Card Skimming

How to Safely Withdraw Money from ATMs in Bali and Avoid Card Skimming

According to reports, card skimming accounts for 98% of global fraud losses, and Bali is no exception.

While ATMs are widely available, especially in popular tourist areas, not all of them are safe. As a local, I feel responsible for helping visitors stay informed and avoid falling victim to fraud. This guide will help you identify safe ATM locations and protect your money while in Bali.

1. Inform Your Bank Before Traveling

Before even discussing ATM locations, it’s crucial to inform your bank that you’ll be traveling to Indonesia. This might seem obvious, but failing to do so could lead to your card being blocked due to what your bank perceives as suspicious activity. This applies to both cash withdrawals and card transactions.

2. Choosing the Right ATM

Recommended Banks

Indonesia has many high-street banks, and all major general banks (Bank Umum) accept foreign cards. These include:

• Bank Central Asia (BCA)
• Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI)
• Bank Nasional Indonesia (BNI)
• Bank Mandiri
• Bank CIMB Niaga
• Bank Danamon
• Maybank
• Panin Bank

Banks to Avoid

Avoid using ATMs from BPR (Bank Perkreditan Rakyat) or Rural Banks. These banks are not unsafe, but their ATMs are intended only for their own customers, and foreign cards are usually not accepted.

3. ATM Withdrawal Limits

The maximum amount you can withdraw in one transaction depends on the ATM type:

• Rp1,500,000 → ATMs dispensing Rp50,000 banknotes
• Rp2,500,000 → ATMs dispensing Rp100,000 banknotes

If you need more cash, you may have to make multiple withdrawals, keeping in mind possible transaction fees from both your bank and the ATM provider.

4. Safe Locations to Withdraw Money

1. Denpasar Airport (Recommended)

With minimal security risks, Denpasar Airport is one of the safest places to withdraw money. You can find ATMs from major banks inside both domestic and international arrival halls.

Unlike some airports in Southeast Asia, the ATMs here are owned and operated by major national banks, ensuring safety. Some banks also offer currency exchange services, but their rates might be slightly lower than professional money exchange companies.

2. Bank Branches (Highly Secure)

With 24/7 security personnel and surveillance cameras, bank branches are one of the safest places to withdraw cash. Banks generally operate Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 3 PM, but their ATMs remain accessible 24/7.

How to Find a Bank Branch

Use Google Maps and type the bank’s name + “KCP” (short for Kantor Cabang Pembantu, or Branch Office) + the location. For example:
🔍 “BNI KCP Canggu”.

Even with strong security, always inspect the ATM before inserting your card, especially outside regular banking hours.

3. ATM Galleries (Proceed with Caution)

ATM galleries are found everywhere, from bustling Kuta to the cliffs of Kintamani. However, some locations have a history of ATM skimming, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

How to Spot a Safe ATM Gallery

✅ Newly built, clean, and well-lit
✅ Equipped with surveillance cameras
✅ Located in reputable areas

Avoid ATMs in isolated or poorly maintained locations, as these are more frequently targeted by ATM skimming gangs, particularly from Eastern Europe, according to police reports.

4. Convenience Stores (Moderately Safe)

Many Indonesian convenience stores have ATMs inside their premises, usually within view of cashiers and surveillance cameras.

Popular Convenience Stores with ATMs

• Indomaret (Closes at 10 PM)
• Alfamart (Closes at 10 PM)
• Circle K (Most are open 24 hours)
• Coco Mart (Most are open 24 hours)
• Pepito (Most are open 24 hours)

However, not all branches have ATMs. If you plan to withdraw cash from a convenience store ATM, do so before 10 PM to avoid inconvenience.

5. Additional Security Tips

1. Check for Skimming Devices

Always inspect the card slot before inserting your card. Try shaking it gently—if it feels loose or comes off, do not use that ATM. Other red flags include:
❌ Visible glue residues
❌ Hidden cameras pointing at the keypad

2. Pay Attention to Card Ejection Timing

Unlike many countries, some Indonesian ATMs dispense your card after cash withdrawal. If you’re not used to this, you might accidentally leave your card behind.

🚨 If someone behind you notices this and grabs your card, they may be able to use it without your PIN. To prevent this, always take your card immediately.

3. What to Do If Your Card Gets Swallowed

If an ATM swallows your card, call the service number on the machine. To verify you’re calling the official hotline, search the number on Google.

🔹 Some banks send a technician to return your card, while others require you to visit their nearest branch with your passport for verification.

4. Avoid Non-Indonesian Banks with a Small Presence

Some foreign banks have high ATM fees and limited local support in Indonesia. Avoid using:

❌ HSBC (UK)
❌ Citibank (US)
❌ DBS (Singapore)
❌ Commonwealth Bank (Australia)
❌ ANZ (Australia)

These banks impose high transaction charges, and finding local support in case of issues can be challenging.

5. Always Choose to Withdraw in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

If prompted to choose between withdrawing in IDR or your home currency, always select IDR.

This prevents Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which allows the ATM provider to set its own exchange rate, often at an unfavorable rate.

Final Thoughts

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of card skimming and other forms of ATM fraud while traveling in Bali. Stay vigilant, choose the right ATMs, and always inspect the machine before inserting your card.

Safe travels! 🚀