Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

I have read that non-residents are not allowed to open bank accounts in Bali. Where do most of you have accounts open? Other nearby financial centers or just US bank accounts? Any banking tips we should consider as we head out?

Hi Mega,

I had the same question and it would seem that there is no fast and easy answer - the best thing you could do is do a search here and some reading. From what I was able to gather the banking thing is sort of sensitive - nobody wants to come right out and say that it is open to individual industry (no pain, no gain - just do some reading). The best advice I was able to find was to open an account with a local bank in Canada that either has a branch in Bali (hard to find, HSBC is a possible but they don't have an outlet in Bali, just in Jakarta) or do everything with your credit card and online banking. The ideal situation would be if you could open a dollar account in Bali but that aint gonna happen, is it? (would be grateful for the info if you find out how).

There are other ways of transporting dollars - had thought of gold but that might be a little too exciting. There are always travelers checks.

I have BCA, if you give me commission i can open under a balinese sponsor who I really trust.

That's really reassuring that you really trust him.

No thanks

I have BCA, if you give me commission i can open under a balinese sponsor who I really trust.

I know that's a joke, right Manuel?

markit: your answers have always something that make me so nervous, that's why i really hate uk people.

Allan: of course i was kidding ... sorry for the misunderstood...

Sorry you hate UK people. You made a poor joke because it was not understood as such by anybody reading it.

I hope the hate you have for UK people is also a joke albeit in poor taste. If it is not let me know.

Megabeast.

Unless you have a Kitas visa you are not allowed to have a bank account in Indonesia. Having said that there has been exceptions to the rule but very few and a lot depends on how well you know Indonesia.

Suggest you plan accordingly.

I have heard it may change and that those who stay two months or longer may be allowed but I only have hearsay. Good luck.

You should also be able to open a foreign currecy account. Apparently the primary reason for not allowing foreigners to open rupiah accounts is to stop currency speculation.

See http://www.bali-information.com/expat_forum/viewtopic.php?t=4812&highlight=currency

I have had two ban accounts both were opened while I was on a social budaya visa and with no questions or problems at all.

The first was with BNI and the latter, my account I have now is with BII.