Updated: 2026/05/18 | Maintained by the Gobaliogo Team
Bottom Line First: The three most effective money-saving tips—① Avoid peak seasons (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas/New Year, Lunar New Year, European/American summer, and Australian school holidays—these five periods see spikes in flight and accommodation prices); ② Choose affordable yet decent accommodations, or split rooms with friends; ③ Use Gojek/Grab instead of taxis, and exchange currency locally rather than at the airport. Below is the full list of 19 money-saving tips.
Hey travel lovers! Today, I’m sharing some awesome money-saving tips for your Bali trip, so you can enjoy this stunning island to the fullest without going broke. Dive into these budget hacks!
1. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
First up, let’s start with choosing your travel dates! Avoid visiting Bali during peak seasons when flight, accommodation, and activity prices tend to skyrocket. Opting for the off-season or less busy periods not only saves you money on flights and stays but also offers a more peaceful travel experience.
So when is Bali’s peak season? Generally, the dry season with lower rainfall is the best time to visit Bali, roughly from April to October, which is also the peak travel season. Wondering about the downsides of avoiding peak season? Check here to learn about Bali’s rainy season.
Beyond seasonal distinctions, these five periods also see crowds flocking to Bali, ranked by the volume of people and traffic:
Beyond seasonal distinctions, these five periods also see crowds flocking to Bali, ranked by the volume of people and traffic:
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Indonesia’s Eid al-Fitr holiday is a significant occasion. During this roughly ten-day break, a large number of domestic Indonesian tourists flock to this paradise island for a vacation. It’s the absolute peak season in Bali, ranking number one for crowds!
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The Christmas-New Year holiday period typically attracts global travelers, as it’s a long break for most Western countries, and Indonesians also find ways to take time off. This makes the Christmas-New Year season the second busiest in terms of crowds and traffic. Here’s a short video showing the situation on the highway to the airport on December 29, 2023: link.
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The period around the Chinese Lunar New Year is especially unique. Besides China and Taiwan, countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam also enjoy two to five days off; the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia have a single day off on the first day of the new year. The Lunar New Year holiday ranks third for attracting massive crowds to tourist attractions.
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From July 1 to September 5, Europe’s long summer break and the Northern Hemisphere’s student summer vacation typically create a travel surge. Many families and students use this time to vacation in Bali. Airfare and hotel prices during summer break are never cheap!
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The Australian school holidays and the Indonesian international school break (one week between September 20 and October 10) also bring in many Australian tourists and families with children attending international schools in Indonesia, who embark on trips during this period.
During these periods, tourist numbers surge dramatically, and prices for accommodations and attractions may rise due to high demand and limited supply. Therefore, if you plan to visit Bali during these peak seasons, it’s best to book early and prepare thoroughly to ensure a pleasant, worry-free trip.
2. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
“Accommodation” can account for a huge portion of travel expenses! Bali offers countless lodging options, but don’t get too drawn in by luxurious resorts. Choosing affordable yet quality accommodations can free up more of your budget. Also, consider sharing a room with friends—this not only lowers costs but also adds to the fun of the trip.
Below, we’ve shared some budget-friendly accommodation tips for your reference:
3. Beware of Various Scams
Stay alert while traveling! There may be some scams in the area, so keep your guard up—don’t believe anything that sounds too good to be true, and don’t trust strangers easily. Take their advice with a grain of salt to avoid falling into traps.
Additionally, there’s a scam run by foreigners that has caught many Taiwanese tourists off guard. For detailed information, check here
4. Book Online in Advance
Before you go, booking tours and activities online is a great way to save money! Bali has tons of fun things to do, and reserving ahead not only saves you time but also lets you snag online discounts. Planning your itinerary in advance ensures you won’t waste money during your trip. Check out these two great deals below:
➡️Click here for Klook Bali deals⬅️
➡️Click here for Kkday Bali deals⬅️
5. Eat Like a Local
Want to try authentic local cuisine? Don’t just head to pricey restaurants! Local stalls and street food are usually reasonably priced and let you savor true local flavors. Plus, the price difference between tourist-oriented spots and places locals frequent can be up to five times! And trust me, they’re just as delicious!
Have you tried the Nasi Campur that Xiao Jie recommended?
6. Choose the Right Mode of Transport
For travelers, Bali offers three convenient, direct transport options: renting a scooter, taking a taxi, or hiring a private driver. We won’t discuss the bus system that stops at every station.
Renting a scooter in Bali is ideal for travelers who want to explore freely; taxis are great for short trips or those who prefer not to drive; while hiring a private driver suits those seeking a deeper experience and customized itinerary—if you’re traveling with companions, splitting the cost isn’t too steep. Based on your needs and budget, you can find the most suitable transport among these options. Whichever you choose, always prioritize safety first to make your Bali trip even more enjoyable!
Check out our curated list of Top-Rated Private Drivers in Bali: User Reviews
7. Beware of Inflated Taxi Fares
When you need a taxi for short trips, be cautious. Drivers may sometimes try to overcharge, so it’s best to use Gojek, as recommended by Xiao Jie, to better control your expenses.
8. Download the Gojek App
Speaking of Gojek, in Bali it’s an incredibly versatile app that lets you book rides, order food delivery, and even get items delivered to your door. This app helps you plan your itinerary more efficiently while also saving you money.
For more details, refer to The Must-Have App for Traveling in Indonesia/Bali: Gojek Complete Guide
9. Pay with Cash
In Bali, cash is the most widely accepted payment method. Be sure to carry enough cash to avoid extra fees from card payments.
Using credit cards abroad has several drawbacks:
- You may incur additional charges, such as foreign transaction fees, withdrawal fees, and exchange rate markups.
