💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Ubud: card acceptance by area, where to find ATMs, how to pay for scooters and rice terrace visits, and what to carry for the art market and temples. For Indonesia-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
Read the Indonesia Money Guide →🎧 Order Indonesian Rupiah Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order IDR → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Ubud?
Yes. Ubud is more cash-dependent than Bali's beach towns like Seminyak or Kuta. The art market, warungs (local eateries), scooter rentals, rice terrace entry fees, and temple donations are all cash. Many restaurants and yoga studios accept cards, but the everyday Ubud experience runs on rupiah. Carry at least Rp200,000–500,000 when heading out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Ubud Art Market (haggling required). Tegallalang Rice Terraces entry and swing fees. Sacred Monkey Forest ticket counter. Warungs and local restaurants. Scooter rentals (Rp60,000–80,000/day). Temple donations (sarong rental included). Taxi drivers and private car hires. Cooking classes (some prefer cash). Massage and spa treatments at smaller places.
Where Cards Work Fine
Hotels and villas (even mid-range ones). Upscale restaurants along Jalan Raya Ubud. Yoga studios (Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive). Co-working spaces (Hubud, Outpost). Higher-end spas. Supermarkets like Coco and Bintang. Grab/Gojek via the app (with restrictions). Card acceptance is good at established tourist businesses, but Ubud's local economy is firmly cash.
Paying by Card in Ubud
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and yoga studios. Contactless payments work at newer terminals. Amex has very limited acceptance. Some businesses add a 2–3% surcharge for card payments. The divide is between Ubud's international wellness and dining scene (cards accepted) and its traditional Balinese market and warung culture (cash only).
Central Ubud & Jalan Raya
Ubud's main street. Restaurants and cafes along Jalan Raya Ubud mostly accept cards. The Ubud Art Market across from the Royal Palace is entirely cash (haggle for paintings, carvings, batik). Ubud Royal Palace hosts free evening dance performances. Pharmacies and convenience stores take cards. A good area for ATMs.
Monkey Forest Road
The busy road leading to the Sacred Monkey Forest. Monkey Forest entry: Rp80,000 for foreign adults (cash at the counter). Restaurants along the road are a mix: international spots take cards, warungs are cash. Shops selling souvenirs and clothing are mostly cash. Yoga Barn accepts cards. Good ATM availability along this road.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The famous terraced rice paddies 20 minutes north of Ubud center. Entry: Rp15,000–25,000 (cash). Swing experiences: Rp150,000–350,000 per person (cash). Path donations: locals ask for Rp10,000–20,000 at various points along the walk. Cafes overlooking the terraces are mixed (some take cards for food). Souvenir stalls are cash. Budget Rp100,000–400,000 per person.
Penestanan & Campuhan
The quieter western side of Ubud, popular with long-term visitors. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is free. Cafes and restaurants in this area often accept cards (yoga/wellness crowd). Guesthouses take cards. The Neka Art Museum accepts cards (Rp100,000 entry). More relaxed and slightly more card-friendly than central Ubud.
Surrounding Villages
Mas (wood carving village), Celuk (silver jewelry), and Batuan (painting village) are worth visiting. Workshops and galleries are cash. Tirta Empul temple (Rp50,000 entry, cash). Gunung Kawi temple (Rp50,000, cash). These are best reached by scooter or hired driver. Withdraw cash in Ubud center before heading out.
ATMs in Ubud
For Indonesia-wide ATM advice, see the Indonesia guide.
Look for these logos. Use ATMs inside bank branches to avoid skimming devices.
BCA
BRI
BNI
MandiriATM Locations
Jalan Raya Ubud: Multiple BCA and BRI ATMs near the market and palace. Monkey Forest Road: Several ATMs along the main stretch. Jalan Hanoman: ATMs near restaurants and cafes. Tegallalang: No reliable ATMs. Withdraw before going. Maximum withdrawal: Rp2,500,000 per transaction at most machines. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
⚠ ATM Skimming Warning
Card skimming has been reported at standalone ATMs in tourist areas of Bali, including Ubud. Only use ATMs inside bank branches or inside convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart). Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Check for loose card slots before inserting your card. Report any suspicious devices to the bank.
Scooters, Grab & Getting Around
Scooter Rental
The most popular way to explore Ubud and surrounding attractions. Rp60,000–80,000 per day for an automatic scooter (cash). Petrol from roadside bottles costs Rp10,000–15,000 per liter. Helmets are required by law. An international driving permit is technically required. Roads around Ubud are narrow and can be congested, but a scooter gives you the freedom to visit rice terraces, temples, and villages at your own pace.
Grab & Gojek
Both apps work in Ubud but face resistance from the local taxi cooperative. Drivers cannot pick up inside central Ubud. You may need to walk to a pickup point on the outskirts. When available, pay through the app with a linked card. Gojek scooter rides are cheap (Rp10,000–30,000 for short trips). Use these apps for rides to/from the airport or between towns, not for hops within Ubud center.
Private Driver
The easiest way to visit multiple temples and rice terraces in a day. Rp400,000–600,000 per day for a car and driver (cash, negotiate beforehand). Your hotel can arrange one. Drivers know the best routes and timing to avoid crowds. Great for Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi, Tegallalang, and the craft villages as a combined day trip.
