali

Credit cards from Australia are widely accepted in Bali. However, it can get expensive quickly if you need to withdraw cash from an ATM. Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge a fee to withdraw cash (Indonesian rupiah) from an ATM using your Australian credit card.
Cash advance fee. This is a one-time fee for withdrawing money overseas with your credit card. It typically ranges from 1-3%.
Cash advance rate. You’ll incur interest at the cash advance rate, which is usually higher than the purchase rate, from the transaction date. Most cards have no interest-free period for cash advances.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to Bali?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in Bali?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in Bali. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in Bali?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Indonesian rupiah or Australian dollars in Bali?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Indonesian rupiah or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Indonesian rupiah.