Bali is a paradise for travelers, digital nomads, and Bitcoin enthusiasts alike. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and growing Bitcoin community, it’s no surprise that more people are looking to pay with Bitcoin while exploring this beautiful island. However, Indonesia has strict laws about using Bitcoin as a direct payment method—only the Indonesian Rupiah is legal tender, as stated in Law Number 7 of 2011 concerning Currency. But don’t worry! There are legal and creative ways to use Bitcoin in Bali without breaking any rules. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 ways to pay with Bitcoin in Bali legally, brought to you by Bitcoin Indonesia, your go-to community for all things Bitcoin in the region.
Why Pay with Bitcoin in Bali?
Bitcoin offers freedom, privacy, and low transaction fees, making it a great choice for travelers and locals in Bali. Whether you’re buying a smoothie in Canggu, renting a scooter in Ubud, or paying for a surf lesson in Kuta, Bitcoin can make your transactions seamless—especially if you’re a foreign visitor facing banking restrictions, like some Russian tourists who’ve turned to crypto due to sanctions. Let’s dive into the best legal ways to use Bitcoin in Bali!
1. Fedi Closed Loop System: Join the Bitcoin Indonesia Circular Economy
Bitcoin House Bali, a hub for the Fedi Closed Loop System, where you can redeem Bitcoin with local merchants.
The Bitcoin Indonesia community has created an innovative solution called the Fedi Closed Loop System. This system allows members of the Bitcoin Indonesia community to join a Fedi Federation—a kind of shared digital wallet system—where everyone can use Bitcoin to pay at participating merchants across Bali. You “redeem” your Bitcoin at these merchants, who are part of the same network, creating a circular economy. Think of it like a big family where everyone trusts each other to use Bitcoin without directly breaking Indonesia’s payment laws.
From cafes in Canggu to scooter rentals in Ubud, more and more merchants in Bali are joining this network. Bitcoin Indonesia is working to expand this project across the country, aiming to educate 100 million Indonesians about Bitcoin by 2030. Visit Bitcoin House Bali to learn more and join the movement!
2. Koral App: Pay with Bitcoin via QRIS
Scan a QRIS code with the Koral App and pay with Bitcoin in Bali.
Thanks to @roaringstars, a talented member of the Bitcoin Indonesia community, you can now use Bitcoin to pay at almost any shop in Bali that accepts QRIS (Indonesia’s standard QR code payment system). The Koral App bridges Bitcoin’s Lightning Network with QRIS, making it super easy to live on the Bitcoin standard in Bali.
Here’s how it works: when you’re at a shop, scan the QRIS code from the shop with the Koral App. The app creates a Bitcoin Lightning invoice, which you pay using your favorite Lightning wallet (like Phoenix or Wallet of Satoshi). The merchant receives the payment in Rupiah, so it’s completely legal, and you get to use Bitcoin! Whether you’re grabbing a coffee in Canggu or shopping at a super market, Koral makes it effortless for travelers and locals to use Bitcoin in Bali.
3. Bitrefill: Top Up Indonesian Services with Bitcoin
Top up GoPay, Indomaret, or Telkomsel with Bitcoin using Bitrefill.
Bitrefill is a fantastic service that lets you use Bitcoin to top up everyday Indonesian services. Need to add credit to your GoPay account for a Gojek ride? Want to top up your Telkomsel SIM card for mobile data? Or maybe you need to pay at Indomaret for groceries? Bitrefill has you covered.
Simply visit the Bitrefill website, choose the service you want to top up (like GoPay, Indomaret, or Telkomsel), and pay with Bitcoin. Your account gets credited with Rupiah almost instantly, making it a legal and convenient way to use Bitcoin in Bali. Bitrefill supports payments with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, and it works in over 186 countries, so it’s perfect for travelers exploring Bali.
4. Bitcoin Virtual Credit Card: Pay with Apple Pay & Google Pay
The Bitcoin Company
Use a Bitcoin Virtual Credit Card to pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay in Bali.
Want to use Bitcoin to pay online or in stores in Bali with Apple Pay or Google Pay? You can get a virtual credit card funded with Bitcoin through services like Bitrefill or The Bitcoin Company. These virtual cards work like a prepaid Visa or Mastercard, but you load them with Bitcoin.
Here’s how it works: sign up with Bitrefill or The Bitcoin Company, buy a virtual card using Bitcoin, and add it to your Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet. Then, you can use it to pay online or at any store in Bali that accepts contactless payments. It’s a legal way to spend your Bitcoin because the merchant receives Rupiah, and you get the convenience of using Bitcoin for everything from shopping to dining in Bali. Note that Bitrefill’s virtual cards are currently available only in certain countries (mostly in the EU), so check if your location is supported, or use The Bitcoin Company as an alternative.
5. Exchange Bitcoin to Cash P2P at Bitcoin House Bali
Exchange Bitcoin for cash at Bitcoin House Bali with the Bitcoin Indonesia community.
Sometimes, you just need cash to pay for things in Bali, like at a local warung or for a taxi. A legal and safe way to do this is by exchanging your Bitcoin for Indonesian Rupiah through peer-to-peer (P2P) methods. One of the best places to do this is at Bitcoin House Bali, a community hub run by Bitcoin Indonesia.
At Bitcoin House Bali, you can meet trusted community members who will exchange your Bitcoin for cash at fair rates. This is a great option for travelers who want to use Bitcoin but need Rupiah for smaller transactions. Plus, Bitcoin House Bali is a fantastic place to connect with other Bitcoin enthusiasts, attend meetups, and learn more about using Bitcoin in Indonesia. P2P exchanges are also available through platforms like Paxful or LocalBitcoins, but meeting in person at Bitcoin House Bali adds a layer of trust and community support.
Why These Methods Are Legal in Bali
Indonesia’s laws, including Law Number 7 of 2011, prohibit using Bitcoin as a direct payment method—only the Rupiah is legal tender. However, Bitcoin is recognized as a commodity and can be used as an investment or traded. The methods above are legal because they either convert Bitcoin to Rupiah before the transaction (e.g., Koral App, Bitrefill, P2P exchanges) or operate within a closed community system (e.g., Fedi Closed Loop System). Always ensure you’re following local regulations, and when in doubt, convert your Bitcoin to Rupiah before making payments.
Join the Bitcoin Revolution in Bali
Bali is becoming a hotspot for Bitcoin adoption, thanks to the efforts of the Bitcoin Indonesia community. Whether you’re a traveler visiting for the Bitcoin Indonesia Conference 2025 or a local looking to embrace Bitcoin, these five methods make it easy to use Bitcoin legally in Bali. From the innovative Fedi Closed Loop System to the convenient Koral App, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to explore Bali with Bitcoin? Visit bitcoinindonesia.xyz to learn more about our community, events, and how you can get involved. Let’s build a Bitcoin-friendly future in Bali together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use Bitcoin in Bali?
Bitcoin cannot be used as a direct payment method in Bali because only the Indonesian Rupiah is legal tender. However, you can legally use Bitcoin by converting it to Rupiah through methods like P2P exchanges, Bitrefill, or the Koral App.
Can I pay with Bitcoin at any shop in Bali?
Not directly, but you can use the Koral App to pay with Bitcoin at shops that accept QRIS, or top up services like GoPay with Bitrefill to pay indirectly.
What is Bitcoin House Bali?
Bitcoin House Bali is a community hub run by Bitcoin Indonesia, where you can exchange Bitcoin for cash, attend meetups, and learn about Bitcoin. It’s also the center of the Fedi Closed Loop System in Bali.
Have you tried using Bitcoin in Bali? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to join us at the Bitcoin Indonesia Conference 2025!
