Using foreign bank cards

Georgian TBC cards may work for payments and withdrawals in Bali, but it is advisable to confirm with TBC Bank directly regarding international transaction policies and potential fees. It's also wise to have alternative payment methods available.

For payments and cash withdrawals on Bali as a Russian citizen, carrying cash (USD/EUR) is highly recommended, especially for local warungs and specific services. For international transfers, consider using banks like Tinkoff or Raiffeisen to fund accounts in Kazakhstan (e.g., Freedom Finance) or other accessible countries. Digital banks like Revolut or Wise might be options, but check their current usability and funding methods. Services for exchanging rubles to rupiah exist but require caution due to potential scams. Ensure you have multiple payment methods, including at least one international card and sufficient cash.

When dealing with local vendors or roadside services in Bali, verify transaction amounts before confirming. Overcharging is common when using secondary payment terminals (e.g., at nearby salons). Being firm and mentioning local authorities is often effective in resolving disputes regarding unauthorized surcharges or short-changing.

If your Bybit Visa card is experiencing transaction declines in Indonesia, especially on Indonesian terminals, check for potential issues with the payment processor or terminal compatibility. Ensure your card is properly registered and that there are no specific restrictions from Bybit or the local banks for certain transaction types.

Positive feedback on T-Bank cards for travel in Indonesia: good cashback potential (up to 50%) and no issues with payments using Russian cards.

If your Bybit Visa card fails to process payments on Indonesian terminals, despite working previously, consider the following: 1. Verify your account is linked to Indonesian documents if required by Bybit's policies for local transactions. 2. Check if there are specific issues with Indonesian payment terminals. 3. Contact Bybit support for clarification on transaction failures.

UnionPay cards are accepted in Bali, but acceptance can be limited. It is advisable to have alternative payment methods available, such as local Indonesian bank cards or widely accepted international credit cards, to ensure smooth transactions. Checking with individual establishments about their payment options beforehand is recommended.

UnionPay cards, particularly from Rosselkhozbank (RSB), can be used in Indonesia (Bali), but acceptance varies. In tourist hubs like Nusa Dua, it's widely accepted. However, in less touristy areas, a surcharge of around 3% may apply. For better exchange rates, opening a Yuan-denominated UnionPay account is recommended, as it involves a single conversion (Yuan to local currency) instead of a double conversion (Ruble to Yuan to local currency), potentially saving 2-5%. Funds can be transferred to the Yuan account via an intermediate Ruble account using SBP. While a Ruble-denominated UnionPay card is also functional, it incurs a less favorable double conversion.

UnionPay cards are accepted in some establishments in Bali, particularly in tourist areas like Nusa Dua. Some merchants may have dedicated POS terminals for UnionPay transactions, alongside other payment methods.

If a UnionPay card reports a 'card limit' error during payment at a terminal, try inserting the card via the chip instead of using contactless payment. This often bypasses the transaction glitch.

Visa and Mastercard (including those issued in Armenia) are widely accepted for payments and ATM withdrawals. UnionPay works at many, but not all, ATMs (avoid Mandiri terminals if using UnionPay). Always carry some cash, as payment terminal connectivity can be unstable.