Updated: 2026/05/18 | Maintained by the Gobaliogo Team
Bottom Line First: The three most effective money-saving tips are: ① Avoid peak seasons (Idul Fitri, Christmas/New Year, Lunar New Year, European/American summer, and Australian school holidays—these five periods see spikes in flights and accommodation); ② Choose affordable yet decent accommodations, or split a room with friends; ③ Use Gojek/Grab instead of taxis, and exchange money 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 beautiful island to the fullest without going broke. Check out these budget-friendly hacks!
1. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
First, let’s start with choosing your travel time! Avoid visiting Bali during peak seasons, when flight, accommodation, and activity prices often skyrocket. Opting for the off-season or less busy periods not only saves you money on flights and lodging but also gives you 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 out this article to learn about Bali’s rainy season.
Beyond seasonal distinctions, these five periods also see a surge of visitors to Bali, ranked by the level of crowds and traffic:
Beyond seasonal distinctions, these five periods also see a surge of visitors to Bali, ranked by the level of crowds and traffic:
- Indonesia’s Eid al-Fitr holiday is a major occasion. During this roughly ten-day break, a huge 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.
- The Christmas–New Year holiday period typically attracts travelers from around the world, as it’s a long break for most Western countries, and Indonesians also find ways to take time off. That’s why the Christmas–New Year season ranks second for the heaviest crowds and traffic. Here’s a short video showing the situation on the highway to the airport on December 29, 2023: link.
- The period around the Chinese Lunar New Year is especially notable. 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 spots.
- From July 1 to September 5, Europe’s long summer break and the Northern Hemisphere’s school holidays often create a travel surge, with many families and students heading to Bali for a vacation. Airfares and hotel rates during summer break are never cheap!
- Australian school holidays and Indonesian international school holidays (one week between September 20 and October 10) also bring in many Australian tourists and families with children attending international schools in Indonesia, who set off on trips during this time.
During these periods, visitor numbers surge dramatically, and prices for accommodations and attractions may rise due to high demand and limited supply. So if you’re planning a trip to Bali during these peak seasons, it’s best to book early and prepare thoroughly to ensure a smooth, worry-free journey.
2. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
Accommodation can take up a huge portion of your travel budget! Bali offers an endless array of lodging options, but don’t get too tempted 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 cuts costs but also adds to the fun of the trip.
Below, we’ve shared some budget-friendly accommodation tips for your reference:
Incredible Value: 11 Bali Boutique Hotels Under $30 USD for Nonstop Instagram-Worthy Photos!
Best Value Bali Villas: 20 Romantic Villa Recommendations (Part 2)
Bali’s Prime Area: 10 Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Seminyak
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 in deals that seem too good to be true, and don’t trust strangers easily. Take any advice from strangers 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
Booking tours and activities online before you go is a great way to save money! Bali offers tons of fun activities, and booking ahead online not only saves you time but also lets you snag exclusive online discounts. Planning your itinerary in advance ensures you won’t waste money during your trip. Check out the two great discount ticket links below:
➡️Klook Bali Deals: Click Here⬅️
➡️Kkday Bali Deals: Click Here⬅️
5. Savor Food Like a Local
Want to try authentic local cuisine? Don’t just head to pricey restaurants! Local stalls and street food often offer reasonable prices while letting you taste the true local flavors. Plus, the price difference between tourist-oriented shops and places frequented by locals can be as much as 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, which 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; and hiring a private driver suits those seeking a deeper experience and customized itinerary—if you’re sharing the cost with travel companions, it’s not too pricey. Based on your needs and budget, you can find the most suitable option among these. Whichever you choose, always prioritize safety first to make your Bali trip even more enjoyable!
Check out our curated list: Top-Rated Private Drivers in Bali: Reviews from Travelers
7. Beware of Inflated Taxi Fares
When you need a taxi for short trips, be cautious. Drivers may sometimes try to overcharge you—it’s best to use Gojek, as recommended by Xiaojie, 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 have items sent to your door. This app helps you plan your itinerary more efficiently while also saving you money.
