Is it better to use a foreign currency card or local currency card in Bali?

If the exchange rate is moving against your home currency, it's better to pre-load a card in the spending currency. If rates are in your favor, on-the-spot conversion may be cheaper. Having both card types gives flexibility.

A home-currency card triggers double conversion: the local currency is first converted to an intermediate currency, then to your home currency — both at the bank's rate. This can cost around 5% more compared to buying currency on an exchange.

A card denominated in an intermediate currency (e.g. CNY) only converts once — from the spending currency. Buying that currency yourself via an exchange broker costs roughly 0.1–0.5% in commission, which is significantly cheaper than the bank's double-conversion rate.

A home-currency card isn't all bad — it can be used domestically and may offer decent cashback on certain spending categories. If you travel frequently and spend at home too, the rewards may offset the conversion losses.

Another option is exchanging cash at private money changers in Bali. Rates can beat bank rates, but always check the current rate and any commission before exchanging.