5 Best Travel Money Cards for Bali in 2024
Navigate Bali with Ease Using the Ideal Travel Money Card
Bali, Indonesia's enchanting island known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, is a paradise for Australian travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're surfing in Uluwatu, exploring the temples in Ubud, or shopping in Seminyak, having the right travel money card is essential. T
In Bali you are likely to pay for accommodation, food and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card. So which is the best travel card to take with you?
5 Best Travel Money Cards for Bali in 2024:
- Wise Travel Card for the best exchange rates
- Revolut Travel Card for low fees
- Travelex as the best all-rounder
- ING One Low Rate Platinum Credit Card for no international transaction fee
- HSBC Everyday Global for best debit card for ATM cash withdrawals
Wise Travel Card - Best Exchange Rates
- 40+ currencies available
- Best exchange rates globally
- One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
- No international transaction fees
- No annual or monthly fees
- Extremely low costs to send money overseas
Wise Travel Card
- Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
- Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
- Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
- Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
- It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
- Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted
For Australians traveling to Bali, the Wise Travel Card presents a range of features that are particularly beneficial. Firstly, the card offers access to over 40 currencies at the intermarket exchange rate, which is renowned for being the most cost-effective globally. This is especially advantageous for Australians in Bali, as it allows them to convert Australian Dollars (AUD) to Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) at highly competitive rates. Given the exchange rate fluctuations, having access to the intermarket rate can lead to significant savings during their stay. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.
Revolut - Low Fees
- 30+ currencies available
- One of the best exchange rates globally
- No international transaction fees
- No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
- No initial card fee
- Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies
Revolut Travel Card
- No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
- Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
- Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.
Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder
Best Features
- Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Initial and replacement card are free
- No international transaction fees
- Lock in up to 10 currencies
Travelex Money Card
- Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
- Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
- While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
- Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
- If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
- Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map
The Travelex Card is a good all rounder.
You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut Card abroad, the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.
ING One Low Rate Credit Card
Best Features
- No annual fee
- No international transaction fees on purchases
- Up to 45 days interest free on purchases
- Lowest cash advance interest rate of 11.99%
- Use instalment plans to pay off your purchases over time at a lower interest rate
ING One Low Rate Credit Card
- 11.99% interest rate on purchases
- $6,000 minimum credit card
- Make payments from your mobile with pay with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- International ATM fee and Foreign currency conversion fee are waived when you deposit $1,000 into your Orange Everyday each month, and make 5+ card purchases that are settled. Otherwise they are the higher of 3% or at least $3
- Put repayments on auto payment each month to pay the minimum balance or full amount
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
The ING One Low Rate credit card for travel is a great option to take to Bali for your next overseas trip as it has one of the lowest interest rates with no international transaction fee on purchases. These two features alone will save you lots of money abroad.
In addition, it has no annual fee, offers 45 days interest free on purchases and it offers the one of the lowest interest rates for cash advances. Finally, it's super versatile. You can make payments from your mobile with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card
Best Features
- No international ATM fees
- No initial card or closure fees
- No monthly or account fees
- No cross currency conversion fees
- Lock in very competitive exchange rates before travel
- No maximum balance
- Earn 2% cashback
HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card
- 10 Currencies can be loaded are AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY)
- Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
- ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
- Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100. With a maximum of $50 cash back per month. In addition you need to deposit $2,000 or more into your Everyday Global Account each calendar month.
- Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
- Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability
- Can be used wherever Visa is accepted
HSBC is very prominent in Asia and Bali so this is the best debit card for ATM cash withdrawals, as the ATMs only need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo for free cash withdrawals.
In addition the HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card has no international transaction fees and monthly fees. You can use this card as well in Europe, the UK, the US and New Zealand as well. Finally it offers a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.
Choosing the Right Travel Money Card for Bali
Selecting the most suitable travel money card for your trip to Bali involves looking at several important features that can enhance your travel experience. Here’s what to consider:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Choose a card with zero foreign transaction fees to save on every purchase in Bali.
- Competitive Exchange Rates: Ensure your card provides close to mid-market rates to maximize your spending power.
- Reliable ATM Access: Choose a card widely accepted at ATMs across Bali, providing you with easy access to cash when needed.
- Robust Security Features: To keep your funds safe, select a card with strong security measures, such as chip and PIN technology and temporary lock capabilities.
Using Your Travel Money Card in Bali
To maximize the benefits of your travel money card while in Bali, keep these tips in mind:
- Inform Your Bank: Notify your bank of your travel dates and destination to prevent any security blocks on your card.
- Understand the Fee Structure: Familiarize yourself with any fees for ATM withdrawals or currency conversions to manage your expenses effectively.
- Carry a Backup: Always have a backup payment option, such as a second card or some Indonesian Rupiah, to cover you in case of emergencies.
Managing Your Finances While Traveling
Effective management of your finances while exploring Bali can help ensure a stress-free holiday. Consider these strategies:
- Budget Carefully: Establish a daily spending limit to help manage your finances without missing out on what Bali has to offer.
- Monitor Your Spending: Regularly check your card’s app or online banking to keep track of your expenses and stay aware of any charges.
- Take Advantage of Perks: Utilize any additional benefits your card may offer, such as discounts on activities, dining, or accommodations, to save money and enhance your travel experience.
Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines.
Learn more about the best credit, debit and prepaid cards for travel
FAQs
The best debit card for Bali charges no international transaction fees and offers intermarket exchange rates on currency conversion, this is the Wise Multi Currency card. It has no set up costs, no ongoing costs or fees for inactivity.
Yes, it is better to have a little bit of Indonesian Rupiah before you arrive. You need cash to pay for your visa when you arrive, cash to pay for transport and tipping in accommodation. The Indonesian exchange rate can be found at the Bank Indonesia page or our home page.
It’s not advisable to carry too much money into Bali, while there is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you bring into Bali, it's better to only bring enough for 2 days. You can work out how much money you need for a week in Bali in our useful guide.
You should take both cash and a card to Bali. A travel money card is better than cash for security reasons and that in most places in Bali you can pay with a card. No one can access your cash unless they have your 4 digit pin. If you lose your travel money card you can quickly report it lost or stolen to stop unauthorised transactions. Cash is better for tipping, on transport and in markets.
Yes Bali does take debit cards especially those linked to Mastercard or Visa, less so with American Express. Most debit cards issued in Australia will work in Bali and it's best to advise your bank that you are travelling to Bali before you leave so they don't cancel your card while you are away. Debit cards work in a similar way to in Australia, tap and pay or punch in your digits and pay. Always accept the local currency when the DCC screen appears to save money.
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. They have 6 banknotes called rupiah and 5 coins called sen. The most common notes you’ll probably be dealing with are the blue Rp. 50,000 banknotes or the reddish-pink Rp. 100,000.