- You might be charged a surcharge by retailers if you don’t pay in the local currency.
- You could overspend if you don’t keep track of your daily expenses.
- You may face fraud risks if your card lacks a security chip or gets skimmed.
So, be cautious when using credit cards overseas.
However, Indonesian rupiah notes often amount to millions (the exchange rate is roughly 1 TWD to 500 IDR). If you’d rather not carry that much cash, consider using the e-wallet in the Gojek app mentioned in the previous tip.
Further reading: How Understanding ‘K’ in Prices Helps You Budget
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
10. Bring a Water Bottle
In Bali’s heat, staying hydrated is essential. Carrying a refillable water bottle lets you drink whenever you need to, while also cutting down on the cost of bottled drinks.
11. Skip the Pricey Cocktails
Bali’s bars and nightlife are vibrant, but expensive cocktails can quickly drain your wallet. Instead, opt for local drinks like coconut water or fresh juices—they’re not only budget-friendly but also let you experience the local culture.
No matter where you are, cocktails are never a money-saving choice.
12. Be Smart About SPA Treatments
SPA treatments in Bali are an absolute must, but without proper research, you might end up paying a high price for a mediocre experience. Check out our curated list of highly-rated SPAs below, so you can indulge without breaking the bank:
Click the link below
13. Check Your Packing List
Reviewing your packing list is a crucial step to ensure a smooth trip. If you forget to pack essential items, dealing with the aftermath can be far more complicated than you’d expect. Buying replacements at your destination might not be as easy as it sounds—either the items aren’t available locally, the selection is limited, or you simply can’t find suitable alternatives.
This is especially true for specific items like prescription medications, personal care products, clothing in special sizes, or equipment accessories. Missing these from your packing list could leave you in a tough spot, potentially disrupting your journey. That’s why checking your packing list in advance is a great way to avoid unnecessary hassles during your trip. Before you depart, make sure to read “What to Pack for Bali? 21 Essential Items”
14. Smart Currency Exchange
In Indonesia or Bali, the only currency accepted by all merchants is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). This means you’ll need to use Rupiah for any local purchases or transactions. Therefore, having a smart currency exchange strategy is crucial. By handling your money exchange wisely, you can not only avoid potential scams but also secure favorable exchange rates. Naturally, this is also a great way to save on travel expenses! Check out the “Bali Currency Exchange Recommendation Guide” (https://www.potatomedia.co/s/TAdNhUl).
15. Buy Local to Save More
Certain items are cheaper to buy locally than in Taiwan. These include tropical essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and even bikinis, as well as must-have plug adapters.
Check out Xiao Jie’s “Supermarket Shopping Guide”:
16. Tipping Appropriately
Tipping appropriately during your travels is a cultural courtesy and a way to express gratitude for service. When traveling in Bali, giving a proper tip can help you build friendly relationships with locals while respecting local customs. Here are Xiao Jie’s tips on occasions and considerations for tipping, so you can make the right choices on your journey.
Additionally, a common question often arises in our Bali community: “Can I tip in US dollars?” Let’s share some thoughts on this. In Indonesia or Bali, the only circulating currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). So, if you wish to give a tip, please use the local currency—Indonesian Rupiah. Avoid using other currencies or foreign money for tipping. This not only shows respect for the local culture but also conveys your sincere gratitude to the service provider.
Let’s think from another perspective: imagine if a foreign friend handed you foreign currency in Taiwan—wouldn’t that feel a bit inconvenient? Similarly, Bali’s residents might face the same difficulty, potentially causing them unnecessary trouble.
Therefore, to ensure our tips accurately convey our gratitude, we should always tip in Indonesian Rupiah. This not only respects the locals but also better expresses our appreciation and thanks for the service.
17. Choose Meaningful Souvenirs
During our travels, we always want to bring home precious moments and beautiful memories, sharing our adventure stories or showing our care through souvenirs. However, the most important thing when choosing souvenirs is to give them meaning, making them not just material tokens but genuine emotions and extensions of stories. So, when picking souvenirs, selecting meaningful gifts ensures you don’t waste money and truly conveys your feelings to each recipient.
Check out some of our Bali souvenir suggestions below:
How to Shop for Bali Souvenirs?
- Important Bali Travel Note: These Souvenirs Cannot Be Brought Back to Taiwan! Understanding Taiwan Customs Regulations
- Unique Art Souvenirs of Bali: Turning Travel Memories into Lasting Keepsakes
- Complete Guide to Ubud's Top 5 Art Markets: Souvenirs & Cultural Treasures of Bali
- Recommended by Netizens: Guide to Over 20 Types of Bali Souvenirs - Perfect Choices for Preserving Precious Memories
- 🛍️Must-Buy Guide for Ubud Market in Bali: From Handicrafts to Art Collections, Shop to Your Heart's Content!
- Home Decor Treasures Hunting Guide: Bring the Tropical Vacation Vibes Home!
18. Slow Travel to Save on Accommodation
Finally, consider slowing down your travel pace. Staying longer in one place not only lets you deeply experience local life but also saves on accommodation costs. Some homestays offer tempting discounts for weekly or monthly stays, providing a more immersive travel experience.
19. Settle Bills in Local Currency
When paying for your hotel with a credit card, always choose to settle in the local currency. This avoids unnecessary currency conversion fees, helping you save money to the fullest.
Further Reading: Essential Bali Tips: Beware of Credit Card Payment Traps
After reading these 19 tips, you should now have a solid grasp of these practical money-saving tricks—it’s time to start planning your Bali trip! As you map out your itinerary, remember to budget wisely, but also don’t forget to savor every unforgettable moment along the way.
Let’s go, Bali adventurers! Let’s create your very own Bali story together!
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