The costs to budget for
| Cost | Indicative amount | When | How to limit it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali tourist levy | IDR 150,000 per person per entry (about 8 to 9 EUR / 9 to 10 USD) | On arrival or online beforehand | Pay on the official Love Bali site and keep the QR code |
| Visa on arrival | about IDR 500,000 (see our visa guide) | At the airport | Pay online before the flight to skip the queue |
| "++" taxes in restaurants | often 10% service plus tax, up to about 21% in total | On the bill | Look for "++" or "nett" on the menu |
| ATM withdrawal | local bank fee plus your own bank's | Every withdrawal | Withdraw larger amounts, avoid isolated machines |
| Card payment | some shops add 2 to 3% | At the till | Ask first, pay cash if the gap is large |
| Villa or scooter deposit | varies by owner | When you get the keys | Get the amount and refund date in writing |
The tourist tax: what to know
Since 14 February 2024 every foreign visitor pays IDR 150,000 once per entry to Bali, whatever the length of stay. Children are not exempt according to the 2026 guides read. You pay on the official Love Bali site or at counters at the airport. Random checks happen at busy sites: if you cannot show your QR code you may be asked to pay on the spot. Payment details are in our visa and tourist levy guide.
Costs that surprise people on the ground
- The restaurant bill: a dish listed at 60,000 IDR can end at 72,000 IDR with service and tax. Almost every café in Ubud and Canggu shows "++".
- Site entry fees: several sites (Ubud Monkey Forest, Ulun Danu Beratan, Tanah Lot) have raised or are raising prices in 2026; pay at the official ticket office, not to a tout.
- Money changers: unofficial changers with a too-good rate sometimes miscount notes. See scams in Bali.
- Drivers and scooters: an "all-inclusive" price should cover fuel, parking and tolls; never leave your passport as a scooter deposit.
- Tipping: not compulsory, see money, tipping and ATMs.
Our advice
Add about 10 to 15% to your budget for these costs, pay the tourist tax before the flight and always ask whether a hotel price includes taxes and breakfast. To compare stays at the final price, see where to stay in Bali and Bali travel budget.
The Ubud Authority editorial team, 29 October 2026