For more details, check out The Must-Have App for Traveling in Indonesia/Bali: A Complete Guide to Gojek
9. Paying 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 have to pay additional fees, 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 abroad.
However, Indonesian rupiah often means carrying at least a few million in cash (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 the ‘K’ in Prices Helps You Control Your Budget
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
10. Bring a Water Bottle
In Bali’s heat, staying hydrated is essential. Carrying a reusable water bottle lets you drink whenever you need, while also cutting down on the cost of bottled drinks.
11. Skip the Expensive Cocktails
Bali’s bars and nightlife are vibrant, but pricey cocktails can quickly drain your wallet. Instead, go for local drinks like coconut water or fresh juices—they’re not only budget-friendly but also a great way to soak up the local culture.
No matter where you are, cocktails are never a money-saving choice.
12. Be Smart About Your SPA Budget
A Bali SPA is an absolute must, but without a bit of research, you might end up paying a premium for a lackluster experience. Check out our curated list of top-rated SPAs below, so you can indulge without breaking the bank:
Click the link below
13. Double-Check Your Packing List
Reviewing your packing list is a crucial step to ensure a smooth trip. If you forget to pack something essential, dealing with it later can be far more complicated than you’d expect. Buying replacements at your destination might not be as easy as it sounds—either the item isn’t available locally, choices are limited, or you simply can’t find a suitable alternative.
This is especially true for specific items like prescription medications, personal care products, or clothing and gear in unusual sizes. Missing these from your packing list could leave you in a bind and even disrupt your trip. That’s why checking your list ahead of time is a great way to avoid unnecessary hassles. 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 spending or transactions. Therefore, having a smart currency exchange strategy is crucial. By handling your money exchanges 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 Tips Guide” (https://www.potatomedia.co/s/TAdNhUl).
15. Buy Local to Save Money
Some items are cheaper to buy locally than in Taiwan. For example, tropical essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, even bikinis, and must-have plug adapters can be found at better prices.
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 visiting Bali, giving proper tips can help you build friendly relationships with locals while respecting local customs. Here are some tips from Xiao Jie on occasions and considerations for tipping to help you make the right choices on your journey.
Additionally, a common question often pops up in our Bali community: “Can I tip in US dollars?” Let me share some thoughts on this. In Indonesia or Bali, the only legal tender is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). So if you want to give a tip, always 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 as a tip in Taiwan—wouldn’t you find it a bit inconvenient? Similarly, Bali locals might face the same difficulty, and it could even cause them 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 back precious moments and beautiful memories, sharing our adventure stories or showing our thoughtfulness through souvenirs. However, the most important thing when choosing souvenirs is to give them meaning, making them not just material tokens but an extension of genuine emotion and stories. Therefore, when selecting souvenirs, choosing 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?
- Recommended by Netizens: Guide to Over 20 Types of Bali Souvenirs - Perfect Choices for Preserving Precious Memories
- Home Decor Treasures Hunting Guide: Bring the Tropical Vacation Vibes Home!
- 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
- 🛍️Must-Buy Guide for Ubud Market in Bali: From Handicrafts to Art Collections, Shop to Your Heart's Content!
- Important Bali Travel Note: These Souvenirs Cannot Be Brought Back to Taiwan! Understanding Taiwan Customs Regulations
18. Slow Travel to Save on Accommodation
Finally, consider slowing down your travel pace. Staying in one place for a longer period not only allows you to deeply experience local life but also helps save on accommodation costs. Some homestays offer very attractive weekly or monthly long-stay discounts, providing a more immersive travel experience.
19. Settle Bills in Local Currency
When paying for your room with a credit card, always choose to settle in the local currency. This helps avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees, allowing you to save money to the greatest extent.
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 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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