Tipping in Ubud
The Indonesia guide covers general norms. In Ubud: Restaurants: 5–10% if no service charge included. Private drivers: Rp50,000–100,000 for a full day. Spa therapists: Rp20,000–50,000. Yoga instructors: not expected but Rp20,000–50,000 is appreciated. Cooking class instructors: Rp50,000–100,000 per group. Always tip in cash.
Prices in Ubud
Ubud is slightly more expensive than Bali's beach areas for accommodation (villa demand is high), but food at warungs is remarkably cheap. The wellness scene (yoga, spa, organic cafes) adds a premium layer, but you can eat and explore affordably if you stick to local spots.
| Item | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Warung meal (nasi campur) | Rp25,000–50,000 | $1.55–3.10 |
| Yoga class (drop-in) | Rp130,000–200,000 | $8.10–12.50 |
| Monkey Forest entry | Rp80,000 | $5 |
| Tegallalang Rice Terrace entry | Rp15,000–25,000 | $0.95–1.55 |
| Instagram swing | Rp150,000–350,000 | $9.35–21.85 |
| Scooter rental (per day) | Rp60,000–80,000 | $3.75–5 |
| Smoothie bowl (cafe) | Rp55,000–85,000 | $3.45–5.30 |
| Balinese massage (1 hour) | Rp80,000–150,000 | $5–9.35 |
| Cooking class | Rp300,000–500,000 | $18.75–31.25 |
| Private driver (full day) | Rp400,000–600,000 | $25–37.50 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | Rp200,000–400,000 | $12.50–25 |
| Budget guesthouse (per night) | Rp200,000–500,000 | $12.50–31.25 |
USD estimates based on approximately Rp16,000 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Ubud
Tirta Empul Temple (15 km)
A sacred water temple where Balinese Hindus come for purification rituals. Visitors can participate in the bathing ceremony. Entry: Rp50,000 (cash). Sarong rental included. Getting there by scooter takes 30 minutes, or hire a driver (Rp100,000–150,000 round trip). Souvenir stalls outside are cash. Often combined with Gunung Kawi and Tegallalang.
Gunung Kawi Temple (17 km)
Dramatic 11th-century rock-cut shrines carved into a river valley cliff face. Entry: Rp50,000 (cash). The walk down (and back up) involves about 300 steps. Small shops along the steps sell drinks and snacks (cash). Less crowded than Tegallalang and often described as Ubud's hidden gem. Reachable by scooter or as part of a driver day trip.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
A popular pre-dawn trek to watch the sunrise from an active volcano. Guided trek: Rp350,000–600,000 per person including transport from Ubud, guide, breakfast, and hot springs (cash or sometimes card to the tour operator). Departs around 2 AM, returns by noon. Book through your hotel or a tour agency in Ubud (many accept cards for booking). A memorable experience if you are an early riser.
Ubud Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubud Art Market | ❌ Cash only | Rp100,000–500,000 | Haggling expected |
| Tegallalang terraces | ❌ Cash only | Rp100,000–400,000 | Entry, swings, donations |
| Monkey Forest | ❌ Cash only | Rp80,000 | Entry ticket |
| Yoga studios | ✅ Cards accepted | Tips only | Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive |
| Restaurants (Jl. Raya) | ✅ Most take cards | Tips: Rp10,000–20,000 | Warungs: cash |
| Scooter rental | ❌ Cash only | Rp60,000–80,000/day | Fuel: roadside bottles |
| Temples (day trips) | ❌ Cash only | Rp50,000 each | Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Ubud?
Yes. The art market, warungs, scooter rentals, rice terrace fees, and temple donations are all cash. Many restaurants and yoga studios accept cards. Carry at least Rp200,000–500,000 when heading out.
How much does Tegallalang Rice Terrace cost?
Entry is Rp15,000–25,000. Walking the paths involves donation requests (Rp10,000–20,000 at various points). Swing spots charge Rp150,000–350,000. All cash.
Is the art market cash only?
Yes. Vendors sell paintings, carvings, batik, and souvenirs. Haggling is expected. Aim for 30–50% of the opening price. Budget Rp100,000–500,000.
How do I get around without a scooter?
Grab and Gojek work but face restrictions from the local taxi cooperative. Drivers may ask you to walk to a pickup point. Local drivers through your hotel charge Rp50,000–150,000 for short trips.
How much does a yoga class cost?
Drop-in classes at Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive cost Rp130,000–200,000 (about $8–13). Multi-class packages offer better value. Most studios accept cards.
Where are ATMs in Ubud?
BCA, BRI, and BNI ATMs are along Jalan Raya Ubud and Monkey Forest Road. Use ATMs inside bank branches to avoid skimming. Max withdrawal is typically Rp2,500,000.
Pay Smart in Ubud
The Wise card converts at the real mid-market rate with no FX markup. Tap to pay at restaurants, yoga studios, and hotels. Hold IDR, USD, and 40+ currencies. Free ATM withdrawals up to $100/month.
Get the Wise Card →